Dr. Robert M. Kotin is a Professor at the UMass Chan Medical School within the Department of Genetic and Cellular Medicine . With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kotin has established himself as a leading expert in adeno-associated virus (AAV) biology and gene therapy vector development.
Yueqi Zhang is a Molecular Research Assistant in the Department of Neuroscience at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. Their research focuses on advancing therapeutic immune cell engineering, gene editing technologies, and cancer immunotherapy. Zhang holds an MD from Yale University (expected 2026) and a bachelor's degree from Central South University (2019). Key research areas include CRISPR-based genome editing systems (e.g., Cas12a and Cas13d), AAV-mediated delivery of genetic payloads, and metabolic modulation of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. They have pioneered composite systems combining mRNA and viral vectors for immune cell engineering and developed in vivo CRISPR screens to identify therapeutic targets in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Zhang's recent work (2023–2025) emphasizes multiplexed gene inhibition strategies, combinatorial immunotherapies, and translational platforms for clinical application. Their studies bridge molecular biology, systems immunology, and clinical oncology to address challenges in targeted therapy resistance and immune evasion mechanisms. Education: MD Candidate, Yale University School of Medicine (2026) Bachelor's Degree, Central South University (2019) Labs/Teams: Active in Yale's Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience programs and collaborates with teams developing AAV-based gene therapies and CRISPR engineering platforms.
Els Henckaerts is a Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, where she serves as head of the Trellis Research Group and Virus-Host Interactions and Therapeutic Approaches (VITA) Research Group. She additionally holds leadership roles as division head of the Virology Division Group 4 – Rega and is an active member of the KU Leuven Brain Institute and Leuven Institute for Rare Diseases. Her research integrates virology, molecular biology, and gene therapy with emphasis on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector development for rare genetic disorders. Current investigations focus on dual AAV intein-based systems for DFNB9 deafness, nanobody-conjugated vectors for enhanced targeting specificity, and preclinical Parkinson's disease therapies. Her work bridges fundamental viral mechanisms with translational applications in inherited sensory and neurodegenerative conditions. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant themes in AAV vector engineering, analytical characterization methods, and rare disease applications. Key trends include standardization of rAAV production processes, novel conjugation technologies for tissue-specific delivery, and advanced quantification techniques using digital droplet PCR and nanopore sequencing. Henckaerts leads multiple major initiatives including the European Research Alliance for Rare Diseases (2024-2031), an integrated AAV therapy development ecosystem (2025-2030), and the Gene Therapy Innovation Training Network (GET-IN). Her grant portfolio demonstrates significant funding for translational gene therapy projects with clinical endpoints. The Trellis Research Group operates across KU Leuven's Herestraat and Gaston Geenslaan campuses, maintaining specialized facilities for vector production, preclinical testing, and analytical characterization. The team collaborates extensively with clinical partners through the Rega Institute and participates in European consortia focused on rare disease therapeutics.
Mark Zylka serves as the W.R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He directs a research laboratory focused on neurodevelopmental disorders and pain mechanisms, with affiliations at the UNC Neuroscience Center and support from multiple NIH institutes. His research spans autism etiology , Angelman syndrome , chronic pain pathways , and environmental neurotoxicology . The lab employs CRISPR/Cas gene editing, AAV vectors, single-cell RNA-seq, and behavioral analysis to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders and pain sensation. Recent work emphasizes environmental chemical impacts on neurodevelopment and gene therapy approaches for autism-related conditions. Publications from 2023-2025 reveal strong trends in CRISPR-based therapeutics for Angelman syndrome, environmental chemical screening for neurodevelopmental risks, and computational pain assessment tools . Key interdisciplinary fields include neurogenetics, molecular toxicology, and translational neuroscience with emphasis on Wnt signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation. Scientific Awards: Rita Allen Foundation Award Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship Searles Scholars Program Whitehall Foundation Grant Ester A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund Award Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Grant Laboratory funding demonstrates exceptional grant acquisition across federal and private sources. Major support comes from NIH/NIEHS, NIH/NIMH, NIH/NINDS, Rett Syndrome Research Trust, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Autism Speaks, and Simons Foundation. The lab maintains active collaborations through the UNC Neuroscience Center and NC TraCS institute, with recent focus on developing PainFace software for standardized pain assessment and CRISPR-based therapies for neurogenetic disorders.
