Ivan Adzhubey is a Research Associate in Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School, affiliated with the Sunyaev Lab. His work focuses on computational biology, genetic analysis, and functional genomics. Key research areas include predicting variant impacts using tools like PolyPhen-2, analyzing genome-wide sequencing data for clinical applications, and understanding evolutionary pressures on genetic variation. He contributed to the ENCODE project and CLARITY Challenge, advancing standards in genomic data interpretation. His recent work emphasizes functional screening of variants (FUSE method) and improving clinical variant assessment through large-scale literature analysis. Collaborations span population genetics, cancer genomics, and protein structure prediction. Adzhubey's publications address topics like mutation rates linked to DNA replication timing, missense mutation predictions, and computational pipelines for proteomics. His research bridges bioinformatics, genetics, and clinical applications to advance precision medicine and genomic understanding.
Dr. Fikadu G. Tafesse is a researcher at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with prior academic roles including Instructor in Medicine and Assistant in Immunology at the Ragon Institute of MGH, Harvard, and MIT. He holds a PhD from Utrecht University and conducted postdoctoral studies as an NWO Rubicon fellow at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research (MIT). Education: PhD in Biochemistry/Microbiology (Utrecht University, The Netherlands) Affiliations: OHSU (current); Ragon Institute (former); Whitehead Institute (former) Dr. Tafesse’s research focuses on host-pathogen interactions , particularly the roles of lipid biology in HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, and the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants . His work spans nanobody-based antiviral strategies , lipid-protein interactomes , and serological assay validation . Recent publications highlight trifunctional lipid derivatives for studying viral entry, MR1 antigen presentation mechanisms, and immune imprinting in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. His studies have appeared in Nature Protocols , Journal of Biological Chemistry , and Science Immunology . Notable scientific award: NWO Rubicon Fellowship . Scientific Awards: NWO Rubicon Fellowship
Volker Gerdts is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan and serves as Director and CEO of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). He holds a DVM from Hanover Veterinary School (1994) and a German PhD equivalent from the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (1997). His postdoctoral research (1998–2000) at VIDO focused on mucosal immunology and vaccine discovery. He leads VIDO's Neonatal Immunization Program and manages a Gates Foundation-funded international project. Research interests include neonatal vaccine development, mucosal immunity, intestinal immune mechanisms, and vaccine delivery systems. Key projects involve Zika virus fetal transmission models, swine disease models, and mucosal vaccine strategies for livestock and human pathogens. Gerdts’ work bridges basic immunology with translational research, emphasizing knowledge transfer to clinical and agricultural applications. His recent publications (2020–2025) address SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms, Rift Valley fever epidemiology, and mycobacterial vaccine design. He collaborates globally on infectious disease solutions, particularly in low-resource settings. VIDO’s infrastructure under his leadership supports advanced vaccine R&D, including trials for bovine pleuropneumonia and Chlamydia vaccines.
Joelle Pelletier is a tenured Professor (Professeure titulaire) at the University of Montreal, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (Department of Chemistry) and the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine) . She leads research on enzyme structure-function relationships, focusing on enzyme engineering for biocatalysis, drug discovery, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Her work bridges Bio-Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics, with applications in healthcare and environmental sustainability. Research & Expertise: Pelletier’s lab employs combinatorial mutagenesis and computational modeling to engineer enzymes for industrial and therapeutic purposes. Key areas include modifying enzymes for biocatalytic applications, studying protein dynamics in drug-resistant enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases, DfrB), and developing portable biosensors for rapid diagnostic testing (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 antibodies). She co-directs PROTEO, a Quebec protein research network, and holds a Canada Research Chair in Applied Protein Engineering. Funding & Grants: Her projects are supported by CRSNG, FQRNT, and partnerships with industry (e.g., DSM Nutritional Products). Notable grants include accelerating enzyme evolution (2024–2030), GlycoFlow technologies (2022–2026), and portable biosensors for remote healthcare (2024–2026). She leads interdisciplinary teams across chemistry, biology, and engineering. Education & Students: Pelletier supervises graduate students in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics programs. Her advisees focus on enzyme engineering, drug resistance, and biosensor development. She mentors over 20 PhD and Master’s students since 2006, including recent theses on lipase selectivity, antibiotic inhibitors, and SPR-based diagnostics. Labs & Collaborations: She is affiliated with the Centre en Chimie Verte et Catalyse (CCVC) and collaborates with teams at the Institut Mérieux and Canadian Space Agency. Her lab develops cutting-edge tools like continuous-flow biocatalysis systems and nanobiosensors for real-time monitoring of biomarkers.
