Debra Lynn Silver is a Professor at Duke University in the Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology. She is affiliated with the Duke Regeneration Center, Duke Initiative for Science & Society, Duke Cancer Institute, and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Education: Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University (2003) Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institutes of Health (2003-2010) B.S., Tufts University (1993) Her research focuses on developmental neurobiology , RNA biology , and human cortical evolution , exploring genetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders and brain evolution. Recent studies investigate DDX3X mutations in autism, EIF4A3 in neurogenesis, and human-specific enhancers regulating cortical development. Publications highlight her work on mRNA stability, RNA-binding proteins, and species-specific neurodevelopmental features. Grants include NIH funding for DDX3X pathology and cortical RNA localization studies (2018-present).
Edna Andrews is the Nancy & Jeffrey Marcus Distinguished Professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies and Professor of Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology at Duke University. She serves as Director of the Program in Linguistics, Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Linguistics Program, and Director of FOCUS, Duke's signature first-year seminar program. Her interdisciplinary work bridges Slavic studies, linguistics, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience. Dr. Andrews earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University at Bloomington in 1984 and holds an honorary doctorate from St. Petersburg State University (Russia). Her academic journey has evolved from traditional Slavic linguistics to pioneering work at the intersection of language and brain sciences, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. Professor Andrews' research focuses on cognitive neuroscience and multilingualism, semiotics (particularly Peircean and Lotmanian theories), and the neural basis of language processing. Her work examines how the brain processes multiple languages, the relationship between music and language cognition, and the semiotic foundations of linguistic structures. She has pioneered longitudinal fMRI studies of second language acquisition, challenging traditional linguistic models that often overlook the multilingual reality of most humans. Her research program has produced significant insights into how multilingualism affects brain structure and function, with implications for education, cognitive aging, and language rehabilitation. Andrews' work uniquely integrates theoretical linguistics with empirical neuroscience, creating a more comprehensive understanding of human language as situated within cultural and biological contexts. University Scholar/Teacher Award (2013) Richard Lublin Teaching Award Through her leadership of the Slavic & Eurasian Language Resource Center and numerous federally-funded grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Professor Andrews has secured significant research funding to advance understanding of language acquisition and multilingualism. Her collaborative approach brings together linguists, neuroscientists, anthropologists, and educators to tackle complex questions about language and the brain. Professor Andrews leads research teams through the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and has developed innovative programs like Duke Intense Global (DIG), which combines intensive language training with neuroscience research. Her work with the Bass Connections in Brain & Society Research Team fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty across multiple departments.
Qiu Wang is a Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, where he leads an active research program at the chemistry-biology interface. He holds dual appointments as a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute and Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, reflecting his interdisciplinary work targeting cancer and neurodegenerative disorders through chemical approaches. His educational foundation includes a B.S. from Wuhan University (China, 1999), Ph.D. from Emory University (2005), and dual postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University (2005-2007 and 2007-2011) in Chemistry. This rigorous training established his expertise in synthetic methodology and biological applications. Wang's research program focuses on three synergistic pillars: developing bioactive small-molecule probes for disease mechanisms, targeting epigenetic enzymes for novel therapeutics, and creating chemical tools for biomolecule labeling. His group integrates synthetic organic chemistry with molecular/cell biology, genetics, and proteomics to address challenges in cancer and neurodegeneration, emphasizing copper-catalyzed reactions and hyperpolarized imaging technologies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant themes in copper-catalyzed alkene/diene difunctionalization for complex molecule synthesis and the development of $^{15}$N-hyperpolarized MRI probes for metabolic imaging. These works bridge fundamental methodology with biological applications, particularly in cancer metabolism and neurological disorders. His scientific recognition includes: Sloan Research Fellowship (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2015) Wang directs multiple major grants including the Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (2025-2030), New Amination Methods (2025-2030), and hyperpolarized MRI agent development (2025-2027). His Wang Group collaborates extensively across Duke's institutes, developing chemical probes that enable new biological insights and therapeutic strategies for challenging diseases.
Matteo Dal Peraro is an Associate Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Life Sciences, where he leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM) within the Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering (IBI). He also holds significant administrative roles as Head of IBI-SV Administration and Co-Director of IBI-STI Administration, demonstrating his leadership across both the School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering. His research bridges computational approaches with experimental validation to understand complex biological systems at multiple scales. His educational background includes a B.S. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Padua (2000), followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste (2004). He then completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania under Professor M. L. Klein before joining EPFL as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in late 2007. Dal Peraro's research focuses on computational biophysics and multiscale modeling of biological systems, with particular emphasis on membrane-protein interactions, nanopore sensing technologies, and structural biology. His work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied educational technologies, demonstrating a commitment to both scientific discovery and knowledge dissemination. He has made significant contributions to understanding protein-membrane interactions, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, mitochondrial disorders, and viral pathogenesis through advanced computational approaches. His publication record shows a strong trend toward integrating augmented and virtual reality technologies with molecular modeling, exemplified by his development of the moleculARweb platform for chemistry and structural biology education. His research spans computational methods development, structural characterization of biomolecules, membrane biophysics, and applications to medically relevant problems including antibiotic resistance and neurodegenerative disorders. This interdisciplinary approach connects fundamental biophysical principles with practical applications in medicine and education. Dal Peraro has mentored numerous doctoral students through EPFL's PhD programs, particularly in Computational and Quantitative Biology. His leadership extends to serving on PhD program committees and directing research groups focused on computational molecular biology. He has established collaborations across multiple disciplines, facilitating integrative approaches to complex biological problems. He leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM), which develops and applies computational methods to study biological systems at multiple scales. The lab bridges molecular simulations with experimental validation, creating a synergistic approach to understanding complex biological phenomena. Dal Peraro's team has made significant contributions to membrane biophysics, protein folding, and the development of educational technologies that make structural biology accessible through augmented reality platforms.