Associate Professor Grant Logan is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and a Research Scientist at the Children’s Medical Research Institute. He also serves as an Honorary Hospital Scientist at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where he develops serological tools to assess gene therapy eligibility. University of Sydney Children’s Medical Research Institute Children’s Hospital at Westmead Logan’s research focuses on the immunobiology of gene therapies using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors . His work explores host-vector interactions, pre-existing immunity, and strategies to enhance gene therapy efficacy for autoimmune and rheumatological disorders . He has contributed to understanding AAV vector tolerogenicity and immune modulation. Recent publications highlight his work on AAV vector engineering for liver-specific expression, DNaseI delivery in lupus models, and anti-AAV antibody characterization in spinal muscular atrophy patients. Honorary Hospital Scientist at Children’s Hospital at Westmead Member, Gene Therapy Technical Advisory Committee to Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator Collaborations with biotech industry and multiple patents Key grants include: 2024: NHMRC Ideas Grant for AAV bioengineering to escape pre-existing immunity 2022: NHMRC Ideas Grant for pharmaco-genetic autoimmune kidney disease treatment 2020: NHMRC Ideas Grant for anti-capsid immunity in SMA gene therapy
Jeremiah Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Allied Health within the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease ocular phenotypes, and has additional qualifications in optometry and education. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s), retinal imaging , and biomarkers , with particular emphasis on translating ocular findings to broader neurological insights. Key projects include retinal hyperspectral imaging in disease models and improving eye health literacy in disadvantaged communities. Recent work emphasizes mouse models for studying neurodegeneration, electrophysiology , and gene therapy applications. Lim has authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to retinal biomarker development and clinical optometry practices. Awards: Alexander-Guelma Clinical Fellow in Neuroscience (2019), Eberhard Dodt Memorial Award (2016) Grants: Perth Eye Foundation (2024–2027), Diabetes Research Foundation of WA (2024–2025) His interdisciplinary approach bridges optometry, neuroscience, and clinical practice, aiming to advance early disease detection and patient care strategies.
Patrick Aebischer is an Honorary Professor at EPFL, where he previously served as President from 2000 to 2016. He holds a medical degree from the University of Geneva (1980) and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Fribourg (1983). Before his tenure at EPFL, he held academic roles at Brown University (1984–1992) and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly through cell therapy and gene transfer approaches. Education : - Medicine (1980), University of Geneva - Neuroscience (1983), University of Fribourg Research Interests : Dr. Aebischer's work addresses neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His lab develops therapies targeting amyloid-beta, tau pathology, and α-synuclein, using gene therapy and cell-based approaches. Recent studies include cellular implants for passive immunization and mitochondrial regulation via Urolithin A. Publications : His recent work highlights advancements in gene therapy for deafness, ALS modeling on microchips, and mechanisms linking aging to neurodegeneration. Over 150 publications span topics like viral vector applications and neuroenergetics. Affiliations & Roles : - Board member: Lonza, Logitech, Nestlé - Chair: Novartis Venture Fund Advisory Board - Founder: Three biotechnology startups Labs & Teams : His lab at EPFL focuses on translating research into therapies, collaborating with industry partners to advance clinical applications.
Jeremy Pruvost is a Professor at Polytech Nantes (University of Nantes) within the Department of Process and Bioprocess Engineering . He directs the GEPEA UMR-CNRS 6144 laboratory and the AlgoSolis UMS-CNRS 3722 platform. His research focuses on microalgae bioprocess engineering , particularly photobioreactor design, CO2 valorization, and sustainable algal biomass production for biofuels and environmental applications. Director, GEPEA UMR-CNRS 6144 (2018–present) Director, UMS AlgoSolis (2015–2019) Co-Chair, ESBES 'Microalgae Bioengineering' (2020–2020) Associate Editor, Algal Research (2019–present) Research Interests : Jeremy Pruvost specializes in photobioreactor engineering , microalgae biotechnology , and sustainable biomass production . His work addresses: Physical-biological interactions in photobioreactors Modeling for photobioreactor design and control Industrial ecology applications to microalgae Thermal regulation in extreme environments CO2 biofixation and biorefinery concepts Article Trends : His publications (over 90 peer-reviewed journals) emphasize algal bioprocess optimization , photobioreactor thermal management , and desert cultivation systems . Key contributions include modeling light-temperature interactions, developing CO2 supply strategies, and integrating photobioreactors into building facades. Education & Administration : He earned his PhD at University of Nantes (2000) and obtained Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (2005). He has created multiple educational programs including an International Master in Microalgae Bioprocess Engineering (2017–2019) and teaching units on photobioreactors and computational fluid dynamics. Labs & Collaborations : He leads the Bioprocesses Applied to Microalgae team (2011–2018) at GEPEA, a 225-person laboratory. His research involves international collaborations through European Algal Biomass Association and EERA (European Energy Research Alliance).