Karen English is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Maynooth University , leading the Cellular Immunology Laboratory within the Institute of Immunology . Her career spans postdoctoral training at Oxford (2009-2011) and progressive academic appointments at Maynooth (2015-present), culminating in full professorship in 2022. Education: B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Immunology from Maynooth University Research Interests: Translation of cellular therapy for inflammatory diseases, focusing on MSC mechanisms in GVHD, ARDS, and allergic asthma Research Focus : Elucidating MSC anti-inflammatory and pro-reparative mechanisms through humanized mouse models. Key projects explore MIF 's enhancement of MSC migration, PPARδ antagonism for ARDS treatment, and COX2/PGE2 pathways in Crohn's disease. Her work targets patient stratification strategies and MSC optimization for heterogeneous inflammatory conditions. Publications & Trends : With 25+ high-impact publications (2005-2025), her recent work emphasizes MIF-licensed MSCs in asthma, VEGF-mediated repair in lung inflammation, and obesity-ARDS interplay . Collaborations span Europe and North America, with recurring themes in immunometabolic interactions and disease-specific microenvironmental influences. Scientific Awards : IRC Early-Career Researcher of the Year (2018) Maynooth University Early Career Researcher of the Year (2018) Marie Curie Fellowship (2009) HRB Translational Medicine Fellowship (2011) Student Supervision : Currently supervising PhD candidates Miss C. Tunstead and Lauren Melanie Bitterlich . Former students include Laura Cahill (PhD 2016) and Aine Adams (PhD 2018). Her lab trains researchers in cellular immunology and translational medicine. Professional Involvement : International Society for Cell Therapy member European Respiratory Society member Chair of MU Biology Athena SWAN Committee Maynooth University Representative on Food for Health Ireland board
Axel Nierhaus is a Professor in the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. His research focuses on Critical Care Medicine, particularly sepsis pathophysiology, COVID-19 therapeutics, cytokine storm syndrome, and hemoadsorption techniques. His work integrates clinical trials with mechanistic studies to advance critical care therapeutics. Research interests span immunomodulation, biomarker development, extracorporeal blood purification, and precision medicine approaches in critical illness. Key areas include optimizing oxygen therapy in septic shock, steroid protocols, immunoglobulin applications, and hemoadsorption devices. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on COVID-19 pathogenesis and management, with studies on vitamin C therapy, RAAS inhibitors, sex-specific outcomes, and cytokine storm characterization. Articles reveal consistent themes in inflammation modulation, organ support strategies, and long-term critical care outcomes. Laboratory and clinical research activities concentrate on molecular pathways of inflammation, clinical trial design, and registry-based evidence generation for blood purification techniques.
Dr. Fuze Jiang is a Professor of Electronics at ETH Zürich, leading research in advanced CMOS-based bioelectronics and molecular sensing technologies. His work focuses on integrating physical electrochemistry, molecular biology, and microfabrication to develop innovative biosensors and environmental monitoring systems. Key areas include CMOS IC bioelectronics, molecular/cellular sensing, and post-CMOS processing techniques. Research interests span MEMS-free gas sensor arrays, ferrofluidic biomolecular platforms, and antifouling sensor arrays for real-time biophysical profiling. His recent work emphasizes subcellular-resolution ion-selective sensors and rapid genetic diagnostics using electrochemical platforms. Collaborations involve environmental monitoring of airborne pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and particulate matter post-disasters. Publications highlight breakthroughs in multi-functional biosensors, CMOS-compatible microcages, and aerosol capture systems. While no scientific awards are listed, his contributions to bioelectronics and environmental sensing are widely recognized in peer-reviewed journals. Experimental work is conducted at ETH Zürich's Integrated Systems Institute (IIS), with a focus on translating lab innovations into practical devices for healthcare and environmental applications.
Martin Jakab is a full-time Professor at the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology , Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg. His research focuses on cell physiology , particularly chondrocyte biology , genetic disorders , and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer . Role: Head of Laboratory Key Collaborators: Michael Ritter, Christian Mayr, Sabina Dossena Research Trends : Recent work spans ferroptosis inhibition in chondrocytes , mouse models for Pendred syndrome , and epigenetic therapies for biliary tract cancer . His studies emphasize ion transporters , protein degradation pathways , and novel pharmacological agents . Scientific Awards : Forscher des Jahres 2007 Sackler-Preis 1997 Silberner Wissenschaftspreis 2008 Wissenschaftspreis in Bronze (2013, 2014) Advising : Supervised multiple graduate theses on topics including inflammasome activation in osteoarthritis and epilepsy pathophysiology . Collaborative projects highlight his leadership in cell-based assays and chloride channel research .
