Find Academic Supervisors

• Immunogenomics
• Translational Genomics
• Human Genetics
• +7 more

Sarah Kim-Hellmuth is a computational biologist and immunogenomics researcher affiliated with Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) . She holds positions as Group Leader Immunogenomics at Helmholtz Munich and Principal Investigator at the Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Munich. Her research focuses on genetic regulation of immune responses in human tissues. MD from LMU and TU Munich Postdoctoral training at New York Genome Center and Columbia University Specialist training in Clinical Genetics at University of Bonn Sarah’s work bridges computational genomics and immunology, emphasizing: Tissue- and cell type-specific QTLs Sex-specific gene expression patterns Genetic effects on immune response to pathogens Translational insights into autoimmune disease mechanisms Her recent publications highlight genetic regulatory effects across human tissues and immune activation dynamics. Key trends include multi-omics integration and disease-relevant molecular mechanisms. Honors: ERC Starting Grant (2022), Ingrid zu Solms Award (2023), Emmy Noether Programme (2022) Grants: Helmholtz Young Investigator Group (2021), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2017) She leads the Ped-COVID-19 study since 2020 and directs a research group at Helmholtz Munich, focusing on immune-related disease genetics.

• Single-cell genomics
• Diabetes
• Endocrinogenesis
• +4 more

Michael Sterr is a Group Leader of the Single-Cell Genomics Unit at the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR), Helmholtz Munich. His research leverages single-cell genomics to unravel the developmental programs of pancreatic and intestinal endocrine cells, aiming to improve diabetes therapy. His educational background includes: Bioengineering and Biology studies in Munich. PhD (2013-2019) at Helmholtz Zentrum München under Prof. Heiko Lickert, focusing on "Transcriptional Regulation of Endocrine Cell Formation and Function in Pancreas and Intestine". Postdoctoral research (2019-2021) at the same institution, specializing in single-cell genomics techniques. Dr. Sterr's research expertise lies in single-cell genomics , transcriptomics , and epigenetics applied to endocrinogenesis in the pancreas and intestine. His work seeks to decode the molecular mechanisms of endocrine cell specification, which is critical for developing novel diabetes treatments. By characterizing cellular states and reconstructing developmental trajectories, his group provides foundational insights for regenerative medicine. His recent publications (2021-2022) demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach, integrating single-cell technologies to address questions in diabetes, cancer, and developmental biology. Key themes include β-cell heterogeneity in diabetes, diet-induced alterations in stem cells, and the role of signaling pathways in cell fate decisions. These studies highlight the power of single-cell resolution in uncovering disease mechanisms. Scientific awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. As a group leader, Dr. Sterr is involved in mentoring and grant-funded research. However, the text does not specify his advisees or current grants. His group is supported by institutional affiliations including the German Center for Diabetes Research and Helmholtz AI. The Single-Cell Genomics Group, led by Dr. Sterr, utilizes cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses to investigate endocrine lineage decisions. The group is part of the IDR at Helmholtz Munich and collaborates within national and international networks to advance diabetes research.

Alia A. MatysikView profile

Professor

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Zebrafish Neurobiology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Alia A. Matysik is a leading academic with dual affiliations: as a Group Leader at Leipzig University's Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics (since 2014) and as a tenured Assistant Professor at Leiden University's Leiden Institute of Chemistry (since 2007). Her research bridges neurodegenerative diseases and environmental toxicology, leveraging ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (μMRI) and spectroscopy to study Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, zebrafish metabolic pathways, and nanoplastics toxicity. Research Focus: Her work dissects gender-specific Alzheimer's progression, circadian disruptions in neurodegeneration, metabolic profiling in zebrafish models, and environmental toxin impacts. She pioneers non-invasive MRI techniques for in vivo brain imaging and develops NMR-based toxicology assays. Key collaborations span Europe (Paul Flechsig Institute, University of Leiden) and the US (Florida International University). Honors & Funding: Recipient of 10+ awards, including the Alzheimer Forschung Initiative Grant (2013), C.J. Kok Prize (2004), and JSPS Fellowship (1996). Secured major grants from NWO, ISAO, and CMSB for projects on Alzheimer's biomarkers and phenotypic engineering. Advising & Labs: Supervises doctoral/master's students in neuroimaging and metabolomics. Leads interdisciplinary teams at Leipzig and collaborates on EU-wide consortia. Her lab develops cutting-edge μMRI protocols for transgenic models.

