Dr. Paula Gonzalez-Figueroa is a Research Fellow at the Clinical Hub for Interventional Research (CHOIR) in the College of Health and Medicine at The Australian National University (ANU). She holds a PhD in Medical Sciences from ANU and completed postdoctoral research at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (ANU) and the Francis Crick Institute (UK). Her research focuses on immunology, autoimmunity, allergy, and clinical translation. Education: PhD in Medical Sciences (ANU), Biotechnology degree. Research Interests: Regulatory T cells, germinal centers, B cell biology, neuritin-based therapies, preclinical drug testing, and early-phase clinical trials. Affiliations: CHOIR (Researcher), Polizzotto Group, Genome Sciences and Cancer Division. Her work includes developing a neuritin-based biotherapeutic for allergies and autoimmune diseases, and leading preclinical/Phase I clinical programs for hematological cancers. She has contributed to studies on Tfr cell regulation, IgE responses, and germinal center dynamics. Publications span immunology, molecular biology, and translational research, with notable contributions to Nature Immunology , Cell , and Journal of Experimental Medicine .
Alex V. Levin, M.D., M.H.Sc., serves as Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, holding the Adeline Lutz - Steven S.T. Ching, M.D. Distinguished Professorship. He concurrently holds joint appointments in the Center for Visual Science and the Department of Pediatrics, Genetics. As Chief of the Flaum Eye Institute's Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics team and Chief of Clinical Genetics at URMC, he leads cross-functional teams comprising ophthalmologists, optometrists, pediatric specialists, geneticists, nurses, and genetic counselors. Medical Degree: Jefferson Medical College Residency: Pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Residency: Ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital Fellowship: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children Masters of Health Science in Bioethics: University of Toronto (2001) Dr. Levin's research spans ocular genetics and gene therapy, children's vision screening, pediatric glaucoma/cataract/uveitis, ocular manifestations of child abuse, and bioethics. His work integrates clinical expertise in pediatric anterior segment eye conditions with scientific investigation into genetic eye diseases. He maintains the only simultaneous US Board Certifications in pediatrics, ophthalmology, and child abuse pediatrics worldwide. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals predominant focus on genetic eye disorders (73%), with significant emphasis on retinal hemorrhage patterns in trauma (13%) and pediatric glaucoma (7%). His research demonstrates consistent translational application from basic science to clinical practice, particularly in ocular genetics and abusive head trauma diagnostics. Resident Guardian Award (2022) Edward A. Jaeger and John B. Jeffers Citizenship Award (2020) Albert Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) Al Biglan Medal in Pediatric Ophthalmology (2014) Ray E. Helfer Society Award for Child Abuse Research (2011) With over 35 years of experience and hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Levin has secured funding from the National Institutes of Health, Canadian Institute of Health, and private foundations. His research portfolio demonstrates exceptional continuity in pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics, with recent emphasis on deep learning applications for retinal hemorrhage analysis and international registry development for childhood glaucoma. He has established comprehensive vision screening programs for underserved urban populations and pioneered ethical frameworks for genetic testing in pediatric ophthalmology. Dr. Levin directs the Ocular Genetics Program at URMC, which provides multidisciplinary care through the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics team. His laboratory investigations focus on nascent chromatin structure in fibrosis and protein modeling for inherited retinal diseases, with active collaborations across the Montalcino Aortic Consortium and Sturge-Weber Foundation research networks.
