Peter Brodersen is a Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen , specializing in Bioinformatics and RNA Biology . His research focuses on RNA modification (m6A), YTHDF proteins, and small RNA pathways in plants. Recent research trends from his group include: (1) molecular mechanisms of ARGONAUTE-small RNA interactions, (2) m6A-YTHDF regulatory systems in plant development, and (3) RNAi-independent roles of DICER-LIKE proteins in antiviral defense. Collaborations span Denmark and international institutions. Publications highlight cross-disciplinary work bridging computational biology and experimental plant genetics. Key subfields include RNA structure, epigenetic regulation, and antiviral immunity.
James Briscoe is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, where he leads a research group focused on developmental biology and morphogen signaling. He previously held positions at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute. Education: BSc in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund/King's College London Postdoctoral training at Columbia University with Thomas Jessell Dr. Briscoe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of graded signaling by morphogens and the role of transcriptional networks in cell fate specification. His laboratory employs a range of experimental and computational techniques using model systems including mouse and chick embryos and embryonic stem cells. His work has significant implications for understanding developmental processes and their relationship to disease. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on morphogen gradients, neural tube development, and computational approaches to understanding cell fate decisions. His research increasingly integrates single-cell technologies and computational modeling to unravel the complexities of developmental patterning. Scientific Awards and Honors: EMBO Young Investigator (2001) EMBO Gold Medal (2008) Elected to EMBO (2009) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) Fellow of the Royal Society (2019) As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Development since 2018, Dr. Briscoe plays a significant role in shaping the field of developmental biology. His leadership extends to mentoring researchers and contributing to scientific policy discussions, as evidenced by his recent publication 'Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times.' Dr. Briscoe's laboratory at the Crick Institute is well-equipped with access to advanced facilities including light microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and computational resources, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to developmental biology questions.
Christoph F. Schmidt is the Hertha Sponer Distinguished Professor of Physics at Duke University with cross-appointments in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering. He serves as Co-Director of the Duke Materials Initiative and leads an active research program at the intersection of physics and biology. His educational background includes a D.R. from the Technical University of Munich (Germany) in 1988. Schmidt has established himself as a leading researcher in biophysics through decades of innovative work. Professor Schmidt's research spans multiple scales of biological organization, from single molecules to whole organisms. His lab investigates cellular mechanics using advanced techniques including optical trapping, atomic force microscopy, and microrheology. A significant innovation from his group involves single-walled carbon nanotubes for high-bandwidth intracellular tracking. Current research focuses on cardiomyocyte mechanics, Drosophila tissue dynamics, and computational analysis of complex biological systems. His work on motor proteins like Eg5 and ncd has provided fundamental insights into cellular division mechanics. His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate increasing integration of computational approaches with experimental biophysics, particularly in analyzing cardiac tissue mechanics and Drosophila sensory systems. The work shows progression from fundamental biophysical measurements toward applications in understanding disease mechanisms and biological function. Professor Schmidt teaches several courses including PHYSICS 995 (Graduate Training Internship), PHYSICS 493 (Research Independent Study), PHYSICS 415 (Biophysics II), PHYSICS 174 (Introduction to Frontiers of Biophysics), and BIOLOGY 425 (Biophysics II). He has successfully mentored numerous graduate students to completion, including recent PhD graduates Dr. Mingru Li and Dr. Xiaoxuan Jian. The Schmidt Lab, part of Duke's Physics Department and the Duke Soft Matter Center, maintains state-of-the-art equipment for optical trapping, atomic force microscopy, and advanced light microscopy. The lab participates in the Triangle Soft Matter Workshop, fostering collaborations with researchers from Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State University. Current research directions include mechanical responses of suspended cells, tracking non-equilibrium cellular fluctuations, nuclear mechanics, and bacterial membrane mechanics under turgor pressure.
Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Silvia Santos is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, leading the Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab since January 2018. Her research focuses on understanding cell decision-making during transitions, specifically cell division and differentiation in early development using human embryonic stem cells. She combines experimental techniques with theoretical approaches, including advanced microscopy, genomics, and computational modeling. Education and Career: PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from EMBL-Heidelberg (2008), followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2009-2014). She held an MRC Career Development Award at Imperial College London (2014-2017) before joining the Crick. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods to study cellular processes in health and disease. Research Interests: Spatial-temporal control in cell decisions, stem cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and modeling embryonic development. She advocates for women in science and mentorship programs for early-career researchers. Key Achievements: Recipient of Marie Curie E-Star, EMBO, and HFSP fellowships. Recognized with the BioModels’ Model of the Year 2023 for contributions to systems biology. Her lab develops models like gastruloids to study embryonic development. Grants and Mentorship: Supported by MRC and other grants. Committed to fostering excellence in training and mentorship, previously chairing mentorship initiatives at Imperial College London. Labs and Teams: Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab at the Crick, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving proteomics, genomics, and high-throughput screening.
Dana Pe'er is a Professor and Chair of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and holds the Alan and Sandra Gerry Endowed Chair. Dr. Pe'er leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines advanced genomics approaches with machine learning to address fundamental questions in biomedical science, with particular focus on cancer biology, developmental biology, and immunology. Dr. Pe'er earned her PhD from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship with George Church at Harvard Medical School. Before joining Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2016, she held faculty positions at Columbia University. Dr. Pe'er's research focuses on understanding cellular plasticity, the consequences of intra-tumor heterogeneity, cancer evolution and metastasis, and the mechanisms by which regulatory circuits go awry in disease. Her lab combines single-cell and spatial profiling technologies with machine learning approaches to investigate gene regulation, cellular plasticity, and cell-cell communication in the contexts of cancer, immunity, and development. They are particularly interested in how organisms develop from a single cell to generate diverse cell types, how epigenetic control rewires during development, and how cells communicate to execute multicellular responses. Analysis of Dr. Pe'er's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing computational methods for single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis. Her work spans cancer types including pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer, with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, metastasis mechanisms, and cellular plasticity. A significant portion of her research involves creating novel algorithms and tools like CellRank, REUNION, and SEACells that enable researchers to extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets. 2023 Class of 2023 Inductee - American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy 2023 Innovator Award - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) 2021 Fellow - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2021) 2019 Ernst W. Bertner Memorial Award - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2016 Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award - Columbia University 2014 Director's Pioneer Award - National Institutes of Health 2014 Overton Prize - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Dr. Pe'er is known for her dedicated mentorship approach, describing herself as "a mama bear" who cares deeply about her trainees while expecting independence, innovation, and hard work. She mentors numerous PhD students and postdocs in her lab. Her HHMI Investigator award provides approximately $9 million over seven years, enabling ambitious research directions. She also collaborates extensively with the Single-cell Analytics and Innovation Lab (SAIL) at MSK to generate new data from emerging technologies, working closely with wet-lab collaborators at MSK and beyond to apply computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across multiple disease areas. The Pe'er Lab is an interdisciplinary group of computational biologists with diverse backgrounds ranging from pure mathematics to clinical medicine. They work closely with wet-lab collaborators to apply their computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across cancer, immunology, and developmental biology. The lab is described as open, supportive, collaborative, and fun, with access to world-class facilities at the Sloan Kettering Institute. Dr. Pe'er's work continues to push the boundaries of computational biology and cancer research, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized therapies for cancer patients.
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).
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
Michael Harrison is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he leads the Regeneration and Development Lab within the Graduate School of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on vascular development and regeneration using zebrafish as a model organism, with emphasis on coronary and cerebral vasculature. Education: B.Sc. in Genetics, University of Edinburgh (2005) Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics, University of Sheffield (mentor: Vincent Cunliffe) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CIRM Fellow) Harrison's research centers on understanding how blood and lymphatic vessels form and regenerate, particularly in the heart and brain. His lab investigates coronary vessel development, the role of lymphatic systems in inflammation and regeneration, and revascularization after injury. By leveraging zebrafish genetics and advanced imaging, his work aims to uncover pathways that could be harnessed for regenerative therapies in humans. His recent publications reveal key signaling mechanisms such as Cxcr4-Cxcl12 in coronary development and the two-step formation of cardiac lymphatics. The 15 most recent articles demonstrate a strong, consistent research trajectory in vascular biology and regeneration, with increasing use of advanced techniques like single-nuclei multiomics, fluidic imaging devices, and CRISPR-based genome editing. His work spans developmental mechanisms, functional imaging, and translational applications in cardiac repair. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Harrison actively mentors a team of postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, and students, several of whom have progressed to medical school or research careers. His lab collaborates extensively, particularly with Ching-Ling Lien's group. He has secured research space and funding to support ongoing projects in cardiac and cerebral vasculature. The lab is actively recruiting rotation students from BCMB, PBSB, IMP, and Tri-Institutional programs, as well as postdoctoral researchers and research assistants, indicating an expanding research team and active grant support. Labs and Teams: Regeneration and Development Lab, Weill Cornell Medicine Collaborations with Ching-Ling Lien Lab Member of Tri-Institutional PhD Programs Active participation in BCMB, PBSB, and IMP training programs
Michael Levine is the Anthony B. Evnin '62 Professor in Genomics and Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he also serves as Director of the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. He joined Princeton in 2015 after a distinguished career at UC Berkeley, where he was Professor of Genetics and held leadership roles in genetics and genomics programs. His research focuses on how noncoding regions of the genome regulate gene expression in space and time during development. His lab has pioneered studies in Drosophila and the protovertebrate Ciona intestinalis , uncovering fundamental mechanisms such as enhancer function, transcriptional bursting, short-range repression, and long-range enhancer-promoter interactions. His work has also revealed evolutionary insights into the origins of vertebrate innovations like the neural crest and neurogenic placodes. Levine's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on quantitative and live-imaging approaches to dissect gene regulation dynamics. His work integrates experimental embryology with computational modeling, especially using deep learning to predict transcriptional outcomes. Themes across his recent articles include biomolecular condensates, chromatin architecture, and the physical principles underlying enhancer function. Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (1998) Molecular Biology Award, National Academy of Sciences (1996) Wilbur Cross Medal, Yale University (2009) EG Conklin Medal, Society of Development Biology (2015) Dr. Levine has trained numerous researchers and co-authored studies with emerging scientists, indicating active mentoring and grant-funded research. His leadership roles at major institutes and sustained publication record reflect a robust, well-supported research program. He has also contributed to national genomics initiatives, including service at the DOE Joint Genome Institute. His lab operates at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, and quantitative developmental biology, utilizing model organisms and cutting-edge imaging and computational tools to unravel the logic of gene regulatory networks.
Miler T. Lee is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh , focusing on gene regulation during early embryonic development through high-throughput experimental and computational genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Junhyong Kim, followed by postdoctoral work with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. Joining the university in 2016, his research spans maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), RNA stability, pluripotency networks, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing model organisms like zebrafish, Xenopus, and Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Key Research Themes: Maternally inherited RNA dynamics during embryogenesis Mechanisms of RNA degradation and transcriptome remodeling Evolution of pluripotency networks in hybrid species Role of zinc signaling in fertilization barriers Computational tools for RNA regulation and sensing Scientific Awards: Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Junior Faculty Award (2024) Outstanding New Investigator – International Xenopus Board (2023) Basil O'Connor Scholar – March of Dimes (2017-2019) Recent publications highlight his work on enhancer classification, RNA degradation mechanisms, and cross-species MZT comparisons. His lab develops innovative methods like RESA for regulatory sequence analysis and studies evolutionary divergence in RNA localization patterns. While the articles span computational and experimental approaches, they consistently address RNA's role in cellular identity, developmental timing, and evolutionary adaptation. Applications include understanding pluripotency, designing RNA biosensors, and elucidating fertilization barriers. Prospective Ph.D. students are encouraged to contact him for opportunities in gene regulation, development, evo-devo, and computational genomics.
Keisuke Ishihara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on engineering human brain and cardiac organoids using genetic, chemical, and computational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and physical principles underlying tissue development. His lab is located at Biomedical Science Tower 3, with an office in room 10020A. Dr. Ishihara holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His work bridges synthetic biology, developmental biology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions in organogenesis and cellular morphogenesis. Recent research highlights include studies on BMP-mediated neural tube patterning in organoids and the biophysical dynamics of microtubule assemblies in large cells. Publications from his lab emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understand cell size scaling, mitotic spindle dynamics, and self-organization in synthetic tissues. His team has contributed to advancements in organoid technology, uncovering dormant genetic programs and physical principles governing tissue architecture. Laboratory activities are centered at the University of Pittsburgh, collaborating with the School of Medicine's computational and systems biology initiatives. For more details, visit his lab website linked below.
David B. Bensimon is a world-leading biophysicist and Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, holding the prestigious Regent's Professor title since 2007. He maintains a dual academic position, serving as Directeur de Recherche at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris while teaching and conducting research at UCLA for one quarter each year. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1986 under Leo Kadanoff, followed by postdoctoral research at Bell Laboratories and ENS Paris. Professor Bensimon's research spans multiple frontiers in biophysics and molecular biology, with particular expertise in single-molecule studies of nucleic acids and their proteins. His laboratory pioneered the Magnetic Trap technique for manipulating individual DNA molecules, enabling groundbreaking investigations into DNA mechanics, topoisomerase interactions, and molecular combing. His recent work has expanded into optogenetics, developmental biology using zebrafish models, and cancer research, with significant contributions to understanding how single-cell oncogene activation leads to tumorigenesis. His research output shows remarkable breadth across disciplines, with recent publications spanning biophysics, developmental biology, cancer research, and genomic technology development. Bensimon's work on opto-chemical tools has particularly transformed how researchers can control biological processes with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision, especially in zebrafish models. His laboratory has developed photoactivatable versions of key molecular tools including Cas9 (OptoCas9) and cyclofen systems that allow precise control of protein activity at the single-cell level. 2007 Regent's Professor at UCLA 1997 Vinci of Excellence Award for phospholipid vesicle research 1994 Jacques Monod Prize for Molecular Combing discovery Special Prize of the French Physical Society for DNA mechanics work ICAM Fellow KITP-UCSB Representative Bensimon has made significant contributions to both basic science and translational applications, co-founding Depixus for nucleic acid sequencing and epigenetic analysis. His laboratory continues to push boundaries in single-molecule biophysics while expanding into developmental biology and cancer research, with recent work demonstrating that activation of kRas in dedifferentiated cells increases tumorigenesis probability by two orders of magnitude. His mentorship has produced notable researchers including X. Michalet, and his theoretical work extends to the philosophical unification of scientific disciplines as evidenced by his book "The Unity of Science".
Jianping Fu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Cell and Developmental Biology. His research integrates micro/nanoengineering , mechanobiology , and stem cell biology to model human development and disease. Education: PhD (MIT, 2007), BE (University of Science and Technology of China, 2000) His research interests focus on stem cell bioengineering , developmental bioengineering , and mechanobiology , particularly in modeling early post-implantation human development, neural tube formation, and pluripotent stem cell mechanoregulation. His work combines biomimetic culture systems with microfluidic gradients to study embryogenesis and organogenesis. Recent publications highlight advances in human embryo modeling (2024 Cell, Nature, Cell Stem Cell), neural tube patterning (2024 Nature), and mechanobiology of stem cells (2024 Nature Reviews Physics). These studies emphasize computational methods , single-cell analysis , and standardization of embryo models . Scientific honors include: Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2022) ISSCR Merit Award (2024) Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2019) NSF CAREER Award (2012) Life Member, World Association of Chinese Biomedical Engineers (2024) Dr. Fu mentors extensively, with 20+ alumni including PhD students and postdocs now in academic and industry positions. His lab has received $3M NIH funding for immunological diagnostics and MTRAC grants for translational research. Collaborations with institutions like Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Rice University enhance his interdisciplinary approach to regenerative medicine.
