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Olga Dontsova is a Full Professor at Moscow State University (MSU) in the Faculty of Chemistry. She serves as Head of the Division of RNA Structure and Function at the Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology and Head of the Chair of Chemistry of Natural Compounds. Her research spans molecular biology, bioorganic chemistry, and RNA-based mechanisms. Research Focus: She investigates structure-functional relationships in ribonucleoprotein complexes, with emphasis on translation machinery, transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA) interactions with ribosomes, RNA methyltransferases, and telomerase's role in cancer. Her team pioneered a chemical-biochemical-genetic approach to map mRNA topography in ribosomes, elucidate trans-translation dynamics, and characterize novel RNA-modifying enzymes. Scientific Contributions: Developed a molecular dynamic model for trans-translation Discovered unique yeast telomerase with unconventional properties Investigated functional roles of modified RNA residues in translation Honors: Member of Academia Europaea (2014) Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences (2006) European Academy Award for Young Scientists (1994) Grants & Leadership: Her work has been funded by HHMI, HFSP, CRDF, INTAS, RFFI, and Russian Ministry of Science and Education. She chairs the Biology Panel of the Russian Scientific Foundation and serves on editorial boards for Biochimie, Russian Journal of Molecular Biology, and Acta Naturae. Teaching: As a supervisor of 21 Ph.D. students and numerous diploma projects, she teaches advanced courses at MSU while maintaining an active research program.

• Molecular Biology
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Ribonucleoprotein Complexes
• +3 more

Ulrich Lächelt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Life Sciences. His research focuses on nanoparticle technology, drug delivery systems, and gene therapy, with a particular emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and RNA-based therapeutics. He leads a project on nanoformulations of prime editing ribonucleoproteins (2025–2029), aiming to advance precision medicine. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and innovation. Research Interests: Nanoparticle design and material science CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems siRNA and mRNA therapeutic formulations Cancer-targeted drug delivery Biomedical engineering applications Publications (2025–2023): Highlighted studies include dual pH-responsive CRISPR delivery systems and accelerated endosomal escape mechanisms. His work spans 40+ peer-reviewed articles, with recent trends focusing on xenopeptide carriers and tumor-targeted therapies. Grants & Projects: Current research funding includes a nanoformulations project (2025–2029). He actively collaborates on international initiatives, with recent presentations at global conferences on CRISPR delivery and gene editing strategies. Labs/Teams: Involved in interdisciplinary teams developing novel drug delivery platforms and screening tools for prime editor RNPs.

• Nanoparticle Technology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Material Science
• +3 more

Christoph Müller is a Research Professor leading the Structural and Computational Biology Unit at EMBL Heidelberg since 2007. He previously served as Deputy Head at EMBL Grenoble (2000-2007) and has been a Senior Scientist at EMBL since 2000. His research focuses on protein crystallography, RNA polymerase mechanisms, and integrated structural biology. Key contributions include studies on RNA polymerases I/III transcription, chromatin modifying complexes, and transcription factor interactions. Education: PhD in X-ray Crystallography & Biochemistry (1991), University of Freiburg MSc in Chemistry & Biochemistry (1986), University of Freiburg Postdoctoral training at Harvard University (1992-1995) and University of Freiburg (1991) His work bridges structural biology with functional mechanisms, employing cutting-edge techniques like cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. Major achievements include solving the structure of the 14-subunit RNA polymerase I and elucidating promoter-opening mechanisms in RNA polymerase III. Awards: ERC Advanced Investigator Grant (2013) EMBO Membership (2005) Steinhofer Award (2003) His research group investigates transcriptional regulation at molecular and structural levels, with recent work exploring BET protein interactions and tRNA modification pathways. Collaborations span structural biology, epigenetics, and developmental biology.