Nicole M. Nielsen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University. Her academic role focuses on advancing pharmacotherapy education and clinical practice, particularly in ambulatory care settings. She holds expertise in dermatology, diabetes management, and innovative educational methodologies such as team-based learning and virtual escape rooms. Nielsen holds a PharmD degree and is a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP), along with certifications in Advanced Pharmacy Practice (APh) and Medical Education in Health Professions (MEHP). Her research interests span dermatological pharmacotherapy, diabetes therapeutic strategies, and improving educational outcomes through active learning techniques. She has contributed to case-based learning resources in atopic dermatitis and explored the use of innovative teaching tools to enhance student engagement and proficiency. Diabetes Management: Presented on SGLT2 inhibitors in kidney disease and evolving diabetes treatments. Educational Innovations: Developed virtual escape rooms and paperless team-based learning frameworks. Awards: Faculty Advisor of the Year West Coast University Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award California Health Science University Natural Standard Research Collaboration Award Advising & Grants: Advised student projects on mentorship programs and civic engagement in Fresno County. Her work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and student professional development.
Kathi Wilson is a Professor at the Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her research examines how urban environments (social, built, physical) influence health outcomes among immigrant, Indigenous, and racialized populations. She collaborates extensively with community partners in the Region of Peel and leads the CHANGE Lab, which supports student research in a MAC/PC environment. Research Clusters: Urbanization, Transportation & Health Contact: DV3294, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6 Her work employs mixed-methods approaches, including participatory mapping and culturally adapted surveys, to address health inequities and urban walkability. Current projects focus on Arab communities' perceptions of walkability in Toronto and the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peel Region. Professor Wilson has published extensively on immigrant health, Indigenous health rights, and spatial health disparities, with a focus on methodological rigor in geocoding and accessibility studies. She mentors graduate students in topics related to immigration, healthcare access, and Indigenous wellbeing.
Catherine Bert is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Namur (UNamur), based in the Center for Vulnerabilities and Societies Transitions within the Philosophical Space of Namur. She holds a Doctorate in Philosophy (UNamur) and multiple diplomas in Sociology, International Relations, and Comparative Politics from Université catholique de Louvain (UCL). Her academic roles include being a Professor of Philosophy, Ethics, Anthropology, and Sociology at the IES Parnasse-Deux-Alice in Brussels, a member of the ethics committee at CHR de la Haute Senne, and an editorial board member of the journal Les politiques sociales . Research Interests: Dr. Bert specializes in clinical ethics, bioethics, and pandemic-related healthcare ethics. Her work intersects with sociological and anthropological perspectives, focusing on solidarity practices, care ethics, and gender-based violence in medical contexts. She actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in eradicating poverty and promoting health equity. Projects & Activities: She has led or collaborated on projects like the 'Universality of Values in Bioethics' and 'Virtue Ethics in Care Practices Analysis'. Her research spans ethical dilemmas in healthcare, including reproductive rights and pandemic response. She frequently participates in workshops, conferences, and colloquia on ethics and healthcare, such as the 'Certificat interUniversitaire en Éthique des Soins de Santé (CUESS)'. Publications: Her recent work addresses solidarity initiatives, crisis care ethics, and gender violence in reproductive healthcare. She also explores molecular mechanisms in skin diseases, including fungal infections and epidermal barrier dysfunction. Affiliations & Roles: Beyond academia, she advises on ethical committees and editorial boards, emphasizing translational ethics into policy and practice.
