Structural Glycoscience Professors and Supervisors

Jonathan K. MartensView profile

Assistant Professor

Radboud UniversityNetherlands

Dr. Jonathan K. Martens is an Assistant Professor at Radboud University, affiliated with the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) and the FELIX Laboratory since 2013. His research develops spectroscopy-coupled mass spectrometry techniques for molecular structure elucidation, with significant contributions to clinical metabolomics and biomarker discovery for inborn errors of metabolism. His primary research interests include: Analytical Chemistry Metabolomics and Biomarker Discovery Infrared Ion Spectroscopy (IRIS) LC-MS Integration Computational Chemistry Applications Clinical Diagnostics for Metabolic Disorders Dr. Martens completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Waterloo (2012) and has built an active research program combining experimental spectroscopy with computational methods. His recent work focuses on identifying novel biomarkers for conditions like pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy and glucose transporter deficiencies using untargeted metabolomics approaches. His publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals, with research trends indicating growing clinical applications of his analytical techniques. Key contributions include methodological advances in heartcutting LC-IRIS and characterization of glycosylation reaction intermediates. Dr. Martens serves as an Advisor for Synvenio BV and teaches courses including Applied Quantum Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis. His supervision spans Bachelor and Master internships with research opportunities in metabolomics and structural analysis. The FELIX Laboratory provides advanced infrastructure for infrared ion spectroscopy coupled to mass spectrometry, supporting both fundamental and clinical research projects.

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Matthew I. GibsonView profile

Professor

University of WarwickUnited Kingdom

Professor Matthew I. Gibson holds a joint appointment between the University of Warwick's Department of Chemistry and Warwick Medical School . A Royal Society Industry Research Fellow and ERC Consolidator Grant recipient, he leads the iCASE Scheme at the MRC-funded Doctoral Training Center and co-founded CryoLogyx Ltd. Education MChem, 1st Class (2003), University of Durham PhD in Macromolecular Chemistry (2007), University of Durham Postdoc, EPFL (2007-2009) Research focuses on glycosciences and biomaterials for cryopreservation, infection detection, and cell surface modification. His group develops glycosylated nanomaterials and ice recrystallization inhibitors with applications in cell therapy storage and diagnostics. Current projects include the EU-funded Nanocarb and ICE_PACK (ERC) initiatives. Selected Publications address glycomaterial selectivity (2021, JACS Au), polymer-enhanced ice control (2021, JACS), cyclic ice-binding peptides (2021, Nature), and glycosylated nanoparticle diagnostics (2022, Chemical Society Reviews). Key keywords: Glycobiology, Biomimetic Materials, Polymer Nanotechnology, Antifreeze Proteins Scientific Awards include the McBain Medal , RSC Emerging Technology Prize , and multiple Young Investigator recognitions from Biomacromolecules and MacroGroupUK. Teaching includes modules on polymers, glycosciences, and living polymerization. He (co-)supervises 15+ PhD students in glyconanomaterials, cryoprotectants, and cell engineering projects.

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Peter H. SeebergerView profile

Professor

Leibniz Institute for Crystal GrowthGermany

Prof. Dr. Peter H. Seeberger is Director at the Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces and Professor of Chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin, with honorary professorship at University of Potsdam. His leadership roles include Vice Presidency of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Founding Directorship of the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC). Research interests span: Glycosciences and automated carbohydrate synthesis Continuous flow chemistry and reactor design Development of glycoconjugate vaccines Photochemical synthesis of pharmaceuticals Glycan-protein interactions and diagnostic tools His work integrates chemical biology with engineering to address global health challenges. Recent publications focus on: Advanced catalytic systems for organic synthesis Automated glycan assembly methodologies Novel photochemical processes Glycan-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents with consistent emphasis on sustainable methodologies. Major scientific awards: ACS Award for Affordable Green Chemistry (2021) Emil-Fischer Medal (2020) Körber European Science Award (2007) Claude S. Hudson Award (2009) Wissenschaftspreis des Stifterverbandes (2017) Whistler Award (2012) Leads the Biomolecular Systems department with focus on: Developing automated synthesis platforms Translating discoveries through spin-off companies Supervising doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers Secured €1.25 billion funding for the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry.

