Dr. Giulia Biancon is an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She holds a PhD from the University of Milan (2019) and is a member of the Halene Lab, focusing on RNA biology and hematologic malignancies. Her research combines high-throughput methodologies to study RNA mechanisms in diseases like myeloid leukemias and splicing factor mutations. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Milan (2019). Research Interests: RNA splicing, stress granules in cancer, epitranscriptomics, clonal hematopoiesis, and the interplay between genetic mutations and cellular pathways in blood cancers. Awards: 2024 Eclipse Award, 2022 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, and 2022 RNA Society Best Poster Award. Her work has been published in journals like Cell Reports , Blood , and Molecular Cell . Labs/Teams: Principal member of the Halene Lab and coordinator at the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Collaborates with institutions like the SeroNet network for immunology studies.
Alexandre Bouchard-Côté is a Professor of Statistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Department of Statistics within the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on computational statistics, Bayesian methods, and Monte Carlo techniques, with applications in evolutionary biology, cancer genomics, and computational linguistics. Education : PhD in Computer Science (with Designated Emphasis in Statistics) from UC Berkeley (2010), BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from McGill University (2005). Affiliations : Director of the Blang probabilistic programming project and leader of the Bouncy Particle Sampler research group. Research Interests : Bouchard-Côté develops scalable Bayesian computational methods, including non-reversible Monte Carlo algorithms like the Bouncy Particle Sampler, and applies these to problems in cancer phylogenetics, evolutionary dynamics, and historical linguistics. His work emphasizes bridging theoretical foundations with practical tools for data science. Publications Trends : Recent work spans distributed sampling frameworks (e.g., Pigeons.jl), variational phylogenetic inference, and cancer clonal evolution modeling. His articles often address algorithmic scalability and interdisciplinary applications in biology and astronomy. Awards : CRM-SSC Prize in Statistics (2024) PIMS-UBC Mathematical Sciences Young Faculty Award (2018) Tweedie New Researcher Award (2016) Advising & Grants : Supervises graduate students (e.g., Son Luu, Nikola Surjanovic) and leads funded projects on distributed MCMC and cancer genomics. Collaborates with institutions like the Simons Foundation and the Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI). Labs/Teams : Core member of the UBC Statistical Machine Learning group, contributing to open-source tools like Blang and the Bouncy Particle Sampler implementation.
Dr. Ahmet Acar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. He leads the Cancer Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Laboratory, focusing on understanding mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer. His research integrates experimental models, next-generation sequencing, and deep learning to address clinical challenges in cancer therapy. Dr. Acar holds a B.Sc. from METU's Biological Sciences department and a Ph.D. from the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. He completed postdoctoral training at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Manchester. Research Interests: Drug resistance mechanisms, precision oncology, tumor microenvironment modeling, patient-derived organoids, computational pathology, and evolutionary cancer biology. His lab develops 2D/3D co-culture systems, PDO biobanks, and AI-driven histopathology tools to improve treatment strategies. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize tumor evolution modeling, matrix mechanics in drug resistance, and AI applications in histopathology. Collaborations with hospitals in Turkey and Europe support PDO biobank initiatives. His team explores evolutionary steering strategies to exploit collateral drug sensitivities. Labs/Teams: Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Lab at METU focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining wet-lab experiments with computational methods. Current projects include ex vivo tumor modeling and AI-driven diagnostic tools for oncology.