Yoland Smith, PhD, is a Professor and Vice-Chair of Faculty Affairs in Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Chief of the Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders at the Emory National Primate Research Center. His research focuses on Parkinson's Disease pathophysiology, basal ganglia synaptic plasticity, and neuropharmacological interventions using nonhuman primate models. He has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches combining anatomical, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral studies to understand movement disorder mechanisms. Dr. Smith earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Laval University (1988), followed by postdoctoral training at Oxford and Johns Hopkins. He joined Emory in 1996, contributing to over 250 peer-reviewed publications and serving as Senior Editor of the European Journal of Neuroscience. His work has been continuously NIH-funded for 25+ years, with a focus on translational research and graduate education through NIH T32 training grants. Key research areas include: 1) Thalamostriatal circuit dysfunction in Parkinsonism, 2) Glutamate receptor pharmacology in basal ganglia circuits, 3) Neuroprotective strategies targeting mGluRs, and 4) Translational primate models of neurodegeneration. Recent studies explore RGS14 neuroprotective mechanisms against seizure-induced pathology and novel gene delivery methods in primates. His lab's innovations include developing AAV2-retro motor neuron targeting (2023), discovering RGS14's role in mitochondrial stress (2024), and characterizing GluD1 receptor distributions in striatal circuits (2021-2025). Collaborative initiatives include leadership roles in the ASAP Parkinson's program and Emory Udall Center for Excellence.
Dr. Ahmad S. Khalil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, serving as Associate Director of the Biological Design Center (BDC) and Co-Director of the SB2 NIH/NIGMS T32 Training Program. He holds affiliations with the Wyss Institute at Harvard University and the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB) departments. His research focuses on synthetic biology, systems biology, and genetic regulation, with a strong emphasis on engineering programmable cellular therapies and automated evolution technologies like the eVOLVER platform. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University; M.S. and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. Key honors include the 2022 Schmidt Science Polymath Award, 2020 DoD Vannevar Bush Fellowship, and 2017 PECASE Award. Research interests include synthetic circuit design for eukaryotic gene regulation, lab-scale evolutionary biology, and democratizing biotechnology tools. His work bridges engineering and biology to address challenges in medicine, climate, and biomanufacturing. Publications emphasize synthetic biology applications, epigenetic control, and automated evolution. He leads a multidisciplinary team with expertise in genetics, computation, and automation, ensuring technologies are accessible to the global scientific community.
Andrew Dick is the Duke Elder Chair & Director of the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London (UCL), and concurrently serves as Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Bristol. He also co-directs the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology. His medical training includes an MBBS and BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of London, followed by an MD from the University of Aberdeen. Research Focus Professor Dick's research centers on ocular immunology and inflammatory diseases, with seminal work on TNF-alpha's role in retinal inflammation and degeneration. His lab investigates macrophage plasticity, immune regulation (CD200R, C5aR, IRAK-M pathways), and develops biologic therapies for blinding diseases. His bench-to-bedside approach has revolutionized anti-TNF treatments for uveitis. Publication Trends Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on: 1) Multimodal imaging guidelines for uveitis syndromes, 2) Genetic and machine learning approaches to retinal phenotyping, 3) Novel therapeutics including gene therapies and JAK inhibitors, and 4) Mechanisms of retinal degeneration involving Bruch's membrane and autophagy pathways. Awards and Honors Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences (2007) Alcon Research Institute Award (2011) Doyne Medal & Lecture Duke-Elder Lecture Constable Annual Public Lecture Certificate of Excellence (EVER) Golding Medal & Llewellyn Scholarship Professional Leadership Professor Dick has authored foundational textbooks (e.g., The Eye: Basic Science in Practice ), chaired WHO uveitis classification committees, served as ARVO Vice-President and EVER President, and held editorial roles for major ophthalmology journals including Progress in Retinal and Eye Research .