• Representation Learning
• Precision Medicine
• Patient Clustering
• +7 more

Tobias Renahan is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Department of Computer Science. His work bridges genomic data analysis, machine learning, and biomedical research, focusing on precision medicine applications. Ph.D. in Biology (2023), University of Tübingen M.Sc. in Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics (2018), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena B.Sc. in Biology (2015), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena His research interests include: Representation learning for biomedical data integration Developmental plasticity mechanisms in nematodes Comparative anatomy using geometric morphometrics Phenotypic variation in model organisms Current projects leverage biobank datasets and machine learning to enhance patient stratification and disease subtyping through joint genomic-EHR representations. Recent publications span topics from nematode developmental genetics to taxonomic discoveries. Reinhold-and-Maria-Teufel Prize for doctoral excellence IMPRS doctoral fellowship Postdoctoral AI/Data Science fellowship German Zoological Society Master’s Award Contact: tobias.renahan@uni-tuebingen.de

Miguel AndradeView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Protein Sequence Analysis
• Tandem Repeats
• +3 more

Miguel Andrade is a Professor in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Mainz and serves as Adjunct Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) since 2014. Previously, he was a Group Leader at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (2007-2014) and Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa (2003-2007). His research focuses on computational analysis of protein sequences, particularly tandem repeats and low complexity regions, with applications in neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's. His educational background includes: PhD in Biochemistry from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1994) Professor Andrade's research spans bioinformatics and computational biology with emphasis on protein sequence evolution, structural implications of repetitive elements, and development of analytical tools. He investigates how tandem repeats and low complexity regions influence protein folding, aggregation, and interactions in diseases, while exploring evolutionary conservation across species. His work bridges computational methodologies with experimental validation in neurodegenerative contexts. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate consistent innovation in protein sequence analysis, featuring computational tools for homorepeat detection, machine learning applications in proteomics, and multi-omics integration. Key themes include neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, immune system regulation, and evolutionary adaptations, with significant contributions to databases like RepeatsDB and tools such as REP2 and seqQscorer. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. While specific student names and grant details are unlisted, his leadership at IMB indicates supervision of graduate researchers and postdoctoral fellows. His collaborative network spans immunology, cancer research, and neuroscience, evidenced by co-authorship on diverse projects from lipid-disease associations to T-cell differentiation studies. He directs a research group at IMB Mainz focused on computational genomics, developing algorithms for protein sequence analysis and maintaining community resources. The team actively investigates polyglutamine dynamics in neurodegeneration and applies machine learning to proteome-wide challenges, maintaining strong ties with experimental laboratories for biological validation.

Hans ZischlerView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Reproductive Biology
• +2 more

Hans Zischler serves as Professor at the Institute of Anthropology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2002, following prior roles as Research Group Leader in Primate Genetics at the German Primate Center (1997-2002) and postdoctoral positions at LMU Munich and MPI of Psychiatry. His academic foundation includes a Dr. rer. nat. from MPI of Psychiatry & LMU Munich (1991) and a Diploma from University of Tübingen (1985). Zischler's research integrates evolutionary anthropology with molecular genetics, specializing in sperm genomics, non-coding RNA mechanisms, and host-parasite coevolution. His work employs multi-omics approaches to investigate transgenerational inheritance patterns and molecular adaptations, with significant contributions to understanding epigenetic regulation in reproductive biology. Analysis of his 2020-2023 publications reveals a concentrated focus on human sperm molecular architecture, particularly R-loop structures and modified non-coding RNAs (YsRNA, piRNA), alongside comparative studies of parasite genomics. This body of work demonstrates consistent application of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic methodologies to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology and reproductive medicine. Based at the Institute of Anthropology and Evolutionary Biology (iomE) at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Anselm-Franz-von-Bentzel-Weg 7), his research group maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions as evidenced by extensive co-authorship networks in recent publications.