Simeon Eche is a Research Fellow at the Yale School of Medicine, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of virology, immunology, and maternal health. His work addresses complex challenges in HIV drug resistance, pregnancy complications (pre-eclampsia), and tuberculosis-HIV co-infection dynamics. He develops innovative tools like the SeqPanther bioinformatics suite for analyzing genetic mutations and protein dynamics. Research interests center on viral protease mechanisms, antiretroviral therapy efficacy, and biomarkers for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. His studies combine biochemical experiments with computational modeling to understand pathogen-host interactions and therapeutic outcomes. Key research trends include exploring how HIV protease mutations affect drug binding, investigating immune mechanisms in co-infections, and validating cell-free DNA as a diagnostic marker for pregnancy-related hypertension. These efforts aim to bridge basic science and clinical applications for improved patient care. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned. Advising activities are not documented here. His research aligns with Yale School of Medicine’s focus on translational medicine and global health challenges.
Dr. Megan Steain is a Senior Lecturer in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, the Charles Perkins Centre, and the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute. Her research focuses on viral immune evasion mechanisms, particularly in Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) and SARS-CoV-2. She investigates how viruses modulate host cell death pathways, such as apoptosis and necroptosis, and their impact on immune responses. Additionally, her work explores functional amyloids in viral pathogenesis and the development of novel vaccine strategies against emerging pathogens. Her current research student, Olivia Lavidis, is working on 'Harnessing the inflammatory power of necroptosis to build second-generation viral oncolytic vectors.' Her recent grants include projects on HSV1 and Alzheimer’s disease, nasal-delivered vaccines to block SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and oncolytic vector therapies for colorectal cancer. Research interests span topics like innate immune modulation, viral modulation of apoptosis, and adjuvant mechanisms in vaccine design. Her work bridges basic virology with translational research, aiming to improve understanding of viral persistence and develop effective antiviral strategies. She has collaborated on grants such as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) project, the NSW Health/Covid-19 Research Grant, and the Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity funding. Her research has contributed to breakthroughs in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy prediction and mechanisms of immune response suppression by herpesviruses.
John H. Connor is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology at Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He holds additional roles in the National Emerging Infectious Disease Lab, Genome Science Institute, and Bioinformatics Graduate Program. His research focuses on virus-host interactions, particularly how viruses hijack cellular machinery and evade immune responses. He has contributed to studies on Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and other pathogens, with a focus on antiviral drug development and diagnostic tools. Education: B.A. from Swarthmore College, Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Duke University. Research interests include viral replication mechanisms, host immune responses, and translational research for emerging infectious diseases. His lab investigates protein synthesis co-option by viruses, innate immune evasion tactics, and viral genetic diversity in transmission networks. Recent work emphasizes SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, including thrombotic complications and Omicron variant behavior. He leads NIH-funded projects on antiviral inhibitors, vaccine development, and diagnostics for viral hemorrhagic fevers. Affiliations include Boston University's Center for Antiviral Research and Development (CAMED), and he collaborates with institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch and RedBud Labs on vaccine efficacy and diagnostics initiatives.
Marianne Westerveld is a prominent researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam, Netherlands, specializing in Clinical Genetics. With 54 research publications to her name, she has established herself as a significant contributor to the field of genetic disorders, particularly focusing on mucopolysaccharidoses, neurofibromatosis, and other inherited metabolic conditions. Her educational background and specific academic appointments are not explicitly detailed in the available information, but her extensive publication record spanning multiple years indicates a well-established academic career at Erasmus MC. Dr. Westerveld's research interests include: Gene therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome) Enzyme replacement therapies and their mechanisms RNA splicing analysis for genetic diagnostics Neurodevelopmental disorders and their genetic basis Lysosomal storage disorders including Pompe disease Variant classification methodologies for neurofibromatosis type 1 and Legius syndrome Her recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on translational research, particularly in developing and improving diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches for rare genetic disorders. Her work often involves collaborative efforts with multiple research groups across different institutions, as evidenced by the extensive author lists on her publications. Notable contributions include developing web-accessible applications for RNA-seq analysis to improve diagnostic sensitivity for neurodevelopmental disorders and investigating novel gene therapy approaches for mucopolysaccharidosis that target both peripheral tissues and the brain. While specific scientific awards are not mentioned in the available information, the impact of her work is reflected in the citation metrics of her publications, with some papers accumulating dozens of citations and being featured in blog posts and social media discussions. Dr. Westerveld appears to be actively involved in both basic research and clinical applications, with her work having direct implications for patient care and diagnostic methodologies in the field of clinical genetics.
Minerva M. Carrasquillo, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Her research is centered on the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease and other complex neurodegenerative disorders. She leads and co-leads multiple federally funded research projects focused on identifying genetic risk variants and understanding their functional consequences. Dr. Carrasquillo earned her Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Case Western Reserve University and completed her postdoctoral training at the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research program integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), functional genomics, and multi-omics approaches to dissect the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, with a growing emphasis on diverse and multi-ethnic populations. Her primary research interests include Alzheimer’s disease genetics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), functional genomics, biomarker discovery, and the role of genetic variation in gene expression and protein levels. She investigates how variants in genes like TREM2, APOE, IDE, and others influence disease risk, cognitive decline, and neuropathological features such as amyloid-beta and tau pathology. The 15 most recent articles highlight a strong trend toward integrative, multi-omics research in diverse cohorts. Her work increasingly focuses on the interplay between genetics, gene expression, proteomics, and neuroimaging, aiming to uncover druggable targets and early detection markers for Alzheimer’s disease. Recent publications emphasize peripheral and central biomarkers, functional connectivity, and health disparities in neurodegeneration. Dr. Carrasquillo has secured competitive funding from the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association. Her current and recent grants include: PI: AD Risk Prediction, Cognitive Decline & Gene Regulation at the TREM2 locus (Alzheimer’s Association) PI: Peripheral and Central Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Diverse Cohorts (NIA, 2022–2023 and 2024–2025) CoPI: Centrally-linked longitudinal peripheral biomarkers of AD in multi-ethnic populations (NIA) CoPI: Mayo Advancing Research Equity in ADRD Study in Jacksonville (MAREAS-Jax, NIA) She actively mentors research staff and collaborates with large international consortia. Her work is highly collaborative, involving teams from Mayo Clinic, other U.S. institutions, and global partners. She contributes to major Alzheimer’s disease research initiatives and leads efforts to include underrepresented populations in genetic studies, promoting equity in neuroscience research.
Fergus J. Couch, Ph.D. is a Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Chair of the Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Dr. Couch is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Individualized Medicine, where his research focuses on the genetic basis of breast and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Couch's research program centers on understanding how genetic alterations influence cancer development and treatment response. His primary areas of investigation include breast cancer susceptibility genetics, classification of variants of uncertain significance in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, factors influencing response to chemotherapy, and the genetics of pancreatic precursor lesions. He leads two major international consortia: the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA) and the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Consortium (TNBCC). Analysis of Dr. Couch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on hereditary cancer syndromes, particularly BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations and their clinical implications. His work spans genetic risk assessment, variant classification, polygenic risk scores, and the development of precision medicine approaches for cancer prevention and treatment. His research integrates genomic, epidemiological, and clinical data to improve cancer risk prediction and therapeutic decision-making. Among his notable recognitions is the Zbigniew and Anna M. Scheller Professorship of Medical Research in Honor of Dr. Thomas J. McDonald, awarded in 2015. His research has been consistently supported by major funding sources including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, and multiple National Institutes of Health grants, including an NIH Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer. Dr. Couch has led several significant research projects throughout his career, including 'Targeting DNA Repair in Selected Patients with Pancreatic Cancer' (2014-2019), 'Career Development Program' (2009-2013), and earlier investigations into BRCA2 in pancreatic cancer and interactions between non-genetic risk factors with BRCA1. His work has resulted in over 677 research outputs with substantial impact in the field of cancer genetics. His laboratory employs genomics, cell biological approaches, and animal and mathematical models to address fundamental questions in cancer development and treatment response. Dr. Couch's research program represents a critical bridge between basic science discoveries and clinical applications in personalized cancer medicine.
Hugo Mouquet is a researcher and group leader at the Immunology Department of the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where he heads the Humoral Immunology Unit . His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of B-cell and antibody responses to major viral pathogens including HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B and C, and Chikungunya virus. His work centers on isolating and characterizing human monoclonal antibodies from infected or vaccinated individuals to dissect the humoral immune response. He investigates how broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) develop, their functional properties, and their potential for immunotherapy and vaccine design. His research spans adaptive immunity , antibody engineering , mucosal immunity , and immunological memory . He also explores autoimmune aspects such as HCV-induced cryoglobulinemia. The recent publication trends show a strong focus on cross-reactive and broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1, structural insights into viral neutralization, and immune responses in special populations such as post-treatment controllers and patients on immunomodulatory therapies. His work integrates monoclonal antibody isolation , functional assays , structural biology , and clinical immunology . ERC-2013-StG HumAntiViruses (European Research Council Starting Grant) Hugo Mouquet mentors students including PhD candidate Lina Boumediene and Master’s student Marius Allombert. He leads multiple research projects funded by major grants and collaborates extensively within the Institut Pasteur and internationally. He is actively involved in the Group for AIDS Research (GRS), organizing and speaking at seminars. His laboratory contributes to advancing antibody-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine strategies against major global viral threats. His research unit investigates B-cell responses in various contexts, including HIV-1 post-treatment control, intestinal IgA responses, and HBV immunotherapy. The team uses cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell antibody cloning, functional characterization, and structural analysis to generate high-impact insights into human antiviral immunity.