Prof. Dr. F. Markus Leweke is a faculty member at the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI) in Mannheim, Germany, leading the Translational Research in Psychosis group. His work focuses on biomarker discovery and molecular mechanisms in schizophrenia. Research Interests : Schizophrenia, biomarkers, proteomics, neuroimmunology, insulin signaling, oxidative stress Publications : Key contributions in N Engl J Med and Mol Psychiatry on clozapine efficacy, proteomic signatures, and immune dysregulation in schizophrenia. Contact : ZI Mannheim | Secretariat: Heike Rapp | Phone: +49 621 1703 -2307 | Fax: +49 621 1703 -2305
Catherine F. Clarke is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 1993. She made history in June 2016 as the first woman to lead the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and was appointed Dean of Special Projects in the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences in 2019. Her laboratory investigates the biosynthesis and function of coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), a critical component of mitochondrial electron transport and cellular antioxidant defense. Dr. Clarke's research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of coenzyme Q biosynthesis through her work with yeast models. Her laboratory identified eight of the eleven polypeptides required for Q biosynthesis and discovered a novel Q biosynthetic pathway using para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) as an alternative ring precursor. Her team demonstrated that human homologs of yeast Coq proteins can rescue corresponding yeast mutants, establishing critical connections between basic research and human diseases related to coenzyme Q deficiency. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on coenzyme Q biosynthesis pathways, with particular emphasis on the regulation of the Coq protein complex, mechanisms of coenzyme Q uptake and trafficking, and therapeutic approaches for coenzyme Q deficiency disorders. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with clinical applications, particularly in understanding how coenzyme Q deficiencies contribute to kidney disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and aging. 2001 Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar Award 2009 Hanson-Dow Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCLA 2018 WHS Hall of Fame, Whittier High School 2019 BSF Research Grant Award 2021 Career Development Award Dr. Clarke has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches, particularly for coenzyme Q deficiency-related disorders. The Clarke Lab maintains active research programs investigating coenzyme Q biosynthesis regulation, membrane contact sites in coenzyme Q production, and mechanisms of coenzyme Q uptake and trafficking in cells.
Cornelius Faber is a University Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Münster, Germany, where he leads the Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance research group. His work focuses on developing and implementing novel MRI techniques that extend the boundaries of magnetic resonance imaging in terms of spatial and temporal resolution, sensitivity, and specificity for physiological, structural, and molecular changes. He actively participates in the "Cells in Motion" interdisciplinary research initiative at the university. Professor Faber's research spans multiple critical areas in medical imaging and biomedical science. His primary expertise lies in MRI cell tracking , enabling visualization of cellular dynamics in vivo. He has made significant contributions to infection imaging , developing methods to detect and characterize microbial infections using MRI. His work on MR methodology development has advanced quantitative imaging techniques, while his research on multimodal integration in MR and MRI contrast mechanisms has provided deeper insights into molecular and cellular processes. His research bridges physics, engineering, and biomedical applications, with particular relevance to inflammation, cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Analysis of Professor Faber's extensive publication record reveals a clear evolution from fundamental MRI technique development toward increasingly sophisticated applications in disease models. His recent work demonstrates a strong trend toward multimodal imaging approaches that combine MRI with complementary techniques such as mass spectrometry, optical imaging, and PET. This integration creates comprehensive diagnostic platforms that provide both anatomical and molecular information. A notable pattern is the focus on cellular dynamics, particularly immune cell behavior in inflammatory conditions and tumor microenvironments, with applications spanning neuroscience, oncology, and cardiology. Professor Faber leads a multidisciplinary research team of approximately 15 members, including scientists, doctoral students, technicians, and medical students. His laboratory is deeply integrated with the University of Münster's research infrastructure, particularly the Multiscale Imaging Centre. The group's work contributes significantly to advancing preclinical MRI methodologies while maintaining strong clinical relevance, with numerous publications in high-impact journals across medical imaging, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering disciplines.
