Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Sara Gallini is an Assistant Professor at EPFL, leading the Gallini Lab within the ISREC Department of the School of Engineering (SV). Her research focuses on understanding how healthy and oncogenic cells compete in skin epithelium, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for skin cancer prevention. She holds a Tenure Track position and teaches in the Life Sciences Engineering program. Her lab employs advanced in vivo imaging and single-cell analysis techniques. Education details are not explicitly provided, but her career includes a postdoctoral fellowship with the HFSP. Her research integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to study cancer initiation and tissue homeostasis, particularly in injury-driven dynamics. Lab Members: Includes PhD student Mustafa Öztürk and technical staff Mélanie Sipion. Key Research Themes: Oncogenic cell competition, epidermal regeneration, EGFR/ERK signaling, and therapeutic target discovery. Her lab collaborates with clinical teams and uses models like mouse skin to study tumor suppression mechanisms. Future work aims to leverage healthy cell dynamics for cancer treatment strategies. Contact: SV 2527 office, +41216936764, sara.gallini@epfl.ch .
Michael Lampson is Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, with secondary appointments in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. He serves as faculty in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) Graduate Groups, and is affiliated with the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). Ph.D., Cornell University, Weill Medical College, 2002 AB, Harvard College, 1994 Dr. Lampson's research program focuses on fundamental mechanisms of chromosome biology, with particular emphasis on cell division, centromere inheritance, and meiotic drive. His lab investigates how selfish genetic elements can violate Mendel's First Law through meiotic drive, the stability of centromere chromatin through the germline, and the role of repetitive satellite DNA in chromosome segregation. Using innovative approaches including mouse model systems, optogenetic tools, and biochemical techniques, his work bridges cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology to address questions with implications for reproductive biology, cancer, and genetic inheritance. Analysis of Dr. Lampson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of centromere biology, meiotic drive, and chromosome segregation mechanisms. His work increasingly incorporates computational approaches alongside experimental systems to study evolutionary aspects of centromere function. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in methodology, particularly in developing optogenetic tools for precise manipulation of cellular processes. Key themes include the role of satellite DNA variation, mechanisms of non-Mendelian inheritance, and the stability of chromatin structures through cell division and development. Searle Scholar Award American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellow Dr. Lampson's research is supported by multiple NIH grants including from NIGMS, NHGRI, NICHD, and NCI, as well as University of Pennsylvania funding sources including the University Research Foundation, Abramson Cancer Center, and several specialized research centers. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including Ben Black (Biochemistry), Dennis Discher (Chemical Engineering), Dave Chenoweth (Chemistry), and Roger Greenberg (Cancer Biology), reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. His lab has trained numerous graduate students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. The Lampson Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for cell biological, genetic, and biochemical research, with specialized equipment for live-cell imaging, optogenetic manipulation, and mouse genetics. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that bridges molecular, cellular, and evolutionary perspectives on chromosome biology.
Ramesh Shanmughom Pillai is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He holds additional roles as a Visiting Professor at the University of Kumamoto, Japan, and has been a Group Leader at EMBL Grenoble and a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on RNA modifications, epigenetics, and piRNA pathways in germline biology. Pillai has received prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator Grant and The RNA Society Scaringe Award. Education: BSc Botany (University of Kerala, India) MSc Biotechnology (IIT Roorkee, India) PhD in Cell Biology (University of Bern, Switzerland) Research Interests: Pillai’s work centers on RNA biology, particularly the role of RNA modifications (e.g., m6A, m6Am) in development and fertility. He investigates piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, and the molecular mechanisms of RNA-protein interactions. His studies bridge biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology to elucidate how RNA molecules regulate critical biological processes. Teaching & Service: At the University of Geneva, he teaches Molecular Biology courses (BSc/MSc levels) and advises 5 PhD students and 4 postdocs. He chairs the ERC Consolidator Grant Review Panel and organizes major conferences like the PIWI/piRNAs Meeting and Swiss RNA Workshop. Pillai also serves on editorial boards for Nucleic Acids Research and RNA . Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) Best PhD Thesis Award (2003) RNA Society Scaringe Award (2005) Grants & Labs: Funded by ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants, his lab explores RNA modification networks in germ cells. Former trainees include Professors Simon Conn (Flinders University) and Hao Wu (CAS, China).
Dr. Monica P. Colaiacovo is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, where she leads research in the Department of Genetics within the Blavatnik Institute. Her laboratory is located in the New Research Building in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Colaiacovo's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, chromosome dynamics, and DNA repair in the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Her work examines how environmental toxicants impact germline function and reproductive health, with particular emphasis on chromosome segregation, recombination, and the synaptonemal complex. Her publications reveal a consistent research trajectory examining critical aspects of meiotic chromosome behavior, including double-strand break formation and repair, crossover designation, and chromosome movement during prophase I. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental exposures like bisphenol A and phthalates disrupt normal meiotic progression and lead to germline dysfunction. Dr. Colaiacovo's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between basic chromosome biology, environmental health sciences, and reproductive medicine. Her research group employs advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging techniques to dissect the complex mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Her laboratory actively collaborates with researchers studying aging, DNA repair pathways, and environmental toxicology, as evidenced by publications spanning multiple high-impact journals including Nature, PLoS Genetics, and Genetics.