Rotem Karni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He leads a research lab focused on understanding how alternative RNA splicing contributes to cancer and genetic diseases, with a strong emphasis on translating these findings into RNA-based therapies. Karni's lab develops decoy oligonucleotides, small molecules, and splice-switching technologies to modulate splicing factors and enhance immunotherapy. Education BSc in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1997) PhD in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY (2002-2007) Karni's research explores the deregulation of alternative splicing in oncogenesis, particularly how splicing factors like RBFOX2 and S6K1 influence metastasis, DNA repair, and immune checkpoint modulation. His team investigates m6A RNA modifications for stabilizing mutant genes, with applications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and pancreatic cancer. The lab's work is commercialized through biotech companies: SKIP Therapeutics, Andlit Therapeutics, and RNAble. Selected Research Trends RNA mis-splicing and neoantigen generation (2025) Splicing factor inhibition for tumor suppression (2023) Metastatic splicing signatures in pancreatic cancer (2023) Immune checkpoint splicing in cancer immunotherapy (2021) m6A modulation for mRNA stabilization (2023) Advising & Collaborations Karni has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold leadership roles in academia, biotech, and medical institutions globally. His lab collaborates extensively on projects involving RNA innovation, including partnerships with the Institute for RNA Innovation. Contact Department of Genetics & Institute for RNA Innovation, One uCity Square, Room 4018, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-898-5072 Email: Rotem.Karni@Upenn.edu
Ross L. Levine, MD, is a distinguished Professor and Physician-Scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), holding the Edward P. Evans Endowed Chair for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). As Senior Vice President of Memorial Hospital’s Translational Research division, he leads groundbreaking work in hematologic malignancies, particularly leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). His research integrates clinical care with genomic and molecular studies to develop targeted therapies. Levine received his MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by residency in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Education: MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Residencies: Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowships: Hematology/Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Levine’s research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic drivers of myeloid cancers, including JAK-STAT pathway mutations in MPNs and AML. His team explores therapeutic strategies targeting CXCL8/CXCR2 signaling and clonal hematopoiesis. Key contributions include identifying JAK2 mutations in MPNs and advancing single-cell mutation analysis for clonal evolution studies. His clinical expertise includes treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis, performing bone marrow biopsies, and leading clinical trials for targeted therapies. Levine has pioneered translational research programs linking lab discoveries to patient care, emphasizing precision medicine. Awards & Honors: Pershing Square Sohn Prize (2014), Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Award (2007), and multiple Leukemia & Lymphoma Society accolades. He holds leadership roles in professional societies, including co-chairing the American Society of Hematology’s 2016 Scientific Program. Levine’s lab, part of the Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), collaborates with institutions globally. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Cancer Cell , Nature , and Blood , advancing understanding of cancer genetics and therapeutic innovation.
Kenneth Hoehn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Data Science at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College. As a computational immunologist with expertise in evolutionary biology, he develops computational evolutionary approaches to trace cellular lineages, particularly B cells, in contexts such as infection, vaccination, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on understanding adaptive immunity in conditions like COVID-19 Food allergies Myasthenia gravis through collaborations with experimental teams. Key projects include: Phylogenetic modeling of B cell responses Evolutionary signatures in immune repertoires Tracking B cell dissemination in autoimmune diseases Epigenetic regulation of memory B cells Recent publications highlight trends in single-cell immunology , phylogenetic inference , and computational tools for analyzing B cell dynamics. His lab at Dartmouth integrates evolutionary genetics with high-resolution immune profiling.
Lisa Westerberg is a Professor of Experimental Immunology at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet. Her research focuses on understanding how compromised immune systems lead to immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and hematological cancers, particularly studying the role of actin regulators in immune cell function. She leads the 'Immunodeficiency Diseases – Lisa Westerberg Group' and collaborates internationally with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University College London. Education: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Karolinska Institutet (2003), postdoc at Harvard Medical School (2009). Affiliations: Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology; WASPSTINGS network (STINT-funded); Swedish Society for Immunology (Treasurer). Research Interests: Immunodeficiency diseases, actin cytoskeleton dynamics in immune cells, cancer immunology, and space immunology. Her lab investigates how genetic mutations in actin regulators affect immune cell communication, migration, and genomic stability. Recent projects include studying immune system adaptation in microgravity and developing therapies targeting actin regulators in cancer. Articles Trends: Recent work highlights immune cell adaptations in space environments, therapeutic modulation of actin pathways, and clonal evolution in lymphomas. Over 15 articles since 2020 explore mechanisms linking immune dysfunction to cancer and immunodeficiency. Awards: Ragnar Söderberg Fellowship, ERC Starting Grant (2019), Wallenberg Academy Fellow. Funding: Swedish Research Council, Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation, EU grants. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 40 students (PhD, Master’s, undergrad) since 2010. Active in training programs like the Amgen Scholars initiative. Collaborates with global teams on projects funded by VR, NIH, and international partnerships. Labs/Teams: Leads the core Immunodeficiency Diseases Group and collaborates with the Dosenovic Lab (focusing on B cell vaccine development). The group uses CRISPR, high-resolution microscopy, and single-cell sequencing to study immune mechanisms.
Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.
Dr. Tim Halim is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Junior Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK Cambridge Institute), University of Cambridge. His primary research program focuses on pancreatic cancer, with thoracic cancer as a secondary research focus within the CRUK Cambridge Centre's structured research programs. Dr. Halim's research expertise lies at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology, with particular emphasis on innate lymphoid cells (especially ILC2) and regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment. His work investigates how these immune cell populations interact with cancer cells and influence tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. His research has significant implications for developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches for pancreatic and thoracic cancers. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the role of innate lymphoid cells in cancer, with recent work examining IL-33 and ILC2 in pancreatic cancer, cross-talk between ILC2 and regulatory T cells, and the influence of innate lymphoid cells on pancreatic stromal composition. His research employs advanced techniques including in vivo labeling, single-cell analysis, and fate-mapping approaches to understand immune cell behavior in cancer contexts. Dr. Halim has been awarded the prestigious Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, a joint fellowship from the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust that supports early-career researchers of outstanding promise working at the interface of basic and clinical science.
Colin Cooper is a Professor of Cancer Genetics at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. He is also a member of the Metabolic Health and Cancer Studies research groups. His work focuses on genomic evolution, tumor microbiome dynamics, and biomarker development for prostate cancer and musculoskeletal health. Cooper’s recent research explores the interplay between cancer genetics and microbial communities, emphasizing their role in prognosis and treatment outcomes. He investigates clonal evolution in tumors, mutational signatures, and non-invasive diagnostic tools like urinary extracellular vesicles. His collaborations span genomics, microbiology, and clinical applications. 2025: Causes of evolutionary divergence in prostate cancer (Genomics, Precision Medicine) 2024: Applications of urinary extracellular vesicles... (Biomarker Development, Liquid Biopsy) 2023: Caution regarding pan-cancer microbial structure (Methodological Considerations, Microbiome Analysis) In 2022, Cooper received the European Urology Oncology SoMe Award for his contributions. His work is frequently cited and has been featured in media outlets globally, highlighting his impact on cancer and aging research.
Dr. Calum Gabbutt is a Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Imperial College London's Department of Mathematics (Faculty of Natural Sciences) and a Postdoctoral Training Fellow at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. He holds a PhD in Mathematical Biology from Queen Mary University of London (2017–2021) and an MPhys from the University of Oxford (2013–2017). His research focuses on mathematical and computational methods to understand clonal dynamics and cancer evolution, particularly leveraging genomic and lineage tracing data. He develops Bayesian inference models to analyze evolutionary processes in cancer, aiming to improve clinical outcomes through precision medicine. Key areas include genetic barcoding, methylation-based molecular clocks, and phylogenetic reconstruction of tumor evolution. Recent work spans large-scale genomic analyses of cancer evolution, computational tools like PISCA-box for somatic chromosomal alterations, and studies on phenotypic plasticity in metastasis and therapy resistance. His research integrates AI-driven approaches to decode cancer heterogeneity and temporal dynamics in human tissues. Collaborations span institutions like the ICR and Queen Mary University of London, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods at the intersection of mathematics, computational biology, and oncology.
