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.
Colin Ross is a Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia and a Scientist at BC Children’s Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital. He leads the Ross Laboratory, focusing on pharmacogenomics, gene therapy, and precision medicine to improve drug safety and develop targeted therapeutics for pediatric cancer and genetic diseases. Co-founded the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety (CPNDS) Developed Glybera, the first EMA-approved AAV gene therapy for LPL Deficiency Current NIH-funded research on genome editor delivery optimization His research integrates genomics with clinical pharmacology to identify genetic determinants of adverse drug reactions, particularly in chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Key areas include pharmacogenomics , gene therapy , and genome editing . Recent work emphasizes lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for CRISPR-based therapeutics and predictive models for drug-induced ototoxicity. Ross has authored over 220 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Nature Genetics , NEJM , and Cell Stem Cell . His h-index of 58 reflects significant impact in pediatric pharmacogenetics and gene therapy. Awards include the Michael Smith Foundation Scholar Award, CIHR New Investigator Award, and multiple journal-specific recognitions. Pharmacogenomics of chemotherapy toxicity Genome editing for genetic diseases Transgenic mouse model development Multidisciplinary collaborations across North America Contact: colin.ross@ubb.ca | LinkedIn | Twitter
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
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).
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.
Jun Xie is an Associate Professor at the UMass Chan Medical School and holds multiple positions in departments including the Gene Therapy Center , Genetic and Cellular Medicine , and Microbiology . His research focuses on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector technology and AAV-mediated miRNA therapeutics , with applications in gene therapy for diseases like osteoporosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. BS in Plant Genetics & Breeding from Huazhong Agricultural University, China MS in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Huazhong Agricultural University, China PhD in Genetics from Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, China Xie's recent work explores CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing delivered via AAV vectors, including studies on bone disease treatment (osteogenesis imperfecta, alveolar bone loss), neurological disorder therapies (spinal muscular atrophy), and immune-evasive AAV designs . His publications emphasize vector engineering to improve safety, targeting specificity, and therapeutic efficacy. Key trends in his 15 most recent articles include AAV serotype optimization (e.g., AAV5, AAV9), adenine base editing with engineered Cas9 variants, and miRNA-based interventions for metabolic and inflammatory conditions. His work spans preclinical rhesus monkey models and translational gene therapy applications .
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.
William H. Merigan, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Rochester with joint appointments in the Department of Ophthalmology (SMD), Department of Brain/Cognitive Sciences, and the Center for Visual Science. His research focuses on retinal ganglion cells' role in visual perception in primates, leveraging advanced imaging techniques like adaptive optics. He leads the Merigan Lab, part of the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA), collaborating across disciplines to study retinal structure and function. Education: PhD in Psychology (1975, University of Maryland), MS (1972), and BA (1967, Boston College). His work integrates neurobiology, optics, and clinical science to investigate primate vision mechanisms, including optogenetic therapy, retinal degeneration, and photoreceptor transplantation. Research Interests: Retinal ganglion cell physiology, primate visual perception, adaptive optics imaging, retinal regeneration, and therapeutic interventions for vision loss. His lab pioneers techniques like in vivo calcium imaging and single-cell resolution imaging to study retinal activity and neural circuitry. Publications Highlight Trends: Recent work emphasizes optogenetic therapy, foveal ganglion cell tuning, and cellular-resolution imaging of transplanted photoreceptors. Studies span from basic retinal physiology to translational applications in vision restoration. Labs/Teams: Director of the Merigan Lab and a Principal Investigator in ARIA, fostering collaborations across the Flaum Eye Institute, Center for Visual Science, and Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester.
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).
Alfredo Benso is a Full Professor in the Department of Control and Computer Science (DAUIN) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center PolitoBIOMed Lab - Biomedical Engineering Lab. He has been continuously involved in the Doctoral College for Computer and Systems Engineering since 2008, guiding PhD education across numerous cycles. His academic roles span teaching and research leadership in bioinformatics, systems biology, and computer engineering. Research interests: Bioinformatics and computational biology Systems biology and gene regulatory networks Artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedicine Molecular modeling and multiscale simulation Biological database systems and data integration Health informatics and public health modeling His recent publications reflect a strong trend in applying AI and machine learning to biological and medical challenges, including protein function prediction, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis modeling, food fraud detection, and viral genome analysis. These works span journals and conferences in bioinformatics, computational biology, and biomedical engineering, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation. Scientific Awards: BIOINFORMATICS 2014 BEST PAPER AWARD (INSTICC, United Kingdom) Advising and Grants: He supervises PhD students, including Sofia Ostellino, and leads major research initiatives such as the BIGMECH (2023–2025) and FISHUB (2016–2018) projects. He has served as Scientific Director for collaborative agreements with public administrations and as Principal Investigator on EU, national (PRIN), and regional research grants focused on bioinformatics, space systems, and reliable digital technologies. Labs and Teams: He is a key member of the SBG - System Biology Group (DAUIN) and contributes to PolitoBIOMed Lab, fostering collaborative research in biomedical engineering and computational biology.
Maoli Duan is an Associate Professor and Senior Consultant at the Karolinska Institutet , affiliated with the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology under the Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases division. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his translational research bridges animal models and clinical applications in otolaryngology. Academic Rank: Associate Professor (Karolinska Institutet, 2006) Doctoral Degree: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet (1999) Research Focus Dr. Duan's work centers on gene therapy and stem cell treatments for sensorineural hearing loss , with recent breakthroughs in AAV vector delivery for congenital deafness. His 2025 Nature Medicine study demonstrated hearing restoration in patients with OTOF gene mutations through viral gene replacement. Publication Trends His 15 most recent articles (2023-2025) span biomedical engineering , clinical otology , and translational neuroscience . Key subfields include inner ear drug delivery , cochlear implants , gene therapy protocols , and viral vector optimization . Notably, his team has pioneered non-invasive approaches to treating Meniere's disease and noise-induced hearing loss . Collaborative Networks Dr. Duan collaborates with institutions across Europe , Asia , and North America , with recurring co-authors from Karolinska Institutet , University of Gothenburg , and Shanghai Jiao Tong University . His work appears in Nature Medicine , PNAS , and Advanced Science . Scientific Context Dr. Duan's research aligns with global efforts to address genetic hearing disorders through molecular interventions. His team's clinical trials demonstrate that gene therapy can restore near-normal hearing in OTOF mutation carriers without major adverse events, opening new pathways for non-invasive auditory restoration in both pediatric and adult populations.