Dr. Julia Kamenz is an Assistant Professor (Rosalind Franklin fellow) at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she leads research in the Molecular Systems Biology group within the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB). Her work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell cycle progression and cell division. Dr. Kamenz received her undergraduate training in Biochemistry at the University of Tuebingen, completed her PhD at the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society under Dr. Silke Hauf (defended February 2015 with highest honors), and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University with Prof. James E. Ferrell. Her PhD work was supported by a Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowship, and her postdoc was funded by a German Research Foundation (DFG) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her research expertise spans cell cycle regulation and dynamics, post-translational modifications, Xenopus laevis model systems, and live cell microscopy. Dr. Kamenz investigates how kinases and phosphatases intricately regulate cell proliferation and division, with particular interest in the molecular mechanisms that ensure faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis. Her recent work has revealed novel insights into mitotic checkpoint signaling, particularly in early embryonic development where these checkpoints appear to function differently than in somatic cells. Dr. Kamenz's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on the dynamics of cell cycle transitions, with recent papers appearing in high-impact journals including Nature, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, and The Journal of Cell Biology. Her research integrates experimental biochemistry, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling approaches to understand complex regulatory networks. ERC Starting Grant (November 2022) NWO Vidi Grant (July 2021) Mansour Postdoctoral Travel Award (2019) Dr. Kamenz has secured significant research funding including an ERC Starting Grant (€1.5 million) and an NWO XS grant (€50,000) for her project "What limits mitotic checkpoint signaling in the early embryo?" Her research contributes to understanding fundamental biological processes with implications for developmental biology and cancer research. She collaborates extensively within the University of Groningen and with international partners, particularly in the areas of cell cycle research and biophysical approaches to biological problems. Dr. Kamenz leads a research group focused on cell cycle regulation within the Molecular Systems Biology division of the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute. Her lab combines biochemical approaches using Xenopus egg extracts with live-cell imaging and computational modeling to dissect the molecular mechanisms controlling cell division.
John Diffley is a Principal Group Leader and Associate Research Director at The Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, where he leads research on DNA replication mechanisms. His work focuses on understanding how cells precisely duplicate their DNA during cell division and how errors in this process contribute to cancer development. Diffley obtained his PhD from New York University in 1985 and completed postdoctoral training with Bruce Stillman at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory until 1990. He established his research group at the Clare Hall Laboratories (originally Imperial Cancer Research Fund, then Cancer Research UK) before moving to The Francis Crick Institute in 2015. His research spans DNA replication initiation, cell cycle control, replication fork checkpoints, and epigenetic inheritance. Diffley's lab has pioneered methods to reconstitute chromatin replication using purified proteins, providing unprecedented insights into chromosome biology. His team combines genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to study the molecular 'machines' that copy DNA in yeast and human cells. Analysis of Diffley's recent publications reveals a strong focus on structural mechanisms of DNA replication, particularly using cryo-EM to visualize replication machinery. His work examines helicase loading and activation, replication fork stability under stress, and the connection between replication errors and cancer development. The research spans model organisms to human cells, with increasing emphasis on structural approaches in recent years. FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society) FMedSci (Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences) Diffley actively mentors a diverse team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, investigating various aspects of DNA replication. His lab has received substantial funding to support their work on replication mechanisms, with projects spanning basic biochemical reconstitution to studies of replication errors in cancer contexts. The lab maintains multiple technical platforms including structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology approaches. His research group operates within The Francis Crick Institute's collaborative environment, utilizing shared facilities for structural biology, microscopy, and genomics to advance understanding of DNA replication mechanisms and their implications for genome stability and disease.