• Phylogenomics
• Molecular Biodiversity
• Evolutionary Biology
• +2 more

Karen Meusemann is a researcher at the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB), affiliated with the Museum Koenig Bonn and Museum der Natur Hamburg. She contributes to the Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research (zmb), focusing on phylogenomics, molecular systematics, and evolutionary biology. Her interdisciplinary work bridges genomics, taxonomy, and biodiversity conservation. Her research explores molecular evolution in diverse taxa, including insects, fish, and fungi. Key interests include phylogenetic methods, hybridization impacts, adaptive radiation, and host-pathogen coevolution. She employs transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and bioinformatic tools to resolve evolutionary patterns and address biodiversity crises. Meusemann co-leads projects like 1KITE (1K Insect Transcriptome Evolution) and collaborates on global initiatives such as BugNet. Her publications emphasize methodological innovations in phylogenetics and biodiversity monitoring, with recent work highlighting dietary shifts in beetles and introgression in ricefishes.

Bernie DevlinView profile

Professor

• Statistical Genetics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Psychiatric Disorders
• +4 more

Bernie Devlin is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research program centers on statistical genetics with applications to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The Devlin Lab pursues three interconnected goals: developing novel statistical methods for genetic analysis, discovering disease-associated genetic variants, and translating these findings to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms. Primary research domains include: Statistical genetics methodology for large-scale genomic studies Genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia Functional genomics and proteomics in neural systems Integration of multi-omics data for neurodevelopmental disorders His work has been supported by multiple grants from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), including: Transcriptomic/proteomic analysis of autism-associated genes (2022) Statistical methods development for the SSC-ASC Whole-Genome Sequencing Consortium (2018) Interactome screening for damaging de novo mutations in autism (2018) Recent publications demonstrate methodological innovations in gene-based testing and applications of genome sequencing in clinical diagnostics, with consistent focus on autism genetics.

Joseph DoughertyView profile

Professor

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Autism Research
• Molecular Genetics
• +4 more

Joseph Dougherty is a Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, leading research on neurodevelopmental disorders through high-throughput genomic approaches. His team specializes in TRAP-seq, CLIP-seq, and behavioral analysis to investigate molecular mechanisms in autism and related conditions. Previously, he trained as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Predoctoral Fellow at UCLA and conducted postdoctoral work with Nathaniel Heintz. Research focuses on transcriptional/translational regulation disruptions identified through human genetics, with emphasis on: Sex-biased gene expression in autism/Alzheimer's In vivo functional assessment of genetic variants Cell-type-specific genomic profiling Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate cross-disciplinary work in neurogenetics, molecular neuroscience, and disease mechanisms. Awards include: SFARI Pilot Award (2024): Autism gene expression platform SFARI Research Award (2018): Non-coding mutation analysis HHMI Predoctoral Fellowship His laboratory develops innovative genomic pipelines and collaborates on consortia like the SSC-ASC Whole-Genome Sequencing project.