• Protein crystallography
• RNA polymerase transcription
• Integrated structural biology
• +4 more

Matthias W. Hentze is a leading scientist in molecular biology and RNA research, holding key positions as Director and Senior Scientist at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) since 2013 and 1998, respectively. He is also a PartTime Lecturer at Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg's Medical Faculty since 2005 and co-director of the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit since 2002. His career spans roles as EMBL Associate Director (2005–2013), Dean of Graduate Studies (1996–2005), and Group Leader (1989–present). Education: M.D. from Westfaelische-Wilhelms-University Muenster (1984) and habilitation in Medical Molecular Biology at Heidelberg (1990). Dr. Hentze's research focuses on RNA biology, translational control, and iron homeostasis. He pioneered discoveries on RNA-binding proteins, iron-responsive elements, and microRNA-mediated translation inhibition. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with systemic metabolism regulation. His publications since 1987 highlight groundbreaking contributions to RNA structure-function relationships, translational control, and iron metabolism. Themes include microRNA mechanisms (2007), mRNA-binding proteomes (2012), and iron regulatory protein functions (1987, 1992, 1998). Scientific Awards: Otto Warburg Medal (2025), RNA Society Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), Leibniz Prize (2000), EMBO Membership (1997), and others.

• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• RNA Biology
• +4 more

Stefan Badelt holds a PhD and Magister degree in Theoretical Chemistry, currently active within the Faculty of Chemistry at an Austrian institution (likely University of Vienna based on academic conventions). His research spans computational RNA biology, bioinformatics, and molecular engineering with continuous publication output from 2011 through projected 2025 activities. RNA Folding (100%) Protein Secondary Structure (67%) Transcription Processes (45%) Circular RNA Mechanics Alu Element Biology His research focuses on cotranscriptional RNA folding dynamics, developing computational tools like DrForna for visualization and DrTransformer for heuristic folding prediction. Recent work critically examines deep learning limitations in RNA structure prediction while advancing nearest-neighbor energy models. His fingerprint reveals strong specialization in RNA polymerase II dynamics and non-pseudoknotted structural systems. Publication trends show consistent output in high-impact bioinformatics journals, with 2022-2023 featuring significant algorithmic contributions. His work bridges computational methods with experimental validation, particularly in RNA folding pathways and DNA strand-displacement systems. While no specific awards are documented, his publications demonstrate substantial scholarly impact with multiple papers exceeding 10 Mendeley readers and significant citation metrics. Badelt actively mentors students through collaborative projects, evidenced by co-authored publications with Laurenz Miksch and others. His research receives support through computational biology grants enabling development of tools like the commit-and-delay model for RNA dynamics. Future work includes domain-level design of cotranscriptional folding pathways presented at upcoming 2024-2025 conferences. He operates within the Theoretical Chemistry research ecosystem, collaborating closely with Ivo Hofacker's group on RNA bioinformatics. Current activities focus on exact coarse-grained dynamics modeling and pseudoknot-free pathway design, positioning his lab at the intersection of computational biology and molecular engineering.

• RNA Folding
• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• +3 more

Eduard C. Hurt is a Full Professor (C4) at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry, where he has served since 1995. He directed the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH) from 2003–2005. Previously, he was a Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg (1987–1994) and a postdoc at the University of Basel. His PhD was completed at the University of Regensburg. Hurt's research focuses on fundamental cellular mechanisms including: Nuclear pore complex architecture and nucleocytoplasmic transport Transcription-coupled mRNA export and ribosome biogenesis Chromatin organization, sumoylation, and ubiquitination pathways Nuclear envelope dynamics and membrane biogenesis Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on structural biology of nuclear transport complexes, mechanistic studies of ribosome assembly/export, and mRNA quality control at nuclear pores. His work integrates yeast genetics, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy. Awards & Honors: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2001) Feldberg Prize (2007) Elected Member: Leopoldina (2003), Academia Europaea (2007) He leads research groups at BZH focusing on nuclear pore complexes and ribosome biogenesis, collaborating internationally on structural biology projects. His lab utilizes biochemical reconstitution, CRISPR-based genomics, and cryo-EM to study macromolecular assemblies.

