Norwegian University of Science And TechnologyNorway
Olof Mikael Lindgren is a Professor of Physics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences. Since 2003, he has led research at the Applied Optics group and Biophysics group , focusing on advanced optical spectroscopy and imaging for biomedical applications. His research spans laser-based spectroscopy, time-resolved optical techniques, and nonlinear optics. He applies these methods to study biomolecular systems, particularly in the context of amyloid diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and to develop photo-dynamic therapy approaches. He also investigates hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials and triplet state dynamics. Recent publications highlight his work on oligothiophenes for amyloid fibril detection, BODIPY-based photosensitizers for cancer therapy, and multimodal fluorescence microscopy of protein aggregates. These studies collectively advance optical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in life sciences. He teaches the course TFY4195 - Optics and is actively involved in outreach and academic service. His contact email is mikael.lindgren@ntnu.no , and his office is located at Realfagbygget, D4-190, Gløshaugen .
Professor Richard Wade-Martins is a leading academic in University of Oxford 's Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics . He directs the Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory and the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre (OPDC). With degrees from Cambridge (MA) and Oxford (DPhil), he has held prestigious fellowships including Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship and NIH reviewer roles. His research targets molecular mechanisms in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases through iPSC models , transgenic mice , and lysosomal function studies . He pioneered work on SNCA , MAPT , and LRRK2 gene pathways. Current projects focus on gene therapy and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Key publications (2019–2025) reveal trends in single-cell transcriptomics , calcium channel inhibition , and TFEB/TFE3 lysosome modulation . His awards include Wellcome Trust Fellowships and advisory roles for Parkinson's UK , Alzheimer's Research UK , and EU consortia like StemBANCC and EFACTS . He leads the UK Dementia Platform iPSC Initiative and serves on international boards in Luxembourg and Canada.
Dr. Tonghui Jin serves as a Researcher at ETH Zurich's Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Based at the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials (Schmelzbergstrasse 9, Zürich), her work bridges fundamental protein science with industrial applications in sustainability and healthcare. Her research centers on amyloid fibril engineering for multifunctional biomaterials, with three core thrusts: Environmental Solutions : Developing amyloid-based membranes for PFAS water remediation and amine-functionalized aerogels for CO2 capture Biomedical Innovation : Creating microneedle patches for diabetic wound healing and toxin-responsive nanovaccines against bacterial infections Advanced Materials : Engineering structural color systems from amyloid liquid crystals and superwetting functional coatings These efforts leverage protein nanofibrils' unique mechanical and catalytic properties to address global challenges in resource recovery and health. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic shift toward catalytic amyloid hybrids, with 60% of recent work focusing on CO2 conversion, lithium recovery, and enzymatic detoxification. The interdisciplinary nature spans materials chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology, demonstrating consistent innovation in converting amyloid polymorphism into functional platforms. No scientific awards were documented in available sources. Dr. Jin contributes to ETH Zurich's Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials, which investigates protein-based soft matter systems for sustainable food and health applications. The lab specializes in fibrillar material assembly, with current projects targeting circular economy solutions through bio-based material design.
Hideyuki Takahashi is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Neuroscience at Yale University School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from Waseda University (2005) and has established himself as a prominent researcher in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on lysosomal biology and protein aggregation mechanisms. Dr. Takahashi's research primarily investigates the role of progranulin, TMEM106B, and other molecular players in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and tauopathies. His work spans multiple approaches from molecular and cellular neuroscience to animal models of disease. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on lysosomal dysfunction in neurodegeneration, with particular attention to how TMEM106B interacts with other proteins to influence disease progression. The research trends show increasing emphasis on therapeutic interventions targeting specific molecular pathways involved in protein aggregation and synaptic loss. ORCID: 0009-0004-4969-977X Dr. Takahashi maintains active collaborations with several leading researchers at Yale, most notably with Stephen Strittmatter (with whom he has 16 common publications), as well as Anita Huttner, Anthony Koleske, and Le Zhang. His research program appears well-integrated within Yale's neuroscience community, contributing significantly to our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Mohtadin Hashemi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Auburn University. His research focuses on single-molecule biophysics, studying protein-DNA interactions, membrane dynamics, and amyloid aggregation. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2018) and completed postdoctoral work there before joining Auburn in 2023. Education: Ph.D. (2018), M.Sc. (2013), B.Sc. (2012) in Nanotechnology and Molecular Biophysics. Affiliations: Auburn University (2023–present), University of Nebraska Medical Center (2018–2023). His research integrates biology, chemistry, and physics to elucidate molecular mechanisms of life. Key interests include single-molecule techniques, nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Notable awards include the 2021 European BioAFM Grand Prize and UNMC Fellowships (2017, 2016). Publications span amyloid beta interactions, lipid bilayer dynamics, and DNA-protein complexes. His lab actively mentors students and postdocs, with recent advisees including Gabriel Cathoud, Parker Ensminger, and Josiah Simes.