Kara McKinley is an Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University , joining the department in 2021. She is a Principal Faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute , an Associate member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard , and a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute . Her research focuses on the regenerative capacity of the human uterus , particularly the endometrium, which undergoes ~400 cycles of tissue remodeling, shedding, and repair during the reproductive lifespan. Using rodent models , genetic, molecular, and live microscopy tools, her lab investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of regeneration, defects leading to diseases like endometriosis, and applications in regenerative medicine . Her work also explores cell division , centromere biology , and CRISPR genome engineering . Current research trends in her publications include epithelial zonation in the small intestine , mechanisms of endometrial regeneration , macropinocytosis in Hydra , and academic mentorship strategies . Her studies span cellular biomechanics , mitotic regulation , and translational approaches for tissue repair. NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (terminated in 2025 litigation with federal government) Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (Broad Institute) Kara mentors Harvard undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows through rotations and research opportunities. Her lab is based at Harvard’s Bauer 306 and advocates for gender equity in life sciences faculty via the Leading Edge initiative. Funding includes a now-terminated NIH New Innovator grant aimed at menstrual health research.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Beat Fierz is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Basic Sciences (SB), affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC) and the Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules (LCBM). He holds additional roles as Director of the Doctoral Program in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (EDCH) and oversees doctoral education within the SCGC teaching unit. His research focuses on chromatin dynamics, epigenetic regulation, and chemical biology approaches to study histone modifications and protein interactions. He has supervised over 14 PhD students and teaches courses in advanced chemistry and chemical biology. His work bridges molecular mechanisms of chromatin structure with cellular processes like DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Research Interests: Dr. Fierz investigates how post-translational modifications of histones (e.g., ubiquitylation, acetylation) regulate chromatin compaction, silencing, and accessibility. He employs single-molecule techniques and chemical synthesis to reconstitute and analyze chromatin states, with applications in understanding epigenetic diseases, aging, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing dynamics. Recent studies highlight mechanisms of HP1α-mediated heterochromatin assembly and pioneer transcription factor invasion into compact chromatin. Doctoral Program Leadership: As Director of the EDCH program, he oversees training in chemistry and chemical engineering, ensuring academic rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration. His lab collaborates extensively with EPFL's Chemical Biology NCCR and contributes to initiatives like the Chemical Biology Seminar Series. Lab & Teams: The LCBM lab uses innovative tools like 'MagIC beads' and semisynthetic nucleosomes to study chromatin modifications. Current projects include exploring how ubiquitin signals modulate DNA repair proteins and how histone aging impacts chromatin stability. Collaborations span biophysics, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry.
Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement
Scott Forth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's School of Science. He specializes in biophysics, focusing on microtubule networks in cell division and neuronal development. Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University (2009) B.S. in Physics and B.M. in Music Performance from Oberlin College (2002) Postdoctoral Fellow at Rockefeller University (2010-2016) His research combines optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy to study how forces are transmitted across biopolymer networks. Key areas include: Mechanics of mitotic microtubule networks PRC1-mediated force resistance in cell division Kinesin motor protein dynamics Single-molecule biophysical methods Neuronal cytoskeleton organization Recent work analyzes force generation in reconstituted microtubule bundles and mechanical roles of proteins like PRC1 and kinesin-5. Scientific Awards Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NIH postdoctoral F32) Rensselaer School of Science Outstanding Teacher Award Rensselaer School of Science Early Career Research Award Biophysical Society Early Career Award (Motility and Cytoskeleton Subgroup) Dr. Forth's lab studies how nanometer-scale proteins coordinate to create micron-scale cellular mechanics. Current projects focus on microtubule network organization during cell division and neuronal development.
Hajime Murakami is an Advanced Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, where he conducts cutting-edge research on meiotic recombination mechanisms. His work focuses on understanding how cells manage the complex process of DNA double-strand break formation and repair during meiosis, with implications for human fertility and chromosome disorders. Dr. Murakami's research interests center on the molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination, particularly the role of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in chromosome segregation. His laboratory investigates how proteins like Hop1 and Red1 function as 'manager proteins' that direct the DNA 'scissors' to appropriate chromosomal locations, ensuring proper recombination while preventing errors that could lead to miscarriage or congenital syndromes. His work primarily uses yeast as a model system, which shares fundamental meiotic mechanisms with humans. Analysis of Dr. Murakami's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the molecular regulation of meiotic recombination across his career. His research has progressively uncovered sophisticated control mechanisms that ensure accurate chromosome segregation, with particular emphasis on how cells manage DNA break formation across chromosomes of different sizes. His work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications in reproductive medicine. Dr. Murakami has received significant recognition for his work, most notably a Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Award, which supports his ongoing research into the molecular basis of meiotic recombination. As an active researcher accepting PhD students in Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Murakami continues to advance our understanding of fundamental genetic processes that underlie human reproductive health. His laboratory at the Institute of Medical Sciences on Foresterhill Campus employs yeast genetics and molecular biology approaches to investigate the critical processes that ensure proper chromosome segregation during gamete formation.