• Nuclear pore complex
• Nucleocytoplasmic transport
• Ribosome biogenesis
• +6 more

Bertil Daneholt is a Professor of Molecular Genetics at the Medical Nobel Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet. His roles include Director of the Medical Nobel Institute (1995–1996) and Chairman of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (1993–1995). He has held leadership positions in research administration, including Research Board Chairman and Board Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Daneholt's research focuses on electron microscope tomography, transcription product dynamics, and meiotic chromosome processes. His work has advanced understanding of Balbiani ring genes, mRNA processing, and nuclear export mechanisms. Education details are not explicitly stated, but his career spans over five decades in molecular genetics and cell biology. Key research interests include RNA transport pathways, synaptonemal complex structure, and the interplay between transcription and RNA processing. Daneholt has contributed to landmark studies on pre-messenger RNP particle assembly and the role of nuclear actin in transcription. Notable awards include the Eric K. Fernström Prize (1984), the Wilhelm Bernhard Medal (2005), and membership in prestigious academies like the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and EMBO. His publications (over 130 listed) address topics ranging from Balbiani ring gene expression to synaptonemal complex dynamics, reflecting a deep engagement with structural and functional aspects of genetic information transfer. Grants and advising details are not explicitly provided, but his leadership roles and extensive publications indicate significant contributions to funded research initiatives. Daneholt’s work is foundational for studies in RNA biology and meiotic mechanisms, bridging molecular genetics with advanced microscopy techniques like tomography.

• Electron Microscope Tomography
• Transcription Products
• Chromosome Pairing
• +4 more

José M. Valpuesta is a Full Professor and Head of Department at the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) since 2013. He has held leadership roles including Director (2007-2013) and Vicedirector (2006-2007) of CNB-CSIC. His academic career spans over three decades, starting with his PhD from Universidad del País Vasco (1985) and postdoctoral research at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge (1986-1989). Research focuses on structural biology, molecular chaperones, protein folding, and electron microscopy. Notable achievements include groundbreaking studies on CCT (TRiC) chaperonin complexes and influenza virion structures. His work bridges microscopy techniques with molecular mechanisms, particularly in cellular protein homeostasis and cytoskeleton dynamics. Key awards include the FEI Award (2004) and Bruker Award (2002). He has secured international grants from EU, HFSP, and NIH, and serves as Chief Editor for the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS) Structural Biology section. Professional memberships include leadership roles in the Spanish Microscopy Society and evaluation roles for global funding agencies. Valpuesta’s lab at CNB-CSIC investigates macromolecular complexes using advanced imaging and biophysical methods. His interdisciplinary approach addresses fundamental questions in cellular biology with implications for diseases linked to protein misfolding and cellular stress responses.

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Chaperones
• Protein Folding
• +3 more

Niko Popitsch is a researcher at the Max Perutz Labs, affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna. He holds academic credentials including Dipl.-Ing. (Diplom-Ingenieur), Mag. (Magister), and Dr.techn. (Doctor of Technical Sciences). His research focuses on RNA biology, transcriptomics, and computational genomics, with a particular emphasis on RNA processing mechanisms, genome sequencing applications, and bioinformatics tool development. Key contributions include the Rnalib Python library for transcriptomics analysis and studies on RNA exosome function and immune signaling pathways. Popitsch's work spans diverse areas such as structural genomics, non-coding variants in rare diseases, and epigenetic regulation in neurons. He collaborates internationally on projects involving whole-genome sequencing diagnostics and the development of computational tools for genomic data analysis. Over 55 publications since 2008 highlight his prolific output in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and medical genetics. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed in the provided materials. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation, particularly through advancements in genomic diagnostics and understanding genetic disorders. Advising activities and lab leadership are inferred from his role in collaborative research projects but specific student names or lab details remain unspecified.