Anna G Orr serves as Nan and Stephen Swid Assistant Professor of Frontotemporal Dementia Research and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College's Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2016, leading pioneering research on astrocyte biology in dementia pathogenesis. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from Emory University (2008) B.S. from Allegheny College (2002) Dr. Orr's research program centers on astrocytic-neuronal interactions , mitochondrial signaling , and neuroimmune mechanisms through three interconnected pathways: neuroimmune , oxidative , and G protein-coupled signaling . Her lab investigates how these mechanisms influence neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, synaptic function, and behavioral outcomes in dementia, with parallel therapeutic discovery efforts targeting astrocytic pathways for novel dementia treatments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2010) reveals escalating focus on astrocyte-specific dementia mechanisms , particularly mitochondrial ROS signaling, sex-dimorphic memory effects, TDP-43 pathology interactions with antiviral pathways, and lipid dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Her work consistently bridges molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications, demonstrating increasing NIH funding support for translational approaches. Key scientific recognitions include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2017) Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience (2021) Nan and Stephen Swid Endowed Professorship (2021) Outstanding Neuroscience Teaching Award (2021) Dr. Orr actively mentors eight trainees across career stages, including Ph.D. candidates Evelyn Hardin and Constance Zhou, while securing major NIH grants as Principal Investigator for projects like Uncovering Dementia-Related Lipid Alterations in Astrocytes (NIA 2024-2026) and Mitochondrial Complex III Free Radicals in Dementia Pathology (NIA 2020-2026), alongside collaborative awards from the Alzheimer's Association. Her Orr Lab maintains a dual focus on mechanistic astrocyte biology and therapeutic translation, with current projects examining astrocytic TDP-43 dysregulation, mitochondrial complex III signaling, and sex-specific memory mechanisms using advanced in vivo techniques and disease models.
Ehud Gazit is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology at Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Life Sciences. He holds the Chair for Nano-Biology and serves as Vice President for Research and Development at Tel Aviv University. Professor Gazit has held numerous prestigious visiting appointments including at Umeå University, Fudan University, and Cambridge University. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (summa cum laude) from Tel Aviv University's Special University Program for Outstanding Students in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. (with distinction) from the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1997, and postdoctoral training at MIT from 1997-2000. Professor Gazit's research focuses on molecular structure and self-assembly at the nano-scale, particularly examining protein folding, unfolding, and misfolding phenomena. His laboratory investigates the mechanisms and significance of protein unfolding and misfolding, with experimental systems including bacterial toxin-antidote systems, type II diabetes-related amyloidogenic proteins, and the VHL tumor suppressor protein. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with nanotechnology applications, exploring how molecular self-assembly can be harnessed for technological innovation. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in peptide-based nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on amyloid formation mechanisms, peptide self-assembly for functional materials, and therapeutic applications targeting neurodegenerative diseases. His work spans multiple disciplines including biochemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedical engineering, showing increasing integration of fundamental research with practical applications. Professor Gazit has received numerous prestigious awards including: 2020 Landau Prize in Sciences and Arts in the Field of Healthy Aging 2019 Rappaport Prize for Excellence in Biomedical Research 2018 Foreign Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India 2016 ERC Advanced Grant from the European Research Council 2015 Elected Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Professor Gazit has been actively involved in mentoring students and researchers, as evidenced by his extensive publication record with numerous collaborators. He has secured significant research funding including an ERC Advanced Grant. His professional activities include editorial board memberships for journals including Journal of Peptide Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology - Asia, and Amyloid. He previously served as Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Science and Technology (2012-2014). His laboratory has developed innovative approaches to studying molecular self-assembly, with particular expertise in peptide nanostructures. The research team has made significant contributions to understanding amyloid formation mechanisms while simultaneously developing novel biomaterials with applications ranging from electronics to medicine. They have established strong collaborations with research groups worldwide, creating a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment focused on the intersection of biology and nanotechnology.
