Prof. Dr. Mathias Christmann is a faculty member at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin , leading the research group in Organic Chemistry . His work focuses on strategic and methodological challenges in synthetic chemistry, particularly in total synthesis, organocatalysis, and renewable resource transformations. Position: Professor Contact: mathias.christmann@fu-berlin.de Location: Takustr. 3, Room 24.16, 14195 Berlin Research Interests include: Natural product-inspired small molecule synthesis for biological pathway modulation Minimizing C-C bond formations through selective functionalization of terpene building blocks Organocatalytic and metal-catalyzed reactions in multistep sequences Flow chemistry applications for scalable and sustainable synthesis Biological evaluation of TRPC channel agonists/antagonists for cancer therapy Publication Trends highlight expertise in total synthesis of complex terpenoids, organocatalysis for stereocontrolled reactions, flow chemistry for late-stage transformations, and TRPC4/5 channel modulation in renal cancer studies. His group pioneers asymmetric desymmetrization , photo-oxidation protocols , and electrosynthesis methods with minimal reagent waste. Advisees include PhD candidates Jan-Hendrik Dickoff , Mayar Elbendary , Nadine Kreidt , Tobias Olbrisch , Kamar Shakeri , and Zhen Wang , focusing on terpene-based drug discovery and catalytic reaction design.
Michael Groll serves as Professor and Chair of Biochemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads structural biology and enzymology research with a focus on proteasome mechanisms and inhibitor development. His laboratory, located at the Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8 campus in Garching, maintains active collaborations in drug discovery for cancer and infectious diseases. His primary research domains include proteasome inhibition, enzyme catalysis, and natural product biosynthesis, employing X-ray crystallography, biochemical assays, and bioengineering to dissect molecular mechanisms. Recent work emphasizes AI-guided enzyme optimization, bacterial stress response targeting, and structural characterization of halogenation enzymes, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches bridging chemistry and biology. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals consistent innovation in proteasome-targeted therapeutics, with 15 high-impact papers featuring structural insights into enzyme-inhibitor complexes and biosynthetic pathways. Key trends include engineering megasynthetases for immunoproteasome inhibitors, optical control of protein degradation, and elucidating metal-dependent mechanisms in antibiotic biosynthesis. No scientific awards were documented in the provided source material. While specific grant details and student mentorship records were not disclosed, his extensive publication record indicates leadership in collaborative research projects involving structural biology and chemical biology methodologies. The Chair of Biochemistry under Prof. Groll operates as a hub for structural enzymology, housing facilities for protein crystallography, enzyme kinetics, and natural product characterization. His team actively contributes to TUM's research ecosystem through partnerships with pharmaceutical groups and international structural biology consortia.
Associate Professor LI Zhi leads the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS). His research focuses on advanced biocatalysis for sustainable manufacturing, bio-based fuels, and functional materials. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Vienna (1991), an MEng from Chinese Academy of Forestry (1985), and a BSc from Nanjing University (1982). Institutional Affiliations: NUS Faculty of Engineering, NUS ChBE Department. His lab actively collaborates with global institutions like A*STAR and the Singapore Catalysis Society. Research highlights include enzyme engineering for cascade reactions, CO₂ utilization, and biomaterial synthesis. Research Interests: Discovery of novel biocatalysts, engineering of biocatalytic systems, renewable feedstock utilization, and smart material development. Recent work emphasizes cascade biotransformations for chiral chemicals and sustainable processes. Lab Activities: Hosted international conferences (e.g., Southeast Asia Catalysis Conference 2019), collaborations with industry leaders (GSK, Pfizer), and visits from distinguished researchers like Prof. Zhao Huimin. Student milestones include PhD completions (e.g., Wang Wen, Joel Choo Ping Syong) and postdoc contributions across institutions. Grants & Labs: Active in grants related to biocatalysis and green chemistry. Lab members include researchers like Dr. Nicholas Goh and PhD students Li Li. Infrastructure includes advanced facilities for biotransformations and material synthesis.