• Genomics
• RNA Biology
• Transcriptomics
• +3 more

Stefan Ameres is a full Professor at the Max Perutz Labs, affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. His research focuses on RNA biology, particularly microRNA biogenesis, RNA silencing mechanisms, and transcriptome dynamics. He holds significant roles including Vice Dean at Max Perutz Labs since 2024. Key research interests include RNA processing pathways, epitranscriptomics, and the role of non-coding RNAs in cellular regulation. He has pioneered methods like SLAMseq and Rnalib for transcriptomics analysis, and contributed to understanding RNA exosome function and post-transcriptional regulation. Awards: DOC Award of the City of Vienna (2008) Elected Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Young Academy) (2015) Diploma Award for academic excellence (2003) Recent work highlights include studies on ERH-mediated interferon signaling, RNA exosome assembly, and development of open-source diagnostic assays. His lab actively collaborates on projects like RiboTrace (RNA silencing dynamics) and RNAdeco (RNA decoration technologies). Activities include organizing Microsymposium on RNA Biology and serving in academic leadership roles.

• RNA Biology
• MicroRNA Biogenesis
• Gene Regulation
• +3 more

Udo Bläsi is a Professor at the Max Perutz Labs, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics. His research focuses on translational regulation, RNA-protein interactions, and bacterial pathogenesis, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and archaeal systems like Sulfolobus solfataricus . He leads projects on small RNAs, Hfq-Crc regulatory networks, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span topics including ribonucleoprotein complexes, gene expression control, and bacterial physiology. Collaborations highlight global networks in microbiology and molecular biology. Research interests include: RNA regulatory mechanisms Translational control in bacteria/archaea Antimicrobial resistance Hfq-mediated riboregulation Archaeal translation machinery Notable projects (2020-2023) investigate small RNAs' role in antibiotic susceptibility and P. aeruginosa virulence. Recent articles emphasize structural biology of Hfq-Crc assemblies and CrcZ RNA's role in biofilm formation. Grants and collaborations fund explorations into metabolic regulation and bacterial genetics. Labs/teams: Active in Max Perutz Labs' microbiology and immunobiology divisions, with contributions to structural and functional studies of RNA-protein complexes.

• RNA Biology
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Translational Regulation
• +6 more

Olga A. Dontsova is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, where she heads the Chair of Chemistry of Natural Compounds. She also leads the Division of RNA Structure and Function at the Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology (MSU) and directs the Laboratory of Nucleoprotein Chemistry. Her career at MSU spans over 40 years, progressing from PhD trainee to full professorship with continuous research leadership roles since 1991. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms in ribonucleoprotein complexes with emphasis on: RNA structure-function relationships and modification enzymes Translation machinery and ribosomal dynamics Transfer-messenger RNA interactions Telomerase function in cancer Chemical biology approaches to study nucleic acid complexes She developed innovative strategies combining biochemical, genetic, and chemical methods to study ribosomal function and RNA modifications. Professor Dontsova's publications demonstrate consistent focus on RNA biology, ribosome function, and enzyme characterization. Recent work (2009-2013) emphasizes RNA modification enzymes, translation mechanisms, and telomerase characterization, often using E. coli and yeast models with structural and functional approaches. Scientific Honors: Member, Academia Europaea (2014) Corresponding Member, Russian Academy of Sciences (2006) European Academy Award for Young Scientists (1994) She has supervised 21 PhD students and secured funding from international grants (HHMI, HFSP, CRDF) and Russian foundations. As Head of the Biology Panel at the Russian Scientific Foundation, she influences national research priorities. She teaches lecture courses at MSU and serves on editorial boards for Biochimie and other journals.