Dr. Praveen Bhugra is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at the University of Sunderland , where he has taught graduate courses including MPharm since 2006. His expertise spans cardiovascular, central nervous system, and autonomic pharmacology with a focus on receptor regulation in disease states. MSc (Pharmacology) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India PhD (Medical Pharmacology) from Sardar Patel University, India His research integrates experimental pharmacology, molecular techniques (cell culture, calcium flux analysis), and biochemical approaches. Notably, he supervised PhD candidate Thomas Cherian (awarded 2014) on ureteral motility mechanisms. He authored the widely used textbook MCQs in Pharmacology (2000) and contributed to cardiovascular research during a 2000-2001 Visiting Scientist fellowship at the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, University of Manitoba, Canada. Recent publications (2015-2001) emphasize neurodegenerative pharmacology , hypertension mechanisms , and lipid mediator roles in cardiovascular disease . His work has been recognized with awards from the Indian Pharmacological Society and the International Society for Heart Research. Jaypur Prize (1985-86) C.L. Malhotra Research Prize (1994) Ahmedabad Branch Prizes (1996, 2001) National Academy of Medical Sciences Membership (2000) He has also contributed to public health research on probiotics in Clostridium difficile infection and participated in systematic reviews of substance abuse patterns in youth. Contact: praveen.bhugra@sunderland.ac.uk
Bradley Nilsson is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Rochester, Department of Chemistry. He leads the Nilsson Group, focusing on peptide self-assembly, amyloid structures, and their applications in biomedicine and materials science. His work bridges organic, biological, and materials chemistry, with notable contributions to amyloid-inspired hydrogels and HIV transmission mechanisms. He received the 2016 Goergen Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2012 NSF CAREER Award. Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry (2003, University of Wisconsin-Madison), postdoctoral research at UC Irvine. He joined Rochester in 2006. Research interests include molecular recognition in amyloid peptides, SEVI fibrils' role in HIV transmission, and hydrogel development for tissue engineering. His lab has pioneered studies on stimulus-responsive self-assembly and co-assembly of peptides. Key achievements include the reductive trigger for peptide hydrogelation (JACS 2010), and NIH-funded work on anti-HIV microbicides. Current projects explore amyloid-β oligomer toxicity, SEVI mechanisms, and functional biomaterials from simple amino acid derivatives. Lab members include graduate students Elena Quigley, Melissa Jagrosse, Francine Yanchik, Hannah Distaffen, and Chris Jones. The lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects funded through NIH and NSF grants.
Tim Audas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Canada. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Cellular Stress and focuses on the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating cellular pathways, particularly through stress-induced amyloid-like protein aggregation. University: Simon Fraser University Department: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Rank: Associate Professor Research Interests: ncRNAs act as transcription/translation factors, epigenetic regulators, and architectural molecules. They enable cells to enter a reversible proliferative arrest under stressors (heat shock, DNA damage), redirecting resources to survival pathways. His group investigates a novel extracellular stress-response pathway where ncRNAs mediate amyloid aggregation, linking it to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and prion diseases. The lab explores environmental factors driving aggregate formation/disassembly and translational applications for neurological disease treatment. Scientific Awards: Canada Research Chair in Cellular Stress Publications: Recent works highlight ncRNA-stress interplay in amyloidogenesis, evolutionary conservation of protein aggregation, and implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Articles span journals like Nature Communications , Scientific Reports , and Developmental Cell .
Professor Karl Peter Giese holds the position of Professor of Neurobiology of Mental Health and Co-Head of the Basic & Clinical Neuroscience Department at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). His research focuses on memory mechanisms in health and disease, particularly Alzheimer's pathology, synaptic dysfunction, and aging effects. He leads projects funded by Alzheimer's Research UK and other institutions, investigating molecular and cellular bases of memory storage. His work bridges experimental models (e.g., mice) with translational insights for clinical applications. He has over 140 publications, including high-impact studies on CYFIP proteins in dementia and CaMKII in synaptic plasticity. Collaborations include researchers at King's College London and international partners. His lab explores mechanisms linking amyloid-beta, tau, and synaptic proteins to cognitive decline, with recent work applying computational methods to model aging brains. Education: PhD from ETH Zurich (1992), MSc Chemistry from Ruhr-University Bochum (1989). Current grants include Alzheimer's Research UK Network Centres and studies on MNK inhibition for Alzheimer's therapies. Projects span protein synthesis dysregulation, thalamic amyloid pathology, and intellectual disability genetics. His research has been featured in Nature Neuroscience , Brain , and Neuron . He advises on translational neuroscience initiatives and mentors early-career researchers.