Prof. Johannes A. Lercher is a retired professor (as of April 2023) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding the Chair of Chemical Technology II within the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, particularly understanding catalytic processes at solid-liquid and solid-gas interfaces, with applications in sustainable energy production, CO₂ conversion, and catalytic upcycling of polymers. He has held academic positions at the University of Twente (Netherlands) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (USA), and has been Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Catalysis . His honors include the Alwin Mittasch Prize (2021), ENI Award (2016), and Kozo Tanabe Prize (2013). His recent work emphasizes low-temperature polymer upcycling, methane activation, and bioinspired catalyst design, leveraging advanced spectroscopic and operando techniques. Despite retirement, his contributions to catalysis research remain impactful. Education: PhD (1980) and Habilitation (1985), Vienna University of Technology Visiting Lecturer, Yale University (1982) Research Interests: Heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic interfaces, sustainable energy carriers, CO₂ valorization, and polymer waste upcycling. Key areas include: Design of catalysts for selective hydrocarbon synthesis Mechanistic studies using advanced spectroscopy Development of scalable catalytic processes for industrial applications Recent Trends in Publications: Focus on low-temperature polymer recycling (e.g., PVC and polyolefin upcycling), methane activation via novel catalysts (e.g., Co 2+ in ZSM-5), and bioinspired catalytic strategies. His work bridges fundamental catalysis with industrial relevance, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. Awards and Recognition: Member, Academia Europaea and US National Academy of Engineering Recipient of multiple international catalysis awards (see full list above) Grants and Labs: Led the Institute for Integrated Catalysis (Pacific Northwest National Lab, 2011–present). His research groups have pioneered studies on zeolite-confined reactions and interfacial catalysis, with collaborations spanning academia and industry. Labs/Teams: Active in the TUM Department of Chemistry and international networks focused on catalytic innovation for a carbon-neutral economy.
Karl Griswold is a Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering, where he leads the Griswold Research Group focused on protein engineering and biotherapeutics development. His interdisciplinary work spans chemical, biological, and engineering disciplines to address critical challenges in drug-resistant infections and protein therapeutics. Education: BS in Chemistry from Southwest Texas State University (1995) PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin (2005) Research Focus: Professor Griswold's laboratory specializes in protein engineering, directed evolution, and biotherapeutics development , creating novel biomolecules with superior functionality compared to natural proteins. The group develops high-throughput screening methods, protein deimmunization strategies, enhanced expression systems, and antibacterial agents targeting drug-resistant infections. Their work has significant translational potential for treating conditions like MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Scientific Recognition: Wallace H. Coulter Foundation Early Career Translational Research Award in Biomedical Engineering (2008) NIH Biotechnology Training Grant (2000-2003) Royston M. Roberts - Regents Fellowship, University of Texas (1999) DOW Chemical Foundation Scholar, Texas State University (1991-1995) Senior Fellow, National Academy of Inventors Research Leadership: As co-founder and CEO of Stealth Biologics, Professor Griswold translates academic research into commercial applications. His work has secured NIH funding and Dartmouth Innovations Accelerator support, with research featured in Chemical & Engineering News, Vermont Public Radio, and the New Hampshire Union Leader for developing alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Research Environment: The Griswold Research Group maintains extensive collaborations across disciplines including clinical medicine, immunology, structural biology, and chemical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach prepares trainees for careers at the intersection of multiple scientific fields, with research focusing on Biomolecular Antimicrobial Therapies, Deimmunizing Protein Therapeutics, and Gene Library Construction Technologies.
Kesen Ma is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Advisor in Biology at the University of Waterloo, specializing in hyperthermophile physiology and enzymology. His research explores metabolic processes at extreme temperatures for biofuel production, with affiliations at the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Microbial Biochemistry from Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany (1989) M.Sc. in Microbiology from Academia Sinica, Taiwan (1984) B.Sc. in Microbiology from Wuhan University, China (1982) Dr. Ma's research spans Microbiology , Biochemistry , and Renewable Energy , focusing on protein thermostability, novel metabolic pathways in extremophiles, and industrial applications of thermostable enzymes. His work bridges fundamental enzymology with practical biocatalysis for pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. Analysis of his 2017-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on alcohol dehydrogenases and pyruvate decarboxylases from thermophiles, emphasizing enzyme characterization, thermostability mechanisms, and high-temperature fermentation systems for ethanol production. His scientific recognition includes: Research Fellow at Max-Planck Institute, Philipps-Universität Marburg (1985) Graduate Scholarship from Academia Sinica, Beijing (1982) As Undergraduate Advisor for Biology, Dr. Ma mentors students while leading patented research on thermostable biocatalysts (US patent 8476051). His work has direct industrial applications in bioethanol production and stereo-specific compound synthesis. He actively collaborates through the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, focusing on extremophile enzymology for sustainable bioprocessing solutions.