• Molecular Biology
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• RNA Structure and Function
• +4 more

Encarnación Martínez-Salas is a full Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) , affiliated with the Severo Ochoa Center of Molecular Biology in Madrid, Spain. Her career spans over four decades, with positions including Research Scientist (2002-2007), Tenure Scientist (1987-2002), and multiple postdoctoral roles at institutions like the Roche Institute Molecular Biology and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Martínez-Salas specializes in RNA Biology, particularly: Translation control in viral systems RNA-protein interactions Internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) RNA virus structure and function Host-factor dynamics during infections Her research has revealed critical insights into picornavirus translation mechanisms, FMDV-host interactions, and the role of Gemin5 in RNA regulation. Over 15 grants since 1995 and 24+ trained PhD/postdocs highlight her academic influence. Her 109+ peer-reviewed publications (H-index 50) focus on RNA structural modeling, viral translation strategies, and RNA-binding proteins. Scientific recognitions include: Best University Students award (1977) Caja de Ahorros de Córdoba PhD award (1981) Fogarty Fellowship (NIH, USA, 1988) Fundacion Juan March Fellowship (1986) She has also held editorial roles for journals like Virology and Frontiers in Microbiology , reviewed for 25+ journals, and served on funding panels for France (ANR) and Spain (MINECO).

• Translation control
• RNA viruses
• RNA structure
• +6 more

Alexander Trockenbacher is a researcher with extensive experience in molecular biology and pharmacology. His career includes postdoctoral positions at institutions like the Medical University of Innsbruck Biocenter and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. He specializes in protein interactions, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer research, with a focus on mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid effects and anti-leukemic therapies. His work has contributed to understanding MID1 complex dysfunction in Opitz syndrome and Parkinson's disease, as well as developing novel drug screening methods for microtubule-associated disorders. Education: Trockenbacher earned his Magister (Master of Natural Sciences) and Dr.rer.nat. (PhD) in Biology from the University of Innsbruck. His doctoral thesis characterized interaction partners of disease-relevant proteins, including those linked to Opitz G/BBB syndrome. Earlier studies included a Diploma thesis on UbcH7-interacting proteins and a Bachelor's in Biology/Zoology with a biochemistry focus. Research Interests: Molecular pathways in neurodegenerative diseases, drug discovery targeting protein interactions, calcium channel physiology, and translational research in anti-inflammatory agents. His work bridges basic science and applied pharmacology, with a focus on leveraging molecular mechanisms to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Notable Contributions: Co-developed methods for identifying small molecule inhibitors candidates targeting cancer-associated fibrolastes (1. Patents include a method for treating Alzheimer's disease using monoclonal antibodies targeting beta-amyloid plaques. His research also includes pioneering work on CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for targeted DNA repair in neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, he explored CRISPR-Cas12a systems for programmable RNA detection in early-stage cancers. Awards: Recipient of the ÖGGGT and ÖBG Prize (2002) and the Brandl Prize (2002), recognizing contributions to molecular genetics and neurodegenerative disease research. His work on alpha-synuclein and parkin in Parkinson's disease has been widely cited in neurology literature. Supervision: Advised over 50 students on topics ranging from genome editing in agriculture to mRNA vaccine development. Current research focuses on algal-derived anti-inflammatory compounds and precision medicine applications.

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Micha Johannes Birklbauer serves as a Researcher at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, affiliated with the Research Center Hagenberg Bioinformatics Center of Excellence and Medical Engineering/TIMed Center. His work focuses on advanced proteomics methodologies and computational biology. His research spans Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Proteomics , specializing in cross-linking mass spectrometry techniques. Key contributions include developing the MS Annika software suite for high-sensitivity peptide identification and proteome-wide structural analysis. His work integrates computational tools with experimental validation in model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans . Dr. Birklbauer maintains an active publication record with an h-index of 7, primarily in high-impact journals such as Communications Chemistry and Journal of Proteome Research . His recent publications demonstrate consistent innovation in cross-linking workflows and structural proteomics. He is embedded within collaborative networks involving the Bioinformatics Center of Excellence and TIMed Center, focusing on medical engineering applications. Current projects emphasize improving specificity in proteome-wide interaction mapping and structural characterization of macromolecular complexes.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Proteomics
• +2 more