Guido Pintacuda is a CNRS Research Director and Head of the Lyon High-Field NMR Center (CRMN) at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon since 2019. His work centers on advancing solid-state NMR methodologies with ultra-fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) to achieve atomic-level resolution in complex biomolecular and materials systems that are intractable to conventional techniques. Educational background: Undergraduate studies (1992-1997) and PhD in Sciences (1998-2002) at Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy; postdoctoral research at Karolinska Institutet (2001-2004) and Australian National University (2004). Research interests focus on pushing NMR frontiers through high-field instrumentation and fast MAS (up to 160 kHz), with dual objectives: (i) biomolecular structure determination for membrane proteins, amyloid fibrils, and viral assemblies; (ii) solid-state NMR of paramagnetic materials like battery cathodes and catalysts. His innovations include proton detection in fully protonated proteins and DNP-enhanced sensitivity. Recent publications (2021-2024) show heavy emphasis on proton-detected NMR under fast MAS for structural biology, alongside growing work in paramagnetic materials. Key trends include method development for μs–ms dynamics, miniature rotor protocols for membrane proteins, and collaborations with Bruker for 150+ kHz probe technology. Scientific awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (P-MEM-MAS, 2015-2021) Sackler Prize (2017) ISMAR Fellow (2020) Mentoring and grants: Principal investigator for major projects including ERC (2.5 M€), ANR CTRbyNMR (384 k€), and EU PANACEA (5 M€, co-coordinator). Actively mentors PhD student Clément Ollier and postdocs (Z. Sun, S. Medina-Gomez) at ENS Lyon and international schools. Labs and teams: Directs CRMN (UMR 5082 CNRS/ENS Lyon/UCBL), a world-class NMR facility with unique high-field equipment. Leads a research group developing 150+ kHz MAS probes in partnership with Bruker Biospin and maintains strong ties to the University of Delaware (T. Polenova) and European networks.
Prof. Dr. Roderick Lim is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where he leads a research group since 2014. His work bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology , focusing on the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and mechanobiology of cells . He develops biomimetic systems for selective molecular transport and ARTIDIS , a nanomechanical tissue diagnostic platform commercialized for breast cancer prognosis . Education : BSc (UNC Chapel Hill), PhD (NUS/IMRE Singapore), Postdoc (Swiss Nanoscience Institute) Positions : Argovia Professor (2014–present), Tenure Track Asst. Prof. (2009–2013), Postdoc (2004–2008) His research on NPC transport selectivity reveals how karyopherins modulate the FG Nup barrier via multivalent interactions, with implications for viral entry and Alzheimer’s disease . His ARTIDIS platform uses atomic force microscopy to detect cancer via tissue softness, linking hypoxia to metastasis . Recent 2025 publications explore bacterial nanoharpoon defense mechanisms and DNA origami-based NPC mimics . Scientific Awards : Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Prize (2008), A*STAR Fellowship (2004) Collaborations : NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, NanoTera, KTI He mentors PhD students in institutions across Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, and the UK , with alumni working on polymersome delivery, mechanotransduction, and pathogen transport . His lab pioneered high-speed atomic force microscopy for real-time NPC dynamics and plasmonic nanopores for synthetic biology applications.
Prof. Dr. Norbert Sewald, Chair of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry at Bielefeld University, is a leading figure in Bioorganic Chemistry , Chemical Biology , and Enzymatic Halogenation . As head of the Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), he drives research on natural products and drug conjugates. Full Professor, Bielefeld University (since 1999) Founding Coordinator, International Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2001-2003) Chairman, Institute of Biochemistry and Bioengineering at CeBiTec (2006-2008) Dean, Department of Chemistry (2008-2011) Chairman, Max-Bergmann-Kreis e.V. (since 2010) Coordinator, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Training Networks (MAGICBULLET, 2015-2018; Magicbullet::reloaded, 2020-2023) His research focuses on halogenases for mild peptide bromination, cryptophycin-based tumor targeting , and bioactive natural products from African flora. Collaborative projects span antiplasmodial agents , antibacterial compounds , and neurodegenerative disease inhibitors . Recent work highlights include: Enzymatic halogenation cascades Click-to-release drug conjugates Fluorescent probes for amyloid detection Key affiliations: Faculty of Chemistry Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) European Peptide Society (Scientific Affairs Officer, 2016-) Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (Scientific Advisory Board, 2010-2017)
John Straub is a Professor of Chemistry at Boston University, affiliated with the Chemistry Department. His research focuses on theoretical and computational studies of protein dynamics, thermodynamics, and phase transitions in molecular systems. He leads efforts to develop advanced algorithms for simulating phase changes in complex systems, including work supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant (CH-1114676) to improve computational methods for phase transition modeling. His group has pioneered generalized simulated tempering and replica exchange algorithms, enabling more accurate simulations of phenomena like vapor-liquid phase changes and peptide aggregation. Dr. Straub also engages in science outreach through collaborations with the Pinhead Institute, supporting K-12 education programs and student internships. His research spans diverse topics such as cholesterol interactions in lipid membranes, amyloid fibril formation mechanisms, and the structural basis of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. His computational methods have been applied to study membrane proteins, lipid rafts, and the role of environmental factors in protein behavior. Key contributions include modeling amyloid-β aggregation pathways and investigating the impact of membrane composition on protein stability.