Professor Sinead Langan is a leading clinical epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (School of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology). She maintains dual roles as a clinical dermatologist at St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, and as academic director for Health Data Research UK London. Queen's University Belfast (MD) - 2005 University of Nottingham (PhD) - 2011 University of Pennsylvania (Visiting Scholar) - Postdoctoral Her research spans two critical domains: Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Conditions : Leading groundbreaking work on atopic eczema and psoriasis using 17 million patient records through OpenSAFELY platform, revealing novel associations between severe eczema and cardiovascular outcomes Health Data Methodology : Co-founder of the RECORD initiative (www.record-statement.org) that establishes international standards for observational health data reporting Recent publications analyze: Gene-environment interactions in eczema Development of standardized protocols for routine health data analysis Cardiovascular risks in inflammatory skin diseases Long-term developmental impacts of atopic disease Pandemic effects on healthcare delivery Key awards include: Fellow of Association of Physicians (2025) National Clinical Impact Award (2022-2027) ONS Excellence & People's Choice Awards (2022) British Society Medical Dermatology Prize (2022) She directs: Coronavirus School Infection Survey (150 schools) NHS indirect effects monitoring during pandemic
Professor Graham Ogg is a leading academic at the University of Oxford, where he serves as Professor of Dermatology and leads the Skin Immunology Group. His research focuses on cutaneous immunity, particularly the role of CD1a-restricted T cells in inflammatory skin diseases. He is affiliated with the MRC Human Immunology Unit and MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, driving translational research on lipid antigen presentation and skin immune responses. Professor Ogg's investigations center on molecular mechanisms of skin inflammation, with emphasis on CD1a-mediated T cell activation and its implications for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vaccine development. His work bridges fundamental immunology with clinical applications, exploring how lipid metabolism influences immune pathways in barrier tissues. Research themes include: CD1a-lipid interactions in cutaneous inflammation Therapeutic modulation of skin-specific T cell responses Translational models for dermatological drug delivery Immune mechanisms in allergic skin disorders Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals dominant research streams: 1) Clinical dermatology focusing on systemic therapies for atopic eczema, 2) Immunological studies of dengue pathogenesis and metabolic interactions, 3) COVID-19 sequelae and immunity dynamics, and 4) Fundamental T cell biology in autoimmune/inflammatory contexts. This corpus demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of dermatology, virology, and immunometabolism. His scientific recognition includes: Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci) Professor Ogg directs the Skin Immunology Group at the MRC Weatherall Institute, coordinating translational projects that investigate cutaneous immune circuits. The team employs single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and immunological profiling to dissect skin-specific immune responses, with ongoing work exploring CD1a-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Professor Gerhard Wolber leads the Molecular Drug Design research group at the Institute of Pharmacy , Freie Universitaet Berlin. His work focuses on computational approaches to drug discovery, with expertise in G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) , cytochrome P450 enzymes , Toll-like receptors , and viral protease inhibitors . He supervises a team of 13 PhD candidates 3 researchers 2 Master's students engaged in projects ranging from calcium channel blockers to CYP enzyme modulators for cancer therapy. Recent publications highlight his lab's contributions to pan-coronavirus drug discovery, TLR8 antagonism, and calcium channel inhibition. The team employs advanced methodologies including Molecular dynamics simulations Fragment-based de novo design Bayesian neural networks DFT calculations 3D pharmacophore modeling to bridge computational predictions with experimental validation. Notable projects include Virtual screening for TREM2-targeted glioblastoma therapeutics Allosteric communication path analysis via MDPath Immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy Biased GPCR ligand development demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to contemporary drug design challenges.
