Anna Luganini is an Associate Professor at the University of Turin's Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology. Her work spans virology, microbiology, and biomedical nanotechnology. Research Themes : Molecular biology of Herpesviruses (HCMV, HSV, MuHV4) Antiviral molecule discovery and validation Nanotechnology for chronic wound management Virus-host interaction mechanisms Publications : 15+ peer-reviewed articles since 2007, focusing on NF-κB signaling in viral replication Antibiofilm coatings Oxygen-loaded nanodroplets/nanobubbles Chitosan-based antimicrobial systems Technological Innovation : Developed ultrasound-responsive nanodroplets for transdermal drug delivery and patented novel anti-HCMV pharmaceutical compositions (2020). Active in academic governance as member of departmental commissions.
Louise Kjærulff serves as a Research Consultant in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her work centers on natural product drug discovery, with emphasis on Australian Eremophila species and other endemic plants, utilizing advanced analytical techniques for bioactive compound identification. Her research spans Natural Products Chemistry , Phytochemistry , and Drug Discovery , focusing on isolation and structural characterization of alkaloids, lignans, diterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids. She employs high-resolution methods including HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, molecular networking, and bioassay-guided fractionation to evaluate cytotoxicity, enzyme inhibition, and radical scavenging activities of plant metabolites. Analysis of her 2022-2024 publications reveals strong interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in Australian biodiscovery projects. Key themes include phytochemical profiling of Eremophila species, biosynthetic pathway investigations, and ethical considerations in ethnobotanical research. Her work integrates computational chemistry with experimental validation for stereochemical assignments. No scientific awards or fellowships were documented in the available profile. Louise Kjærulff has not listed any formal advisees or research grants in the current information. She operates within the Joint Lab Facilities at the University of Copenhagen and maintains active international collaborations with Australian researchers on plant-based drug discovery initiatives, addressing both scientific and ethical dimensions of natural product research.
Merle Maria Plassmann is a Senior Staff Scientist in the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University, where she conducts research on environmental contaminants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Her work spans analytical method development, environmental fate studies, and human exposure assessment. Dr. Plassmann's research focuses on environmental chemistry with emphasis on PFAS analysis and fate. She has developed and refined methods for total fluorine determination, extractable organofluorine analysis, and non-target screening approaches. Her work has documented PFAS contamination in diverse matrices including textiles, cosmetics, artificial turf, ski waxes, and marine environments. She has made significant contributions to understanding the environmental fate of these persistent compounds and their pathways to human exposure. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on methodological development for PFAS analysis, human exposure assessment through biomonitoring studies, and investigation of PFAS in consumer products. Her work frequently employs advanced analytical techniques including combustion ion chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and non-target screening approaches. The research demonstrates consistent investigation of both known and emerging fluorinated compounds across environmental and biological matrices. Dr. Plassmann has been involved in significant research projects including 'The organohalogen iceberg,' which aims to identify known and unknown halogenated compounds in water and sludge from sewage treatment plants. Her collaborative work spans multiple European institutions and addresses critical questions regarding environmental contamination and human exposure to persistent organic pollutants. Her research has important implications for environmental regulation and public health, particularly regarding consumer product safety, drinking water quality, and understanding exposure pathways for persistent environmental contaminants. The methodological advances she has contributed to are helping standardize approaches for detecting and quantifying fluorinated compounds in complex environmental matrices.
Gerhard Adam is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Microbial Genetics, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research focuses on mycotoxin metabolism, plant-fungal interactions, and microbial genetics, with a strong emphasis on Fusarium species and their impact on food safety. He leads and participates in numerous national and international research projects, including those funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), EU, and industry partners. His academic work centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin production, detoxification, and resistance, particularly in cereals. Key areas include the role of UDP-glucosyltransferases in deoxynivalenol (DON) resistance, the formation of masked mycotoxins, and the metabolic fate of toxins in plants and animals. He has made significant contributions to the development of biological assays and genetic tools for studying Fusarium virulence and plant resistance. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on metabolomics, enzyme characterization, and the biochemical transformation of mycotoxins. Trends show increasing use of stable isotope-assisted techniques, LC-HRMS, and functional genomics to dissect detoxification pathways. Research spans from fundamental fungal biochemistry to applied food safety solutions, including bioremediation strategies using bacterial lactonases and engineering plant resistance. Selected Scientific Contributions: Project leadership in FWF-funded SFB F37-Fusarium program (2009–2019) Development of yeast bioassays for Fusarium mycotoxins Characterization of UDP-glucosyltransferases involved in DON detoxification Discovery of novel Fusarium metabolites (e.g., gramiketides) Investigation of fumonisin self-resistance mechanisms in fungi Adam actively supervises research theses and collaborates widely within BOKU and international consortia such as FFoQSI and the World Mycotoxin Forum. He regularly presents at major scientific conferences and contributes to public science communication through media and outreach reports. Laboratories and Research Teams: Institute of Microbial Genetics, BOKU Tulln Collaborative work with Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics FFoQSI – Competence Centre for Food and Biotechnology International Fusarium research network
Professor Johan Mattias Isaksson leads the UiT NMR Laboratory and manages the Norwegian NMR Platform (NNP) node and the SmallStruct analytical platform at the Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway . He teaches Medicinal Chemistry (FAR-2301) , Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry (FAR-3301) , and NMR Spectroscopy (KJE-3303/8303) , integrating cutting-edge methods into his courses. His research focuses on natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry , leveraging marine organisms (e.g., Arctic fungi, bacteria, sponges) to discover antibacterial and anticancer agents . His work combines NMR spectroscopy , metabolomics , and computational modeling to characterize compound structures and interactions with biomembranes . Recent studies highlight his team's discovery of novel antibacterial sesterterpenes (2025), dUTPase inhibitors for cancer (2024), and σ-factor engineering approaches in Actinoplanes sp. (2024). He also develops membrane model systems to study multi-resistant bacteria via techniques like microscale thermophoresis and Vibrational Circular Dichroism . Professor Isaksson collaborates with international researchers and contributes to projects like Lead-to-drug development of amphipathic scaffolds (LEADScAMR) and bacterial membrane mimetics . His publications span journals such as Journal of Natural Products , Marine Drugs , and Journal of Medicinal Chemistry , emphasizing marine biotechnology and antimicrobial resistance solutions.
Jörg P. Kutter is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Microscale Analytical Systems research group. His work focuses on the design and development of lab-on-a-chip devices and microfluidic systems for analytical applications across biomedical, pharmaceutical, environmental and industrial fields. Professor Kutter's research expertise spans multiple areas of microfluidics and analytical chemistry. He specializes in chemical separation techniques including chromatography and electrophoresis, as well as FIA-based systems and integration of optical detection elements. His current work emphasizes microfabricated lab-on-a-chip systems with focus on separation and sample preparation techniques, and advanced micro and nano liquid handling. His research group has developed numerous applications using thiol-ene based microfluidic platforms, which have become a signature technology in his laboratory. Analysis of Professor Kutter's recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong progression from fundamental microfluidic techniques toward increasingly complex biological applications. His work now prominently features DNA analysis (particularly extrachromosomal circular DNA), olfactory mucus analysis using humanized yeast biosensors, pulmonary delivery of siRNA-loaded nanoparticles, glycopeptide enrichment for inflammation-related protein analysis, and microfluidic steroidogenesis assays. This evolution demonstrates the maturation of microfluidics technology and its growing impact on biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Professor Kutter has secured several millions of Euros in funding support for national and international (EU) projects. He served as coordinator for a European STREP project (2007-2010) with seven partners and a European IP (2010-2015) with 16 partners. He has supervised 14 post-doctoral fellows, 20 PhD students, and 12 master's theses, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic mentoring and research training. He serves as Deputy editor for Electrophoresis and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society. He participates in technical program committees for major conferences including µ-TAS, MEMS, MSB and Transducers. Additionally, he acts as a scientific advisor for the Institute for Microtechnology in Mainz, Germany, and evaluates proposals for national and international funding agencies as well as educational accrediting agencies.
Jocelyn Monroe is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Royal Holloway, University of London. She serves as the Deputy Spokesperson of the DEAP-3600 and DarkSide-20k international collaborations and the UK Principal Investigator. Her research focuses on dark matter detection, neutrino physics, and advanced detector technology development. She is a member of SNOLAB and WIPP research networks. Education Background: B.A. in Astrophysics, Columbia University (1999) Ph.D. in Physics, Columbia University (2006), Dissertation: MiniBooNE accelerator neutrino oscillation experiment Research Interests: Jocelyn's work centers on direct dark matter detection using cutting-edge experiments like DEAP-3600 and DarkSide-20k. She develops novel particle detectors, including the DMTPC and HPTPC projects, to study dark matter wind and neutrino interactions. Her research also involves superfluid helium-3 bolometers and low-background detector technology. Recent Research Trends: Her recent publications explore advancements in dark matter detection methodologies, including attenuation effects in interactions and superfluid helium-3 bolometer technology. She also contributed to environmental applications like low-cost lead detection in water, showcasing interdisciplinary approaches. Earlier work includes gamma spectroscopy techniques for isotope identification. Grants and Supervision: Co-Investigator on multiple grants, including STFC projects for particle physics research and EPSRC funding for quantum-enhanced superfluid technologies. Mentor for postdoctoral researchers, such as the EPSRC-funded "Dark Matter Searches using Quantum Enhanced Superfluid Technologies" project with Dr. E. Leason. Labs and Collaborations: She leads the Dark Matter & Neutrino research group at Royal Holloway, collaborating with international teams on major experiments. Her group applies detector innovations to neutrino imaging and dark matter studies.
Eric Achterberg holds a W3 Professorship in Marine Chemistry at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the University of Kiel. His research examines global ocean biogeochemical cycles, with particular expertise in trace element distributions, nutrient cycling, and carbon system dynamics. Achterberg develops and deploys advanced in-situ sensors for oceanographic measurements, enabling high-resolution studies of chemical variability across marine environments. His fieldwork spans tropical oxygen minimum zones, polar regions, and hydrothermal vent systems, with recent projects investigating contamination from historical munitions in the Baltic Sea and trace metal distributions in the Southern Ocean. Honored as a Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award Professor, he leads multiple collaborative projects including AMMOTRACe (trace element cycling) and EMS FORE (estuarine systems). Achterberg serves on editorial boards and scientific committees for international oceanographic research programs.
Alexander Donev is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Probability and Statistics Group at the University of Manchester's School of Mathematics. He holds a PhD from Imperial College, London, and has taught at multiple UK universities including Southampton, De Montfort, and Sheffield. His research focuses on experimental design, biostatistics, medical statistics, industrial statistics, and statistical computing. He contributed to the influential book 'Optimum Experimental Designs, With SAS' (2007), which won the Ziegel Prize in 2009. Education: PhD in Statistics (Imperial College London), followed by postdoctoral roles at ASRU (Kent) and AstraZeneca. His work spans academia and industry, emphasizing practical applications of statistical methods. Research interests include optimizing experimental setups for drug development, industrial processes, and medical diagnostics. Notable contributions include developing methodologies for handling non-Gaussian errors in bioassays and designing efficient mixture experiments. His recent work (2018-2019) explores cyclic experimental design strategies. He actively supervises PhD students, with Bader Almohaimeed completing a thesis on optimal experimental designs for generalized nonlinear models in 2013. Awards: Ziegel Prize (2009) for outstanding contributions to statistical literature. His research impacts UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.
Dr. Angelo Frei is Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of York, leading research on metal-based antimicrobials to address antibiotic resistance. His group develops machine learning approaches and combinatorial chemistry to explore metalloantibiotics and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Current investigations focus on metal complex photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and resistance avoidance. The Frei Lab employs high-throughput screening and computational methods to navigate chemical space efficiently. Research has secured JPIAMR funding for metalloantifungal development and explores ruthenium complexes against mycobacteria. Collaborative projects span multiple countries with focus on preclinical validation of metal-based therapeutics.
Greg Cope is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University (NCSU). His research focuses on freshwater mussel conservation, environmental toxicology, and aquatic ecosystem health. Cope leads studies on thermal tolerance, contaminant impacts, and biodiversity preservation in rivers, particularly addressing threats from climate change and pollution. He is affiliated with the David Clark Labs and has contributed to policy-relevant ecological assessments. Research interests include freshwater mussel physiology, aquatic pollution effects, and conservation strategies for endangered species like the Carolina Madtom and blue marlin. His work integrates field studies with lab-based toxicity testing, emphasizing standardized protocols for assessing pollutants in water systems. Key scientific award: William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Labs: David Clark Labs, NCSU Contributions to pesticide safety education via interactive tools and audience response systems Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding species decline mechanisms, pollution dynamics, and climate adaptation in aquatic ecosystems.
Mehmet Salih NAS is a Lecturer at Iğdır University , focusing on nanomaterials and their applications in environmental chemistry, catalysis, and toxicology. His work bridges nanotechnology with biochemical and ecological impacts. Education : PhD and MA in Chemistry from Yuzuncu Yil University, Licence in Science Teaching from Black Sea Technical University His research interests include: Green synthesis of nanomaterials Environmental remediation using nanotechnology Ecotoxicological effects of nanoparticles Biosensing and hydrogen storage applications Recent publications highlight his work on: Adsorption-sonocatalytic degradation of dyes Assessment of nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress Development of biosensors for neurotransmitters He previously served as Department Head at Iğdır University (2021). His teaching portfolio includes graduate courses in bionanotechnology and doctoral-level nanomaterials production.
Aaron Gross is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, specializing in Toxicology & Physiology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of arthropod pest control affecting human health, animal welfare, and agriculture. Education: B.S. Biochemistry (2007), St. Cloud State University B.S. Biomedical Sciences (2007), St. Cloud State University M.S. Toxicology (2010), Iowa State University Ph.D. Toxicology (2014), Iowa State University Postdoctoral training, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida Research Focus: Dr. Gross leads the Molecular Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory investigating insecticide/acaricide resistance mechanisms , novel insecticide discovery targeting GPCRs and ion channels , and tick-host immune evasion . His work integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, and biochemical approaches to develop sustainable pest management strategies for vectors like Amblyomma americanum and agricultural pests including Aethina tumida . Publication Trends (2020-2025): Recent work emphasizes cross-resistance mechanisms in Drosophila , synergism between plant compounds and synthetic insecticides, and molecular characterization of targets like cholinesterases. Key models include honey bees, ticks, mosquitoes, and small hive beetles, addressing critical gaps in resistance management and novel target identification. Professional Engagement: Active member: Entomological Society of America, American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi, Society of Vector Ecology, Virginia Mosquito Control Association Editorial reviewer for Insects journal Teaching: Instructs graduate courses ENT 6154 (Insect Physiology and Molecular Biology) and ENT 6164 (Insect Toxicology), training students in advanced toxicological methodologies and molecular physiology. Laboratory: The Molecular Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory (www.vtmptl.com) employs baculoviral expression systems, electrophysiology, and biochemical assays to characterize insecticide targets and resistance mechanisms, with ongoing projects on GPCR pharmacology and vector immune evasion.
Dr. Gordana B. Krstic is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade. Her research focuses on Phytochemistry, Spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR), Chromatographic methods, and Chemical weapons analysis. She has been actively involved in international research projects funded by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the European Commission. Education: B.Sc. in Chemical Sciences (2007-2011), University of Belgrade. M.Sc. in Chemical Sciences (2011-2012), University of Belgrade. Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences (2012-2019), University of Belgrade. Her scientific work spans the development of analytical methods for OPCW proficiency tests, metabolomics in schizophrenia research, and PFAS challenges in Serbia. She has published extensively on natural products from Euphorbia species and ground beetle secretions, employing LC-MS and NMR techniques. Her projects address chemical weapons verification, biomarker discovery, and environmental contamination. Dr. Krstic is a member of the Serbian Chemical Society and has served on committees for teaching quality improvement and faculty promotion. She teaches courses on structural instrumental methods and metabolomics, and her work integrates spectroscopy, chromatography, and metabolomics for chemical profiling and bioactivity studies.
Dr. Hanna Dusza, MSc, is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, and affiliated with the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). Her research focuses on prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and micro/nanoplastics, and their impacts on placental and fetal health. She applies advanced analytical chemistry and toxicological methods, including in vitro models and mass spectrometry, to characterize exposure pathways and toxicity mechanisms. Position: Assistant Professor in Veterinary Medicine University: Utrecht University Institute: IRAS Research Interests : Dusza investigates how maternal exposure to EDCs and micro/nanoplastics during pregnancy affects fetal development, using amniotic fluid as a key matrix. Her work bridges toxicology, analytical chemistry, and public health to address gaps in understanding contaminant transfer across the placenta and long-term health consequences. Scientific Contributions : Her research on micro/nanoplastic uptake in placental cells and amniotic fluid contaminant characterization has gained international recognition, including the Joep van den Bercken Prize (2022) and multiple awards for her PhD work. She leads projects like AURORA (EU Horizon 2020 grant) to develop frameworks for assessing early-life health risks from plastics. Toxicology - Food, Pesticides, and Drugs (course involvement) Collaborations: European MNP Cluster, ZonMW-funded studies