• Plant Stress Physiology
• Calcium Signaling
• Membrane Transport
• +3 more

Simon Gilroy is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, leading research on plant environmental stress responses through cellular and molecular mechanisms. His work centers on calcium signaling networks and membrane transport processes critical for plant adaptation. His research spans plant stress physiology, mechanosensing, and space biology, with recent focus on rapid signaling phenomena like calcium waves following wounding. Notable contributions include developing the Automated Botanical Contact Device (ABCD) for precise touch stimulation and genomic studies of plant growth-promoting bacteria in space environments. Analysis of his 2021-2022 publications reveals strong methodological innovation in real-time imaging, space radiation modeling, and standardized bioinformatics pipelines for space biology data. These works bridge fundamental plant signaling mechanisms with applications in space agriculture and stress resilience. Professor Gilroy maintains an active research program evidenced by 144 publications and NASA collaborations including the GeneLab RNA-seq project. His lab provides students with access to advanced imaging and genomic facilities within an internationally collaborative framework focused on space biology. He leads specialized research infrastructure including the ABCD system and contributes to scientific discourse as Specialty Chief Editor for Plant Membrane Traffic and Transport and Plant Cell Biology at Frontiers in Plant Science.

Ralph RuppView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Structure and Dynamics
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Ralph Rupp is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where he leads the Developmental Epigenetics research group at the Biomedical Center. His laboratory investigates the role of chromatin structure and histone modifications in regulating embryonic development, primarily using the African clawed frog (Xenopus) as a model system. Dr. Rupp's research focuses on stage-specific histone modification profiles during embryogenesis and how these epigenetic landscapes regulate cellular plasticity and differentiation. His group has made seminal contributions to understanding how histone modifications like H4K20 methylation and chromatin remodeling complexes such as Brg1 control key developmental transitions. The lab combines embryological approaches with molecular and biochemical techniques to study how chromatin maturation constrains cellular potency during development. His recent publications demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals including Cell Systems, Developmental Cell, and Nucleic Acids Research, with research themes spanning histone modification dynamics, chromatin remodeling in embryonic patterning, and transcriptome analysis of differentiation processes. The work shows particular strength in bridging molecular epigenetics with developmental biology. Scientific recognition includes: Ausbildungsstipendium der DFG (1991-1992) Postdoctoral Fellowship of the American Muscular Dystrophy Association (1993) Team Grant Coordinator for the Human Frontier Science Program (1999-2003) Prof. Rupp currently leads Project A12 within the CRC 1064 research consortium and advises PhD students including Janet Tait. His lab maintains active collaborations within the Biomedical Center and participates in graduate training programs. The research group continues to advance our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms guide vertebrate development from pluripotent embryonic cells to differentiated somatic lineages.

Maria Elena Torres-PadillaView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Stem Cell Biology
• Heterochromatin formation
• +5 more

Prof. Maria Elena Torres-Padilla is Director of the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at Helmholtz Zentrum München and Professor (W3) Chair of Stem Cell Biology at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. She also serves as Vice Chair of the CRC 1064 and holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Aarhus Denmark. Her leadership extends to coordinating the EpiGene2Sys Network and serving on the Steering Board of Single Cell Omics Germany. Her research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms during early mammalian development, particularly: Heterochromatin formation and silencing in mouse embryos The role of pericentromeric RNA in chromatin organization Phase separation potential of heterochromatin proteins Nuclear reprogramming and cellular plasticity Genome-lamina interactions during embryonic development Prof. Torres-Padilla's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on chromatin dynamics during early embryonic development, with particular emphasis on heterochromatin establishment and the potential role of phase separation mechanisms. Her work combines advanced genomic, transcriptomic, and imaging approaches to address fundamental questions in epigenetics. Her scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous awards: Elected EMBO Member (2015) Female Award of the German Stem Cell Network (2018) ERC Starting Grant awardee (2011) EMBO Young Investigator (2011) Selected as Extraordinary Young Scientist by the World Economic Forum (2015) Prof. Torres-Padilla maintains an active research program with significant funding support. She leads Project A24 within CRC 1064 investigating heterochromatin formation in mouse embryos. Her laboratory at the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells provides training for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge epigenetics research using state-of-the-art technologies. She directs the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), a research group focused on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that govern stem cell identity and early embryonic development. The institute employs advanced genomic, imaging, and biochemical approaches to investigate chromatin organization and nuclear reprogramming.