Remy Robert is an Associate Professor in Physiology at Monash University, affiliated with the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. His primary role is in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, focusing on therapeutic antibody development and antibody engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Bordeaux and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at CSIRO, followed by a research fellowship at Monash University under Professor Charles Mackay. Dr. Robert’s research spans translational medicine, aiming to convert academic discoveries into antibody therapies. His expertise includes protein engineering, autoimmune disease mechanisms, and inflammation modulation. Key projects include the development of bispecific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy, chemokine-targeted therapeutics, and preclinical studies on CCR6-mediated autoimmune diseases. His research outputs emphasize antibody engineering techniques, mouse models of atopic dermatitis, and the role of receptors like GPR109A and CXCR1 in immune regulation. Collaborations involve institutions like CSIRO and global networks in immunology. He leads grants on cancer immunotherapy and has contributed to patents related to antibody technologies. Dr. Robert’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals focused on good health and well-being. His lab actively pursues innovations in therapeutic antibodies, with a focus on translational applications in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Associate Professor Navin Kumar Verma serves in the Department of Immunology and Cell Biology at Nanyang Technological University's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), holding dual roles as Deputy Research Integrity Officer and Postgraduate Tutor. His research focuses on T-cell immunology mechanisms in wound healing, skin pathologies, and cancer progression. Verma earned his PhD in Clinical Medicine from Trinity College Dublin followed by postdoctoral training at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, where he specialized in T-cell motility and function within tumor microenvironments and tissue repair contexts. His primary research examines the adhesion receptor LFA-1's role in T-lymphocyte biology, driving translational work in chronic wound management and dermatological conditions through LKCMedicine's Skin Diseases & Wound Repair Programme. This initiative collaborates with Singapore's National Skin Centre and Skin Research Institute to address prevalent Asian skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, pigmentary disorders, and acne. Verma actively mentors four PhD candidates: Gopika Suresh Babu (IGP), Wang Chenyu, Kong Zheng Yao, and Bai Hangyu. His research team includes postdoctoral fellows Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi and Dr. Zhi Sheng Poh, alongside research assistant James Tan Chia Wei. As Programme Director for Skin Diseases & Wound Repair, Verma leads interdisciplinary collaborations translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications for chronic wound treatment and skin disease management through industry partnerships. His scholarly output comprises over 80 peer-reviewed publications (h-index 42), 20 book chapters, and 5 co-authored patents focused on immunological mechanisms in tissue repair and oncology.
Ron C Anafi serves as Associate Professor of Medicine (Sleep Medicine) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and holds key affiliations as Faculty Scholar at the Penn Institute for Bioinformatics, Co-Investigator at the Center for Subcellular Genomics, and member of both the Chronobiology and Sleep Institute and ITMAT. His work bridges computational biology with clinical sleep medicine within the Perelman School of Medicine. His educational trajectory includes a B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering and Philosophy from Tulane University (1995), followed by a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics (2002) and M.D. (2004) from the University of Minnesota. This dual training underpins his unique approach to circadian research. Dr. Anafi's laboratory pioneers computational methods to decode sleep and circadian influences on human physiology, focusing on neurodegeneration and cancer. By applying machine learning and systems biology to large-scale omics data, his team reconstructs molecular rhythms from cross-sectional human tissue databases—overcoming the critical barrier of limited longitudinal sampling in patients. His research demonstrates how circadian disruptions in ribosomal function link to Alzheimer's pathology and how tumor clock strength predicts breast cancer outcomes. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals intensifying focus on cell-type-specific circadian disruptions in neurodegenerative diseases, with significant expansion into cancer chronobiology and contactless sleep monitoring technologies. His methodological innovations like CYCLOPS enable rhythmic signal extraction across diverse tissues—from brain to skin—while increasingly integrating multi-omics layers to identify therapeutic targets. As mentor in the Genomics and Computational Biology and Neuroscience graduate groups, he guides students through rotation projects at his Translational Research Laboratories facility (Suite 2100, 125 South 31st Street). His research is supported by NIH grants investigating circadian mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease and cancer progression, with recent work exploring sex-specific metabolic impacts of circadian genes and non-invasive sleep monitoring.
Agustín España Alonso is the Director of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Navarra Clinic, where he specializes in Medical-Surgical and Venereological Dermatology. He is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Navarra since 2014 and was previously Vice Dean of the Faculty in 2003. His clinical focus is on autoimmune blistering diseases, and he has contributed extensively to research and education in dermatology. Graduated in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid (1984) Specialized in Dermatology at Ramón y Cajal Hospital (1986-1989) PhD in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid (1990) Clinical Research Fellow in Immunodermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA (1994-1995) His research interests include: Autoimmune blistering diseases (e.g., pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid) Atopic dermatitis Connective tissue diseases (e.g., lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) Hyperhidrosis Inflammatory skin diseases of immunological origin He has led 6 research projects as Principal Investigator, participated in 2 as collaborator, and developed 6 research protocols. He has authored 80 international journal articles, edited 5 books, and written 33 book chapters, while directing 6 doctoral theses. He is accredited as a University Professor by Spain’s Ministry of Education. Member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Syphiliography (since 1998) Member of the American Academy of Dermatology (since 2002) President of the Basque-Navarre-Aragonese-Riojana Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2003–2007) Member of the Editorial Committee of PIEL Journal and Editorial Board of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas Journal
Paula Williamson is a Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Liverpool. She is a leading figure in evidence-based medicine, focusing on clinical trials, meta-analysis, health outcome selection, and reducing research waste. She co-founded the global COMET Initiative (2010) and has secured major grants from organizations like the MRC, NIHR, and Wellcome Trust. NIHR Senior Investigator (2014) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2018) Winner of Cochrane-REWARD Prize (2017) and Thomas Chalmers Award (2010) Her research spans clinical trial methodology , core outcome set development , and statistical analysis of healthcare data . Recent publications focus on standardizing health outcomes, reducing adverse event reporting gaps, and sustainability in clinical trials (e.g., carbon footprint analysis). She has supervised numerous PhD projects related to trial design and outcome measurement. Paula leads major initiatives like the MRC Doctoral Training Programme in Trials Methodology and the MRC Trials Methodology Research Partnership . She has held advisory roles for the Royal Statistical Society and served on international scientific program committees.
Jen Jen Chang is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University. Her work bridges academic research and public health practice, with strong affiliations with the NIH, China CDC, Seoul National University School of Medicine, and Taiwan CDC. She actively contributes to community health through collaborations with the St. Louis County Department of Health and Parents as Teachers. Research Interests: Dr. Chang's research centers on maternal and child health, with a focus on health disparities and social determinants. Her work investigates adverse birth outcomes, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, sleep health, and mental health. She employs advanced epidemiological methods, including sibling and cohort studies, to uncover patterns and risk factors affecting vulnerable populations. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in environmental epidemiology, perinatal health, and health equity. Studies examine the impact of air pollution on birth outcomes and atopic dermatitis, racial disparities in vaccination, and interpregnancy factors influencing maternal and neonatal outcomes. Her methodological rigor is evident in work re-evaluating birth weight indicators and comorbidity indices. Scientific Awards: NIH KL2 Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Career Development Program Scholar Award Advising and Grants: Dr. Chang mentors students through courses such as PUBH 5030 and EPI 5020 and supervises practice experiences in public health education. She holds current NIH funding to study the relationship between sleep duration and postpartum depression. Her research is supported by both federal (NIH) and non-federal agencies, with collaborative grants involving international partners. Labs and Teams: While no formal lab is mentioned, Dr. Chang leads a research team focused on maternal and child health epidemiology. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams at Saint Louis University, Missouri Fetal Infant Mortality Review Committee, and international institutions including China CDC and Seoul National University. Her community-based work with Parents as Teachers highlights her commitment to translating research into practice.
Professor Jo Leonardi-Bee is a faculty member at the University of Nottingham within the School of Medicine . As Professor of Evidence Synthesis and Co-Director of the Nottingham Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare (JBI Centre of Excellence), her work focuses on quantitative evidence synthesis, Cochrane reviews, and clinical guideline development. Education: BSc in Mathematics & Chemistry, Nottingham Trent University MSc in Medical Statistics, University of Leicester PhD and PGCHE, University of Nottingham Her research spans tobacco control (smoking cessation, legislation impact, maternal exposure) and dermatology (skin cancer, corticosteroid safety). She specializes in meta-analysis techniques, systematic reviews, and health policy evaluation, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Recent publications highlight trends in respiratory health (alcohol/smoking effects), pregnancy outcomes (smoking cessation interventions), and allergy prevention (infant dietary guidelines). She serves as Statistical Editor for the British Journal of Dermatology and former Cochrane Skin Group editor. Teaching includes postgraduate modules in systematic reviews and developing reusable learning objects for evidence-based practice. Current funded projects include maternal tobacco control initiatives, familial hypercholesterolemia management, and infant feeding guidelines with the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program.