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Didier NdehView profile

Lecturer

University of DundeeUnited Kingdom

Dr. Didier Ndeh is a Lecturer (Teaching and Research) in Plant Sciences at the University of Dundee, leading a research group focused on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of complex glycan metabolism and function in health and disease. His work spans multiple disciplines including plant science, microbiology, and human health, with applications for improving the bioeconomy. Dr. Ndeh earned his PhD from Newcastle University in 2013 with research on glycan-targeted extracellular proteases from mucosal microbes. He has established himself as a leading researcher in glycobiology with a strong publication record across multiple high-impact journals. His research interests include: Glycan metabolism in plants and microbes Plant cell wall carbohydrates and their functions Human gut microbiota interactions with dietary glycans Discovery and characterization of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) Development of glycan production platforms for research and applications Dr. Ndeh's recent publications demonstrate his active research program with significant interdisciplinary impact. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Ndeh has received several prestigious awards including: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022) Royal Society Enhanced Research Expenses award (2022) Biochemical Society Bursary (2024) Science For All Badges for public engagement (2023-2024) As an active educator and researcher, Dr. Ndeh supervises PhD students, serves on thesis committees, and collaborates with researchers at institutions including the University of Sheffield. His lab applies diverse techniques spanning carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, genetics, structural biology, microscopy, and bioinformatics to address complex questions in glycoscience.

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Henrik ClausenView profile

Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Henrik Clausen is a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He leads the Copenhagen Center for Glycomics and is actively engaged in developing innovative technologies to advance the field of glycomics. His work focuses on transforming glycosciences from a specialist field into a mainstream 'Omics' discipline comparable to genomics and proteomics. Dr. Clausen earned his DDS in 1981 and Dr.odont (D.Sc.) in 1990, both from the School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His academic journey includes positions at the University of Washington in Seattle and the Biomembrane Institute, before returning to Copenhagen where he became Professor at the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine in 2005. His primary research focuses on glycans that coat proteins in nature, with particular expertise in blood type conversion (transforming blood types A, B, and AB to blood type O) and cancer biomarkers. Through projects like GlycoDisplay, GlycoCRISPR, GlycoDesign, and GlycoView, his laboratory develops tools and community resources to make glycoscience more accessible to non-specialists. His current research includes a Lundbeck Foundation-funded program (2017-19) to develop a cell-based platform displaying all human glycans for high-throughput screening. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on glycan-protein interactions, particularly in cancer and infectious disease contexts. His work spans structural biology, enzymology, and cell signaling, with applications in immunology, virology, and oncology. The research demonstrates how glycosylation affects receptor function, cell signaling, and pathogen-host interactions, with significant implications for therapeutic development. The Benzow Prize (1994) The Thureus Prize (1998) Mizutani Prize (1999) The Carlsberg Biotechnology Prize (2008) Professor Clausen serves on the editorial boards of Glycoconjugate Journal (since 1995) and Journal of Biological Chemistry (since 2004). He has organized numerous international conferences including Benzon Symposia, Nordic Glycobiology Symposia, and International Glycosyltransferase Symposia. His industry collaborations include advisory roles at Aptein Inc, Neose Inc, ZymeQuest Inc, and Millennium Pharmaceuticals. He directs the Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, which develops extensive glycopeptide libraries representing cancer-associated glycoforms of membrane glycoproteins. These libraries are printed on microarray slides to detect antibodies against cancer antigens in patient samples, with the goal of identifying autoantibody signatures as sensitive and specific cancer markers.

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Ulla MandelView profile

Researcher

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Ulla Mandel is a Guest Researcher at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. She is affiliated with the Glycomics Program and focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies in cancer research. Dr. Mandel's research centers on developing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to probe the biosynthesis of mucin-type O-glycosylation and truncated cancer O-glycans. Her work has led to the development of cancer-specific mAbs, with one designated 5E5 currently in a phase 1 clinical trial (CAR-T) at UPENN/Tmunity. She has also pioneered a novel cell-based mucin display platform for exploring the immunogenicity of human cancer mucins, which is being used for vaccine development and generating new cancer-specific mAbs. One of these novel antibodies is currently under preclinical evaluation by a pharmaceutical company. Her publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals spanning structural biology, glycobiology, cancer research, and immunology. The research demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental glycoscience to translational applications, with increasing focus on cancer-specific therapeutic development. Her work on the 5E5 antibody represents a significant milestone in moving from basic research to clinical application. Dr. Mandel's research has attracted substantial attention, with her publications being cited hundreds of times across multiple high-impact journals. Her work has been highlighted by numerous news outlets, shared extensively on social media platforms, and referenced in multiple patent applications, indicating significant translational potential. She maintains active collaborations with international research groups, particularly with Professor Henrik Clausen and other members of the Glycomics Program at the University of Copenhagen. Her research has established important connections between glycobiology and cancer immunology, opening new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

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