Jörn KalinowskiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Microbial Genomics
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Corynebacterium glutamicum
• +7 more

Jörn Kalinowski is an Adjunct Professor at the Universität Bielefeld and leads the Microbial Genomics and Biotechnology Group and the Genomics Technology Platform within the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) . His work focuses on Corynebacterium glutamicum as a model organism for industrial biotechnology , leveraging genomics and post-genomics techniques to understand metabolic networks and enhance amino acid production. Research Interests : Functional and regulatory systems of C. glutamicum and related Actinobacteria. Transcriptomics and proteomics for genome-wide functional analysis. Development of genetic engineering tools (e.g., gene disruption, sigma factor networks). Systems biology applications in industrial strain optimization. Key Article Trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics , bioinformatics , and metabolic engineering to study microbial physiology, antibiotic synthesis, and stress response mechanisms across diverse organisms like Actinoplanes , Frankia , and Sulfolobus .

Olaf KruseView profile

Professor

• Algae Biotechnology
• Bioenergy
• Microalgae
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Olaf Kruse is a Professor at Bielefeld University in the Faculty of Biology, where he serves as Head of the Working Group on Algal Biotechnology & Bioenergy at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec). He is also a Board member of CeBiTec and serves on various university committees including the Research Committee. His research focuses on harnessing microalgae as green cell factories for solar energy conversion into biomass, bioenergy, and high-value products. Dr. Kruse's work specifically targets understanding regulatory aspects of photosynthesis in microalgae and optimizing solar energy conversion into biofuels through advanced molecular biology approaches. His group employs Systems Biology strategies using omics technologies to elucidate regulatory networks of light harvesting and establish metabolic flow models for algal biofuel production pathways. Dr. Kruse's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on genetic engineering of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for enhanced production of valuable compounds including zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and various terpenoids. His research integrates multiple approaches including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, metabolic pathway engineering, and development of novel cultivation techniques such as hydrogel immobilization systems. Young Scientist van't Hoff fund award of the Dutch Royal Society (2008) As an academic advisor, Dr. Kruse has mentored numerous researchers who frequently appear as co-authors on his publications, including Baier T, Jacobebbinghaus N, and Kneip J. His research has been supported through various national and international funding mechanisms including DFG Collaborative Research Centers and EU framework programs. Dr. Kruse leads the Algal Biotechnology & Bioenergy working group which operates within CeBiTec's technology platform, utilizing advanced omics technologies and bioinformatics support for their research.

• Metabolomics
• Lipidomics
• Proteomics
• +5 more

Dr. Thomas O. Metz is a Laboratory Fellow and Chief Science Officer in the Biological Sciences Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He leads research in metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics, with a focus on developing advanced mass spectrometry methods and computational approaches for metabolite identification. His work spans chronic diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes), infectious diseases, and environmental exposures, contributing to over 200 publications. Education: BS in Biology, Frostburg State University BS in Chemistry, San Jose State University PhD in Chemistry, University of South Carolina Postdoctoral fellowship in mass spectrometry, PNNL His research integrates multi-omics technologies to uncover disease mechanisms, emphasizing lipid signaling, biomarker discovery, and host-pathogen interactions. Recent work explores mass spectrometry innovations for exposomics and viral infection responses, with consistent themes of data standardization and computational tool development. Scientific Awards: Pathways to Excellence Award, PNNL (2024, 2023, 2022) Paper of the Year Award, PNNL (2021, 2019, 2017) Major Proposal Award, PNNL (2018, 2017) Keynote Speaker, Metabolomics Society (2017) Patent/Software Awards, PNNL (2016, 2014, 2014) Outstanding Performance Awards, PNNL (2012, 2008, 2007, 2006) He directs major initiatives like the PNNL m/q Initiative and co-leads the NEXUS ChemBio Analytical Sciences Hub. Grants include NIH programs (Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Metabolomics Program). His team develops cutting-edge analytical platforms at PNNL’s Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory.