Giacomo Handjaras is an Assistant Professor at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, affiliated with the MOMILAB research group. His work focuses on neuroimaging, sleep neurophysiology, affective neuroscience, and brain structure-function relationships. He explores topics such as neural correlates of emotions, sleep dynamics, and motor control mechanisms using advanced methodologies like EEG, fMRI, and computational linguistics. Research interests include: (1) Sleep architecture and slow-wave subtypes linked to thalamic activity, (2) Multisensory integration in perception and action, (3) Neuroplasticity in sensory restoration, (4) Computational analysis of dream semantics, and (5) Telemedicine applications in cardiac rehabilitation. His studies often integrate behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational approaches. Recent publications highlight trends in sleep-brain interactions, affective processing across modalities, and neural mechanisms underlying communication deficits. He has contributed to understanding the role of thalamic regulation in sleep stages and the impact of sensory deprivation on brain organization in congenitally blind individuals. His work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications in rehabilitation and cardiovascular health.
Ingo Schiessl is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Neuroscience at the University of Manchester. He holds an ORCID identifier (0000-0001-9599-6194) and has a permanent teaching and research position since 2003. His academic journey includes a BSc and MSc in Physics from the University of Regensburg, followed by medical physics training at a university hospital in Germany. He completed a PhD in neuroscience through a collaboration between the Technical University of Berlin and University College London (UCL). Research Interests: High-resolution functional imaging of neuro-vascular changes in preclinical brain disease models Multi-wavelength optical imaging with electrode and tissue oxygen recordings Key Projects: Neuroinflammation (collaborative research on brain function and translational studies) Brain disorders (focused on Parkinson's disease and stroke mechanisms) Expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. His work involves neurovascular coupling studies, blood-brain barrier mechanisms, and imaging techniques. Recent collaborations span Germany, the UK, and France.
Peyman Mirtaheri is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Electronics and Chemistry (MEK) under the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, USA. His primary role involves teaching courses such as Medical Sensors and Actuators (ACIT4720) and the upcoming BioInspired Systems (fall 2025). Research Interests: Professor Mirtaheri leads the ADEPT lab (ADvanced hEalth intelligence and brain-insPired Technologies) and ADEPT_technology, focusing on: Developing measurement techniques for brain activity detection and analysis Applying fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and EEG (electroencephalography) to study movement, balance, and cerebral cortex activity Advancing bio-inspired systems and health technology Key Projects: His active research includes Use of 3D printers in future rehabilitation (knowledge-based and patient-centered solutions) and completed work on Brain activity during walking and balance . Labs & Collaborations: He integrates his optical/NIRS laboratory into OsloMet's ADEPT lab, collaborating with institutions like Michigan Technological University and contributing to global conferences such as the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems and the ISPO World Congress .
Leonard Edward White is an Associate Professor in Neurology at Duke University, with additional appointments in Psychology and Neuroscience, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Neurobiology. He serves as Associate Director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and Director of Undergraduate Studies of Neuroscience. His academic career spans over three decades since earning his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992. Dr. White's research focuses on the structure and function of the mammalian brain, particularly through the development of advanced magnetic resonance methods for interrogating brain structure. His work combines light sheet microscopy with MRI techniques to provide new insights into microscopic brain structure, whole-brain connectivity, and how neural tissue constrains connectivity in animal models. He maintains a sustained interest in how early sensorimotor experience influences neural circuit formation and maturation in the cerebral cortex, as well as the intersection of brain sciences with humanities. His recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on high-resolution brain imaging techniques, particularly MRI and light sheet microscopy for creating detailed brain atlases. His work spans multiple species (mouse, rat, human) and addresses fundamental questions in neuroanatomy, connectomics, and developmental neuroscience. Notably, he has been developing the Duke Mouse Brain Atlas and exploring the impact of prenatal drug exposure on brain development. Dr. White has secured significant research funding, including the current 'Ultra-high Resolution Structural Connectome Atlases of the Animal Brain' grant (2022-2026) from the University of Pittsburgh, and previously led NIH-funded projects on visual cortex development spanning nearly two decades. He is deeply involved in medical education, serving as Director of Undergraduate Studies of Neuroscience and developing innovative approaches to teaching neuroanatomy. His educational scholarship includes work on integrating art into medical education and revitalizing neuroanatomy teaching methods. He also maintains an active presence in neurohumanities, exploring the intersection of neuroscience with arts and humanities.
Ye Emily Wu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Neurobiology and Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She leads an integrative research program combining molecular, circuit, and computational neuroscience to understand affiliative social behavior and its disruption in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Education: Ph.D. from Stanford University Postdoctoral training at University of California, Los Angeles Research Interests: Dr. Wu's research focuses on elucidating the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms that govern social behavior. Her work spans genetics, bioinformatics, behavioral neuroscience, and computational modeling. She investigates how disruptions in these systems contribute to social deficits in autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Her recent work emphasizes the use of single-cell transcriptomics, calcium imaging, and behavioral paradigms to map brain activity to specific cell populations and understand prosocial behavior. Her research integrates cutting-edge techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics, and machine learning to dissect the neural circuits underlying empathy, parenting, and affiliative touch. This multidisciplinary approach allows her to bridge molecular insights with behavioral outcomes. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no specific students or grants are listed, her research program is clearly supported by active funding and includes mentoring roles within UCLA’s neuroscience community. Labs and Teams: Dr. Wu leads a research group at UCLA that collaborates across departments and uses advanced technologies to study neural circuits and social behavior. Her lab is affiliated with both the Department of Neurobiology and the Department of Biological Chemistry, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise.
Alain Ptito, PhD is a Professor at the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University. He serves as an Associate Investigator at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. Academic Affiliation: McGill University Institutional Roles: RI-MUHC, Montreal Neurological Institute Research Focus: Dr. Ptito investigates motor recovery mechanisms in stroke and neural substrates of residual vision in blindsight patients post-hemispherectomy using functional MRI (fMRI) . His work extends to diagnosing traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in soldiers, athletes, accident victims, and children through neuroimaging. Key findings include abnormal activation patterns as TBI severity indicators and fMRI's role in recovery assessment. Recent innovations involve repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating post-concussive symptoms like depression and cognitive impairment, alongside pioneering translingual neurostimulation with physical therapy for gait/balance restoration post-TBI. His research bridges clinical neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and advanced neuroimaging techniques. Publication Trends: 2019-2025 outputs show consistent exploration of TBI pathophysiology, oculomotor dysfunction biomarkers, and neurostimulation interventions. Collaborations span neuroimaging, computational modeling, and clinical epidemiology. Neuroscience Leadership: Active in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of traumatic brain injury, visual neuroscience, and neuroplasticity, Dr. Ptito contributes to institutional research programs including the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) initiative.
Jon Skranes is a Professor and Chief Physician specializing in pediatrics at NTNU. He holds positions as Senior Consultant at Sørlandet Hospital HF and Head of the Habilitation Service for Children and Adolescents (HABU). His roles include leading the Pediatric Brain Research group within the Agder Brain Circuit (ABCDE) research cluster and serving on the board of FASD Alliance in Europe. His work focuses on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants, cognitive deficits in pediatric populations, and neuroimaging applications in developmental medicine. Research interests emphasize brain structure-function relationships in children born preterm, including white matter development, cortical thickness trajectories, and long-term neurocognitive outcomes. He has pioneered studies on working memory training interventions for pediatric and elderly populations with cognitive impairments. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Oslo, leveraging advanced neuroimaging techniques and genetic analyses. Publications (2016-2009) highlight work on neurodevelopmental origins of brain changes, preterm birth impacts on brain structure, and molecular genetics of cerebral palsy. His clinical contributions include establishing regional expertise centers for prenatal exposure disorders and evaluating digital health literacy tools for parents of sick children. Key roles: Research Group Leader, Clinical Neurologist, Academic Supervisor Research Foci: Prematurity effects, Neuroplasticity, Cognitive Rehabilitation Notable Projects: Memory Aid Study (working memory training), neonatal brain atlas development
Dr. Mohammad Nami serves as Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology at the School of Health Sciences and Psychology, Canadian University Dubai. He concurrently directs the Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Unit at BrainHub UAE and maintains associate membership in the Harvard Medical School Alumni network. Previously, he held leadership roles as Head of Neuroscience Department and Vice Chancellor for Research at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. His academic credentials include: PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Institute for Cognitive Science Studies Dr. Nami's research centers on the interdependence of mental health and sleep health, with primary expertise in cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology, and sleep disorder interventions. He advocates that cognitive and affective potential can only be fully realized through integrated sleep-mental health approaches, emphasizing neuro-cognitive fitness and neurological aspects of sleep pathologies. His work bridges clinical practice with neuroscience to develop practical interventions for cognitive optimization. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Sleep-neuroscience interfaces using quantitative EEG for insomnia and sleep disorder diagnostics, (2) Cognitive performance assessment in safety-critical occupations like aviation and industrial control rooms, and (3) Neurocognitive rehabilitation techniques for stroke, cerebral palsy, and neurodegenerative conditions. His methodology frequently combines clinical trials with advanced neuroimaging and computational modeling. As an associate member of Harvard Medical School Alumni and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, Dr. Nami contributes to academic-industry knowledge translation. The provided text does not reference specific scientific awards. With 173 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 27, i10-index 77 as of August 2025), his research program demonstrates significant scholarly impact. While student mentorship details are absent, his leadership of the Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Unit suggests active supervision of research personnel. His publication record indicates consistent grant funding, particularly for sleep-neuroscience and occupational safety projects. The Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Unit at BrainHub UAE functions as his primary research hub, conducting studies on sleep-cognition interactions, neurocognitive fitness metrics, and real-world applications of neuroscience findings. Current initiatives appear focused on digital health tools for stress management and neurophysiological monitoring in occupational settings.
Lee E Miller is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, with research spanning neural mechanisms of movement control and neuroprosthetic development for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Education: PhD from Northwestern University (1990) Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Nijmegen (1992) His work focuses on deciphering the brain's "language" for movement commands, understanding neural network dynamics, and translating these principles into therapeutic applications. Key research areas include spinal cord injury rehabilitation, neural engineering, and brain-computer interface development, with collaborations spanning Biomedical Engineering and the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (NUIN). Recent publications (2025) reveal strong emphasis on clinical translation of neural interfaces, featuring studies on intracortical microstimulation safety, advanced neural probe mechanics, customizable body-machine protocols, and stability optimization through latent dynamics alignment—demonstrating integration of fundamental neuroscience with engineering solutions. Scientific recognition includes: Elected fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2016) Senior Visiting Fellow, Institute of Neurology, University College London (2002) European Community ESPRIT II Post Doctoral Fellowship (1990) Murphy Fellowship, Northwestern University (1981) Research Fellowship at Turner Precision X-ray Measurements Lab (1978) Miller has mentored numerous students and postdocs throughout his career, now transitioning the Miller Limb Lab from animal research to computational analysis and a final major project developing muscle-based BCIs for spinal cord injury patients through collaborations with Cortical Bionics and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. His Miller Laboratory of Limb Motor Control remains an active interdisciplinary hub after nearly four decades, currently focusing on human applications while winding down primate studies but maintaining data analysis and new computational projects with a reduced team.
Matthew F. Glasser, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, affiliated with the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) and the Computational Imaging Research Center (CIRC). He co-directs a brain imaging laboratory with David Van Essen, PhD, and serves as co-leader of the Adult Aging Brain Connectome (AABC) project's Informatics, Data Analysis, and Statistics Core (IDASC). Education: Undergraduate: Emory University Doctorate: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Medical Degree: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Residency: Diagnostic Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology Fellowship: Neuroradiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology Dr. Glasser's research focuses on neuroanatomy, connectomics, and medical image analysis. He is best known for his work mapping 180 areas of each human cerebral cortical hemisphere using multiple MRI modalities as part of the Human Connectome Project (HCP). His work involves developing techniques for cortical myelin mapping to identify brain areas and align maps across individuals. He continues this research through the Adult Aging Brain Connectome (AABC) project, which aims to uncover factors underlying vulnerability and resilience to late-life dementia. Dr. Glasser's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on advancing brain imaging techniques and understanding brain connectivity. His work spans from foundational methods in the Human Connectome Project to applications in aging and neurological disorders. Recent publications show an expansion into clinical applications like speech neuroprosthetics and depression treatment, indicating how his fundamental research in brain mapping is translating into therapeutic innovations. Scientific Awards: 2021–2022 Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate 2022 Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award, Radiological Society of North America 2022 Alpha Omega Alpha, Washington University School of Medicine 2018-2021 Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate 2017 Hugh M. Wilson Award in Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute 2016 Dennis Hallahan Fellowship for Outstanding Research 2016 Olin Medical Scientist Fellowship 2009 Pittsburgh Brain Connectivity Competition Winner 2008 Distinguished Young Scholar Award Dr. Glasser has been instrumental in securing significant research funding, most notably as a key contributor to the $30 million Human Connectome Project funded by the NIH. He currently co-leads the AABC's Informatics, Data Analysis, and Statistics Core. While the text doesn't specify his current advisees, his position as Assistant Professor and research leadership suggests he mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in neuroimaging and connectomics. Dr. Glasser co-directs a brain imaging laboratory with David Van Essen that is now part of the Computational Imaging Research Center (CIRC). This laboratory has been central to the Human Connectome Project and its successor, the Adult Aging Brain Connectome project. The lab brings together expertise in neuroscience, radiology, computer science, and statistics to advance brain imaging methodologies and applications.
Mark S. Seidenberg is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in language acquisition and reading skills. His research bridges cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and educational practice, with particular focus on how humans learn to read and process language. Dr. Seidenberg's educational background includes a Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York. His research interests span language acquisition, reading development, cognitive neuroscience of language, and educational implications of reading science. His work has significantly influenced both theoretical understanding of reading processes and practical applications in education. His publication record shows consistent scholarly activity from the 1990s through 2022, with recent work examining gender representation in children's books, embodied semantics, and the science of reading. His research demonstrates a progression from foundational studies of word recognition and naming to broader investigations of reading science and its educational applications. Dr. Seidenberg has contributed to major scientific journals including Science, Psychological Science, Cerebral Cortex, and Journal of Experimental Psychology. His 2013 paper "The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications" represents a significant synthesis of research in the field. His work connects cognitive psychology with educational practice, particularly in understanding reading development and disorders. The trajectory of his research shows increasing attention to practical applications of reading science in educational settings, as evidenced by publications like "Taking educational research to school" (2009) and "How should reading be taught?" (2002).
Blake Johnson is an Associate Professor and Honorary Professor at the School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, affiliated with the Hearing CRC. His research focuses on brain mechanisms underlying perception, cognition, motor control, and mental imagery, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques like MEG and EEG. He leads projects investigating speech motor control in children with developmental disorders, such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), and has pioneered methodologies combining MEG with speech tracking systems. Research Interests: Johnson's work spans cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and developmental psychology. Key areas include speech production mechanisms, neural correlates of motor control, auditory processing abnormalities in disorders like stuttering and autism, and the application of MEG/EEG for understanding brain dynamics. His studies often integrate multimodal data to explore how neural activity coordinates with behavioral outcomes. Recent Projects: Active projects include investigating the neural origins of motor disorders in CAS (2022–2023) and developing MEG-articulography techniques for speech research (2016–2020). He collaborates internationally, focusing on brain mechanisms in speech motor control and developmental neuroplasticity. Articles Trends: His publications emphasize MEG/EEG applications in speech and motor systems, with recent work on beta-band rhythms in speech production, emotional distractor suppression, and lateralized linguistic processing. These studies highlight innovative methods for linking neural activity to behavioral and developmental outcomes. Grants & Collaborations: Leads 29 projects since 2008, including the Bio-semi EEG system (ongoing) and collaborations on childhood apraxia. His lab is part of the Hearing CRC, fostering translational research in auditory and speech neuroscience. Labs/Teams: Based at Macquarie’s School of Psychological Sciences, his team specializes in neuroimaging and developmental neuroscience, contributing to both fundamental and applied research in hearing and speech disorders.
Alessandra Pierani is a Professor leading a research team focused on understanding the genetics and development of the cerebral cortex, particularly the role of Cajal-Retzius cells in neural circuit formation. Her work bridges developmental neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and clinical applications, with affiliations at Institut Imagine (Paris) and the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris (IPNP). Her research investigates how transient neuronal populations influence cortical architecture, with implications for neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Key areas include neuronal migration, synaptic gene regulation, and the evolutionary origins of higher-order cortical functions. Her team employs mouse and primate models to study developmental mechanisms linking early brain formation to later-onset psychiatric conditions. Recent projects emphasize translational research, collaborating with clinicians and geneticists to develop mouse models for cortical abnormalities and improve diagnosis of neurodevelopmental diseases. The team includes 22 members from 7 nationalities, with associated labs at both institutes.
Professor David Elliott is a leading researcher in molecular genetics at Newcastle University's Institute of Genetic Medicine. With over two decades of research experience, he has established himself as an expert in RNA splicing mechanisms and their role in human diseases, particularly prostate cancer and developmental disorders. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of alternative splicing, with particular emphasis on: RNA binding proteins and their role in tissue-specific splicing regulation Splicing dysregulation in prostate cancer pathogenesis and progression Germ cell development and male fertility mechanisms Neurodevelopmental processes and associated genetic disorders Glycosylation pathways and their intersection with splicing regulation in cancer Professor Elliott's work demonstrates how alterations in RNA processing contribute to disease pathogenesis, with significant implications for developing novel therapeutic approaches. His research spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational applications, particularly in cancer treatment. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how: Splicing factors like Tra2β regulate tissue-specific alternative splicing events Glycosylation enzymes influence cancer cell behavior and treatment response RNA binding protein networks maintain proper gene expression during development Genetic variants in splicing regulators lead to neurodevelopmental disorders Professor Elliott has received continuous research funding and has trained numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His work is frequently published in high-impact journals and has influenced the direction of research in RNA biology and cancer genetics.
Prof. Dr. Erik van Nimwegen is a Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, where he leads a research group focused on computational and systems biology. His laboratory is housed in Room 08.012 at the Biozentrum, with contact information including phone number +41 61 207 15 76 and email erik.vannimwegen@unibas.ch. His administrative support is provided by Rita Ruppen and Jonila Vladi. Van Nimwegen's research centers on understanding the function and evolution of genome-wide regulatory networks. His group investigates how cells control gene expression using both theoretical and experimental methods, with particular interest in deciphering the genome's regulatory code, analyzing gene expression dynamics from single cells to genome-wide regulatory programs, and uncovering quantitative laws of genome evolution. His interdisciplinary approach combines computational predictions with experimental data to model regulatory networks across organisms from E. coli to humans. His work has significant implications for understanding cellular behavior, developing evolutionary theory based on measurable quantities, and potential applications ranging from taming pathogens to engineering human tissue. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on gene regulatory networks, with increasing emphasis on single-cell analysis, computational modeling of biological systems, and the evolutionary aspects of gene regulation. His work spans bacterial systems (particularly E. coli) to higher eukaryotes, with recent publications showing expansion into visualization techniques for single-cell data, cancer research related to RNA processing, and even virology with work on COVID-19 origins. A notable trend is the integration of multiple data types (multiomics) and the development of sophisticated computational tools for analyzing complex biological systems. Van Nimwegen's group has developed numerous software tools and web services for regulatory and comparative genomics, including ISMARA (Integrated System for Motif Activity Response Analysis), CRUNCH (for ChIP-seq data analysis), SwissRegulon database, Phylogibbs, and others. These resources reflect his commitment to creating practical tools that advance the field of computational biology. His laboratory operates as an interdisciplinary team with researchers from diverse backgrounds including theoretical physics, computer science, and molecular biology. The group actively recruits postdocs and engineers, as evidenced by a 2018 posting seeking researchers for computational analysis of bioimages. His work has established important theoretical frameworks for understanding gene regulatory networks and their evolution, with significant contributions to the field of systems biology.