Sarah Franklin is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she leads research on epigenetic regulation of heart disease. She also serves as Assistant Director for the Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience (RUUTE) program, mentoring students through summer research initiatives. Education: B.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University Her research focuses on chromatin remodeling and histone modifications in cardiac hypertrophy and failure, utilizing proteomics, animal models, and biochemical approaches. Recent work explores SMYD1a's role in mitochondrial protection and translational applications for ischemic injury. The 15 most recent publications highlight her contributions to proteomic analysis of cardioprotective therapies (2025), genetic cardiomyopathy mechanisms (2023-2024), and foundational studies on chromatin structure in cardiac physiology (2011-2016). Key subfields include histone methylation, mitochondrial dynamics, and rural medical education.
Associate Professor Leszek Lisowski is affiliated with the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at the University of Sydney. He holds the roles of Conjoint Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor, focusing on viral vector development for gene therapy applications, particularly using adeno-associated viruses (AAV). His research emphasizes enhancing AAV tropism for liver, cardiac, and CNS targets, with a strong focus on translational medicine. Key research areas include AAV capsid engineering, optimization of liver and cardiac gene delivery, and applications in neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He leads projects funded by grants such as the NHMRC Ideas Grant and the Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Current research student Ahmad Hammoud is investigating novel AAV capsids for cardiac gene therapy. His work spans collaborations in optogenetics, CAR-T cell engineering, and liver perfusion models. Notable publications highlight advancements in AAV genome structure, liver fibrosis impact on gene transfer, and hydrogel-mediated viral vector protection. His contributions bridge virology, molecular biology, and clinical translation, aiming to address unmet needs in genetic disorders and cancer therapies.
Salvador Borrós Gómez is a Full Professor and Director General at IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, where he is affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the Bioengineering Department. He leads the GEMAT (Materials Engineering Group), a recognized research group in materials science and nanomedicine. His work bridges academic leadership, research innovation, and industrial collaboration. PhD in Chemical Engineering, IQS (1993) Bachelor in Materials Characterization, Universitat de Barcelona (1993) MBA, IQS (1993) Bachelor in Chemical Engineering, IQS (1987) His research focuses on functional polymeric materials , biomaterials , and nano-drug delivery systems , with applications in tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and sustainable materials. He has pioneered work in stimuli-responsive nanoparticles, smart surfaces, and 3D bioprinting of soft biomaterials. His research lines include the design of biomimetic surfaces, high-performance adhesives, and materials for fuel cells and rapid manufacturing. The most recent articles highlight a strong trend in nanomedicine , particularly in mRNA and siRNA delivery for cancer and genetic diseases, 3D printing of silicone-based soft materials , and advanced hydrogel systems for localized therapy. There is also significant work on pregnancy-safe nanotherapies and biomedical device innovation , reflecting a translational focus from lab to clinic. He has received no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided texts, but his leadership in major research grants and high-impact publications suggests national and international recognition. Borrós has supervised multiple PhD students and research projects, including FPI fellowships and industrial collaborations. He has led or co-led major research initiatives such as 3D-CARTIBONE, RECYVAL, COVINANOVAX, and CERTERA, which involve interdisciplinary teams and significant external funding. His work emphasizes technology transfer and real-world impact. He leads the GEMAT research group, which is part of the TecnoCampus Maresme and affiliated with ACCIÓ’s Tecnio network. The group focuses on three pillars: new functional materials, surface engineering, and biomaterials. It is a fully consolidated research group (SGR) recognized by AGAUR and actively involved in both academic and industrial innovation.
Neville Sanjana is an Associate Professor at the Department of Neuroscience , NYU Grossman School of Medicine , with a joint affiliation at the New York Genome Center . His academic journey began with a PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology . Research Interests in genome engineering, CRISPR technology, and functional genomics focus on: Dissecting noncoding genomic elements across cancers Developing high-throughput CRISPR screening methods Engineering therapies for neurological and genetic diseases Understanding transcriptional regulation in neuronal differentiation Recent Articles span cancer genomics, synthetic biology, and CRISPR-based diagnostics, with a thematic emphasis on: Drug resistance mechanisms in melanoma Noncoding element function in disease Advancements in base and prime editing Applications in immunotherapy and hemoglobin disorders Scientific Honors : NIH Director's New Innovator Award Sidney Kimmel Scholars Program DARPA Young Faculty Award Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative Melanoma Research Alliance Young Investigator Award Teaching : In Spring 2022, he taught Special Topics: Genome Engineering (BIOL-UA 920) at NYU Biology, covering CRISPR evolution, gene therapies, and ethical implications of genome editing. Lab Operations : The Sanjana Lab operates from two locations - NY Genome Center (101 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10013) and NYU Biology (755 Brown, 100 Washington Sq East, New York, NY 10003).