Gilles Hickson is a Full Professor at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology. He is affiliated with the Azrieli Research Center at CHU Sainte-Justine and serves as Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, Co-director of the Microscopy Imaging Platform, and responsible for the Molecular Biology Program. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of cytokinesis, particularly the transition from contractile rings to midbody rings, and the roles of anillin, septins, and actomyosin dynamics in cell division using Drosophila as a model. His work has implications for cancer biology and drug development. Education: BSc (Manchester), PhD (University of Glasgow), Postdoctoral training (UCSF). Research Interests: Cytokinesis mechanisms, cytoskeletal coordination, cell division errors in cancer, and developmental variations in cytokinesis. His awards include the FRQS Senior Researcher Fellowship and multiple grants from CIHR and NSERC. He supervises graduate students and has mentored over a dozen researchers. His lab employs genetic tools and high-resolution microscopy to dissect cytokinesis machinery. He also contributes to teaching, including courses in molecular medicine and microscopy. Awards: Komen Postdoctoral Fellowship, Leukemia & Lymphoma Special Fellow, Cole Foundation Transition Award. Grants: Ongoing CIHR and NSERC funding (2022–2027) for cytokinesis research. Hickson collaborates with institutions like the CHU Sainte-Justine and leads projects on cytokinesis networks, septin assembly, and actomyosin coordination. His lab is part of the Azrieli Center and the Microscopy Imaging Platform.
Dr. Joe F. Lutkenhaus is a University Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. A member of the American Academy of Microbiology (2002) and the National Academy of Sciences (2014), he has received prestigious accolades including the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (2012) and an NIH Merit Award. BSc, Chemistry, Iowa State University PhD, Biochemistry, UCLA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh Postdoctoral Fellowship, Microbiology, University of Connecticut His research focuses on bacterial cytokinesis, particularly the molecular mechanisms of the Z ring and divisome complex in Escherichia coli . Key areas include spatial/temporal regulation of septation, protein interactions (FtsZ, FtsA, FtsEX), and the evolution of cell division machinery across prokaryotes. Recent work explores photosynthesis-related proteins in haloarchaeal division and the self-enhancing nature of divisomes in Caulobacter crescentus . Scientific contributions span over 40 years, with 15 most recent publications highlighting regulatory mechanisms of FtsZ polymers, ATP-dependent divisome assembly, and novel protein interactions. Articles demonstrate expertise in bacterial cell cycle regulation, peptidoglycan synthesis, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Recipient, Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (2012) NIH Merit Award Member, National Academy of Sciences (2014–Present) Member, American Academy of Microbiology (2002–Present) Dr. Lutkenhaus's lab has contributed to understanding Z ring kinetics, FtsEX-FtsA interactions, and Min system oscillation. His work bridges fundamental bacterial biology with implications for antibiotic development, supported by continuous NIH funding and collaborations across structural biology and genetics.
Prof. Dr. Jörg Stülke is a full Professor of Microbiology and Head of the Department of General Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen. He has held this position since 2003 and leads an active research group focused on bacterial metabolism and gene regulation. His research spans two major model systems: the pathogenic bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the well-studied Bacillus subtilis . His group employs systems-level approaches including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics to understand metabolic regulation and gene expression. Key interests include protein phosphorylation, RNA-mediated regulation, mRNA processing, and the role of second messengers such as cyclic di-AMP in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. The recent publications reveal a strong trend in molecular microbiology, functional genomics, and systems biology. His work often integrates experimental and computational methods, particularly evident in the development and maintenance of the SubtiWiki database for B. subtilis . The research bridges fundamental mechanisms of life with applications in understanding bacterial virulence and cellular homeostasis. He is affiliated with several graduate programs under the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB), including: Molecular Biology (IMPRS) Biomolecules: Structure - Function - Dynamics (GZMB) Molecular Biology of Cells (GZMB) Microbiology and Biochemistry Genome Science (IMPRS) While no individual students are listed, he clearly supervises doctoral candidates through these programs. His group has secured significant research output, including publications in Science , Nucleic Acids Research , and PLOS Pathogens , indicating successful grant funding and collaborative research. The lab maintains a dedicated website at http://genmibio.uni-goettingen.de/ , which serves as a hub for research activities and resources like SubtiWiki.
Dr. Eugenio Sanchez-Moran is a Reader and Research Fellow in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chromosome condensation and DNA organization during plant meiosis. He holds a Ph.D. from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2001) and has been supported by prestigious fellowships, including a Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship (2002-2003) and BBSRC Postdoc Research Fellowships (2004-2008). His work integrates cytogenetic, proteomic, and systems biology approaches to understand how chromatin dynamics influence critical biological processes such as cell division, fertility, and genome stability. Research Interests: Chromosome structure and behavior in meiosis, DNA compaction, plant genetics, and the role of chromatin components in genome organization. His studies utilize Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system to investigate the evolutionary conservation of chromatin machinery. Awards: Marie-Curie Fellowship, BBSRC Postdoc Research Fellowship, and David Phillips Fellowship. His research is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Labs and Facilities: Collaborates with the Birmingham Advanced Light Microscopy (BALM) facility for high-resolution cytogenetic analyses. His work contributes to understanding the molecular basis of meiotic processes and their implications for agriculture and genetics.