Frank L. H. Brown is a Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara with joint appointments in the Department of Physics and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biomembrane dynamics and related biophysical phenomena, situated within the College of Letters and Science. Dr. Brown's research interests span the interface between physical chemistry and biophysics. He employs a variety of theoretical tools including statistical mechanics , hydrodynamics , elasticity theory , and quantum mechanics to study complex biological systems. His work particularly emphasizes the dynamics and structure of biomembranes and the interpretation of various spectroscopy experiments including single molecule fluorescence, neutron spin echo, and flicker spectroscopy. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent focus on computational modeling of lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, and related phenomena, with particular emphasis on developing novel theoretical frameworks for understanding membrane behavior across multiple scales. Dr. Brown leads an active research group that includes current members Ehsan Noruzifar (Postdoctoral Researcher) and Sean Cray (Graduate Student). His former group members include numerous successful scientists such as Grace Brannigan, Brian Camley, Lawrence Lin, and Max Watson who completed their graduate studies under his supervision, along with several postdoctoral researchers. His research has been supported by funding that enables theoretical and computational investigations of biomembrane systems. The Brown Research Group operates at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology, with facilities connected to the Biomolecular Sciences & Engineering Program and the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at UCSB. Their work combines advanced computational techniques with theoretical physics to address fundamental questions about soft and living matter systems, particularly at biological interfaces.
Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Becker is a full Professor at the University of Vienna, holding a position within the Faculty of Chemistry and the Department of Biological Chemistry. His research profile shows extensive activity in protein chemistry and biochemistry, with particular focus on post-translational modifications and their implications in disease mechanisms. His work bridges chemical biology, biochemistry, and biomedical applications, contributing significantly to the academic and research landscape at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna Department of Biological Chemistry Active research leader with numerous ongoing projects Significant publication record spanning multiple disciplines Professor Becker's research primarily focuses on protein chemistry, particularly post-translational modifications and their role in protein function and dysfunction. His work spans multiple interconnected areas including ubiquitination, protein aggregation, prion protein behavior, and biomimetic approaches to protein analysis. His research has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The fingerprint analysis of his work shows strong connections to biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry, with particular emphasis on cysteine chemistry, glycosylation, and amino acid modifications. Analysis of Professor Becker's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on protein modification techniques and their biological implications. His work shows increasing sophistication in chemical biology approaches to study protein function, with particular emphasis on ubiquitination pathways and protein aggregation mechanisms. The integration of chemical synthesis methods with biological analysis represents a hallmark of his research approach. His publications span high-impact journals in biochemistry, chemical biology, and peptide science, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his contributions. Professor Becker has received notable recognition for his research contributions, most prominently the Cathay Award in 2020. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to the field of protein chemistry and chemical biology. His work appears to have practical applications in therapeutic development, particularly in the areas of targeted protein degradation and immunotherapy, which likely contributed to this recognition. Cathay Award (2020) Professor Becker leads multiple significant research projects, including 'Targeted protein degradation - from small molecules to complex organelles' (2020-2024), 'Taktira: Development of an improved, low-side-effect and sustainable immunotherapy' (2019-2023), and 'Structure Zoom: Zooming in on protein functional sites with atomic resolution' (2018-2021). These projects demonstrate substantial grant funding and collaborative research efforts across multiple institutions. His active participation in 290 recorded activities through 2025 indicates a highly engaged research program with numerous collaborators and trainees. Targeted protein degradation project (2020-2024) Taktira immunotherapy project (2019-2023) Structure Zoom project (2018-2021) Professor Becker's research environment includes a robust team of collaborators and junior researchers, as evidenced by the numerous co-authored publications and activities. His work intersects with multiple research groups studying protein function, modification, and therapeutic applications. The international collaboration network shown in his profile indicates significant engagement with researchers across multiple countries, creating a dynamic research ecosystem focused on advancing protein science and its biomedical applications.
Markus Heinonen is an Academy Research Fellow at Aalto University's Department of Computer Science within the School of Science. His academic position is tied to Harri Lähdesmäki's Professorship, focusing on probabilistic machine learning. He holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering and Technology from the University of Helsinki (2013). His research integrates probabilistic modeling , deep learning , and differential equations , with applications in computational biology, drug discovery, and biophysics. Key themes include Gaussian processes, Bayesian inference, generative models, and their use in understanding complex biological systems like immune cell behavior (e.g., T cell receptor analysis in aplastic anemia) and molecular design. He leads major projects such as the Deep Learning with Differential Equations initiative (2020–2025), exploring continuous-time models and physics-informed neural networks. His work bridges theory and application, evidenced by collaborations in diffusion models , optimal transport , and single-cell analysis . Publications span over 65 peer-reviewed outputs, with recent emphases on robust neural network training, multi-target molecular prediction, and interpretable drug design frameworks. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health) through advancements in disease modeling and therapeutic development. He has undertaken visiting research roles at the University of California, San Francisco (2017) and Telecom ParisTech (2013–2014). Media highlights include recognition for work on TCR-epitope prediction and AI-driven enzyme engineering.
Professor George Britovsek (FRSC) is a leading figure in catalysis and sustainable carbon management at Imperial College London . As Director of the MRes in Catalysis & Engineering and Head of Teaching in Inorganic Chemistry, he bridges academic leadership with cutting-edge research. His work focuses on transition metal complexes for converting ethylene , alkanes , biomass , and CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels through industrial collaborations. Education : M.Sc. (Technical University of Aachen, 1990), Ph.D. (Aachen, 1993) under Prof. W. Keim Postdoctoral Training : University of Tasmania (1994-1996), Imperial College London (1996-2000) His research interests span: Selective oxidation of alkanes using bio-inspired iron complexes Alkene conversions to functional polymers via novel catalysts CO₂ valorization into polymers and cyclic carbonates Biomass-derived feedstocks for chemical synthesis Recent catalysis trends highlight his work on: Designing Fe-N/C catalysts for epoxidation Developing PN3P pincer ligands for H₂ activation Creating degradable polyethylene via iron-catalyzed chain growth Modeling alternating α-olefin distributions in chromium systems Awards : Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) Students & Collaborators actively engage in: Photocatalytic polymer degradation Electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion Functionalized polymeric materials 3D-printed catalytic scaffolds His Britovsek Research Group operates at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, advancing both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis through experimental and computational approaches.
Amy E. Fraley is an Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, and leads the Medicinal Chemistry Research Group. Her cross-disciplinary work bridges natural products biosynthesis, pharmaceutical sciences, and environmental sustainability through enzymatic chemistry and biotechnology. BSc in Chemistry, Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2014) PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy (2019) Postdoctoral work at ETH Zürich Institute of Microbiology under Prof. Jörn Piel Her research focuses on harnessing biosynthetic enzymes (e.g., halogenases, monooxygenases, Diels-Alderases) to create sustainable bioactive metabolites. She explores natural product biosynthesis in fungi and marine bacteria, targeting disease mechanisms and green chemistry applications. Recent work includes metagenomic studies of Lake Chilika microbial mats and polyketide synthase engineering. Notable scientific awards include the 2024 JSP Fellow at Bürgenstock Conference, 2018 Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, and multiple University of Michigan honors. Her group secured funding from the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant and Messerli Foundation . Collaborations span structural biology, synthetic chemistry, and microbiology, with key contributions to flavoenzyme characterization and bioactive compound libraries . The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and innovation in biocatalytic tools for organic synthesis.
Pim de Vink is a doctoral researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology , affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering department and Chemical Biology group. Supervised by dr. L.-G. Milroy and prof. L. Brunsveld , his work bridges supramolecular chemistry and chemical biology , focusing on host/guest chemistry for protein complex modulation. Education: B.Sc. in Chemistry (2014) from University of Amsterdam M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (2016) from TU/e Internship at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology (2016) on gold-catalyzed synthesis Research Themes: His research develops switchable cucurbituril-based systems for light-controlled enzyme activation and artificial signaling networks. Key areas include protein-protein interaction stabilization , thermodynamic modeling , and allosteric nuclear receptor modulation . Publication Trends: Across JACS , Chemical Science , and RSC Chemical Biology , his work from 2017–2023 emphasizes supramolecular tools for biochemical applications. Notable contributions include 100-fold affinity enhancement of 14-3-3 ligands and UV-responsive cucurbituril release mechanisms . Grants: Funded by Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) through Gravity program 024.001.035 and VICI grant 016.150.366.
Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models
Professor Klavs F. Jensen is the Warren K. Lewis Professor of Chemical Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. His research focuses on integrating automation, machine learning, and robotics to accelerate materials discovery and pharmaceutical synthesis. He leads the Jensen Research Group, pioneering automated reaction systems with online analytics and optimization algorithms. Education: MS in Chemical Engineering (Technical University of Denmark, 1976); PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Wisconsin, 1980). Research Interests: Thermochemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry, Bayesian optimization, high-throughput experimentation, and AI-driven synthesis planning. He collaborates with MIT’s Machine Learning for Pharmaceutical Discovery Consortium to develop algorithms for drug development and process chemistry. Awards: Member of National Academy of Sciences (2017), Member of National Academy of Engineering (2002), Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2007), and Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2022). Grants & Labs: Editor-in-Chief of Reaction Chemistry and Engineering ; holds 63 US patents and over 490 journal articles. His lab’s innovations include ASKCOS (open-source synthesis planning software) and automated platforms for closed-loop molecular discovery.
Aditi Das is a Full Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Sciences. She leads the Das Laboratory, which focuses on the biochemistry and chemical biology of lipids, particularly studying cytochrome P450 enzymes and their role in lipid metabolism, endocannabinoid systems, and inflammatory pathways. Her educational background includes: B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Stephen's College M.Sc. in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (I.I.T) Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University Postdoctoral research at Northwestern University (NSF-NSEC fellow) and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois UC Professor Das's research interests center around understanding the physiological role of lipids in sustaining homeostasis and their implications in disease states such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Her laboratory specializes in: Enzymology of cytochrome P450s, particularly CYP2J2 epoxygenase Metabolism of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and their derivatives Minor cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes Discovery of novel anti-inflammatory lipid metabolites and endocannabinoids Mechanistic studies of membrane proteins using nanodisc technology Her work bridges biochemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacology to uncover novel therapeutic targets related to lipid signaling pathways. Analysis of Professor Das's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes, with particular emphasis on how these metabolic processes generate bioactive compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Her research increasingly explores the therapeutic potential of omega-3 derived endocannabinoid epoxides in inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. The use of nanodisc technology for studying membrane proteins in near-native environments remains a consistent methodological thread throughout her work, enabling detailed mechanistic insights into enzyme function. Professor Das has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her research excellence and teaching: 2024 NIH Outstanding Researcher Award (MIRA R35) for established investigators 2024 Vasser Woolley Faculty Fellowship 2023 Plenary Lecture at the International Society of the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) 2021 E.L.R. Stokstad Award 2019-2021 List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent 2019 Eicosanoid Research Foundation Young Investigator Award 2019 Zoetis Research Excellence Award 2019 Mary Swartz Rose Young Investigator Award 2015 National Scientist Development Award from the American Heart Association 2022 El Sohly Award from the American Chemical Society Professor Das actively mentors a diverse group of students and postdoctoral researchers, with several former lab members now holding faculty positions or working at prestigious institutions. Her laboratory has secured significant funding from NIH, NSF, and other sources to support research on lipid metabolism, cannabinoid pharmacology, and membrane protein biochemistry. Notable grants include an NIH R35 Outstanding Investigator Award (MIRA), an NIH R21 grant from NIDA, and multiple collaborative grants with other research groups. The Das Laboratory operates within the Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) at Georgia Tech, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for biochemical and biophysical studies. The lab specializes in nanodisc technology to study membrane proteins in near-native environments, with particular expertise in cytochrome P450 enzymes and their interactions with lipid substrates. Recent work has expanded into collaborative projects involving lipidomics, structural biology, and translational applications of lipid signaling research.