Jason Schweinsberg is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he has been a faculty member since Fall 2004. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2001, followed by a three-year NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University. His research focuses on probability theory with applications to evolutionary biology and population genetics. Schweinsberg's work centers on stochastic processes involving coalescence, branching Brownian motion, and their connections to biological phenomena. He has made significant contributions to understanding population models undergoing selection, cancer evolution, and spatial mutation processes. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on coalescent theory (particularly Λ-coalescents and nested coalescents), branching processes with absorption, and spatial evolutionary models. His work often bridges rigorous mathematical analysis with biological applications, especially in population genetics and cancer modeling. The 15 most recent articles demonstrate consistent focus on asymptotic analysis of stochastic processes, genealogical structures, and mutation dynamics in evolving populations. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship While specific student names aren't listed in the source material, Schweinsberg has delivered numerous lecture series at international institutions including the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Centre de Recherches Mathématiques (Montreal), and the Isaac Newton Institute (Cambridge), indicating active mentorship and academic leadership. His collaborations span multiple institutions, with frequent co-authorship with researchers like Julien Berestycki, Nathanaël Berestycki, and Rick Durrett. Though no formal lab structure is mentioned, Schweinsberg participates in interdisciplinary research communities through workshops at institutions like BIRS (Banff International Research Station), where he presented on mutation patterns in spatially structured populations in May 2025. His work connects probability theory with biological applications through sustained collaborations across mathematics, statistics, and computational biology fields.
Melissa Reeves is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on tumor immunology, heterogeneity, and evolution. Education: B.A. from Harvard University Ph.D. from University of California, San Francisco Research Interests center on understanding how tumor heterogeneity influences anti-tumor immune responses and tumor evolution under immunotherapy pressures. Key areas include T cell dynamics, spatial immune organization, and metastasis mechanisms. Publications highlight her work on squamous cell carcinomas, mutational landscapes, and immunotherapeutic strategies combining PD-1 and TGFβ targeting. Laboratory : The Reeves Lab investigates tumor-immune interactions through lineage tracing and spatial analysis techniques.
Kjetil Taskén is a full Professor at the Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo , and serves as the Director of the Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital . He leads the OUS Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer (SEPREK) since 2021 and has held multiple leadership roles in molecular medicine initiatives, including Director of the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Medicine (NCMM) and co-founder of Bioteknologisenteret. Current affiliations: University of Oslo | Oslo University Hospital Education: Dr.med. (Molecular Cell Biology) | Cand.med. | Research Leadership Course Research interests include immunoregulation in cancer , precision oncology , cellular signal transduction in disease , and drug development targeting immune checkpoints . His work bridges translational immunology and molecular oncology , with a focus on regulatory T cell modulation for cancer therapy. Scientific contributions span high-impact publications on regulatory T cell inhibition , precision medicine implementation , and signal pathway drug targeting . Recent articles highlight collaborations across Europe (PCM4EU, PRIME-ROSE) and Norway (IMPRESS-Norway), with methodological advances in tumor microenvironment modeling and mutation timing analysis . Awards : King Olav V Cancer Research Prize | Anders Jahre Medical Prize | Faculty Medal (UiO) | Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters Leadership : Director of NCMM | Founder of Bioteknologisenteret | Head of multiple national cancer research initiatives Labs and teams include the Cancer Immunology Section at Oslo University Hospital and affiliations with the K. G. Jebsen Center for B-Cell Malignancies , where he co-leads research groups.
Livio Trusolino is a Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Turin, affiliated with the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) in Candiolo. His research focuses on mechanisms of neoplastic transformation, growth factor receptor signaling, and preclinical models of targeted therapies, particularly in colorectal cancer. He leads courses such as 'Targeted Therapies in Colon Cancer' and contributes to the MD-PhD Program in Medicine. His work integrates molecular profiling (proteomics, genomics) with experimental models like patient-derived xenografts to study drug sensitivity and resistance. Key collaborations include projects on KRAS mutations, EGFR blockade, and drug combination therapies. He chairs academic bodies within the Department of Oncology and oversees the Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory. Recent research highlights include identifying biomarkers for therapeutic response and elucidating adaptive mutability in cancers. His contributions bridge basic science and clinical applications, advancing precision oncology strategies for colorectal cancer.