Thomas Pap serves as Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine within the Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine (IMM) at the University of Muenster. He actively participates in the "Cells in Motion" research cluster and the Imaging Network, focusing on cell dynamics and imaging applications in musculoskeletal pathologies. His research centers on molecular mechanisms of inflammatory joint diseases, with key emphases on: Destructive arthritis pathogenesis through fibroblast transformation and adherens junction dynamics Regulation of alarmin activity (S100A8/S100A9) in sterile inflammation TRP channel modulation of osteoclast function and bone loss Translational models for tendon healing and microsurgical reconstruction Advanced imaging techniques for monitoring inflammatory lesions Analysis of his 2013-2021 publications reveals consistent interdisciplinary work bridging immunology, cell biology, and clinical applications. His studies frequently employ molecular imaging and translational models to investigate rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms, neutrophil chemotaxis, and bacterial immune evasion, with strong emphasis on therapeutic targeting of inflammatory pathways. The Pap Group operates within the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC), collaborating on pilot projects and the "Train Gain Fellowships" graduate program. Their work integrates with the university's broader Imaging Network, utilizing advanced microscopy and molecular techniques to study cell dynamics in inflammatory conditions.
Matthew Grilli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona , where he directs the Clinical Program, Neuropsychology Minor, and Human Memory Lab. His research spans the neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience of autobiographical memory, imagination, and cognitive aging, with a focus on disorders like amnesia and Alzheimer’s disease. His work investigates individual differences in autobiographical thought , the impact of aging on memory specificity, and innovative neuropsychological assessment methods. Recent publications highlight aging-related changes in memory dynamics, brain structure-function relationships, and real-world applications such as phishing vulnerability and bilingualism’s role in cognitive aging. Grilli’s research utilizes naturalistic observation and computational approaches (e.g., latent brain state analysis, large language models) to study memory coherence, emotional simulation, and intergenerational conversations. He is also involved in developing tools like the Phishing Email Suspicion Test (PEST) to assess cognitive mechanisms in aging populations. The Human Memory Lab under his direction explores memory’s intersection with well-being, identity, and brain health, employing multimodal methodologies to address both theoretical and applied questions in cognitive neuroscience.
Steven R. Fisher is a tenured Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences within the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where he advances geriatric rehabilitation through clinical practice, research, and education. His work bridges physical therapy with aging science to improve functional outcomes in vulnerable older populations. Dr. Fisher earned his Master of Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science from UTMB. He maintains a clinical specialist certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS), validating his expertise in age-related mobility disorders. His research program centers on physical functioning in older adults, with emphases on fall risk mitigation , urinary incontinence management , and post-hospitalization recovery . Key methodologies include actigraphy for mobility tracking, randomized clinical trials for intervention efficacy, and interdisciplinary collaborations addressing sarcopenia and functional decline. Current projects investigate testosterone therapy for hip fracture recovery and robotics-assisted gait training for Parkinson's disease. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in geriatric rehabilitation, particularly the bidirectional relationship between urinary incontinence and fall risk in women, hospitalization-induced mobility loss, and innovative interventions like transcranial stimulation for stroke recovery. His work spans clinical trials, systematic reviews, and feasibility studies with strong translational focus. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB Clinical Specialist Certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy Dr. Fisher serves as Co-Investigator and supervising physical therapist (5% effort) on NIH-funded research (R01 AG0496-11, 2017-2022) targeting accelerated sarcopenia mechanisms in older adults with type 2 diabetes and post-hospitalization. He actively contributes to professional societies including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Acute Care Section, and Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA), advocating for evidence-based geriatric practice standards. As a Sealy Center on Aging Fellow, he collaborates with geriatricians, urologists, and neurologists on translational research addressing multimorbidity in aging. His team develops pragmatic interventions like the STEP-HI trial for hip fracture recovery and mobility-monitoring protocols to predict hospital readmissions.
Lou J. Soslowsky is the Fairhill Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Director of Orthopaedic Research, Director of Basic Science Research for the Shoulder and Elbow Service, and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine. He was reappointed to the Vice Chair position in 2024, demonstrating his continued leadership role. Dr. Soslowsky is also the Founding Director of the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (designated as a Type 1 center in 2008) and an Associate Dean for Research Integration at the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Soslowsky earned his B.S. (1986), M.S. (1987), M.Phil (1989), and Ph.D. (1991) in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, with doctoral research mentored by Van C. Mow. He later obtained a certificate in Academic Medicine Leadership from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Dr. Soslowsky's research focuses on the biomechanics of tendons and ligaments, particularly in the shoulder and elbow. His laboratory investigates the structural, functional, and molecular properties of musculoskeletal tissues, examining how these tissues respond to injury, healing, and aging. Current projects examine collagen organization (particularly Collagen V and XI), the role of decorin and biglycan in tendon healing, exercise effects on tendon adaptation, and advanced imaging techniques for monitoring tissue changes. His work integrates engineering principles with biological approaches to understand tissue mechanics and develop therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal disorders. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on tendon biology and biomechanics, with particular attention to molecular regulation of tendon healing, collagen organization, and the effects of aging and mechanical loading. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, often utilizing murine models to investigate tendon development, injury, and repair processes. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges engineering, biology, and clinical orthopaedics. Founding Director, Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (Type 1 center designation, 2008) Fellow, Institute of Aging, University of Pennsylvania Executive Committee, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania As Director of the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Dr. Soslowsky oversees an active research program with publications spanning from 1987 to 2025 (274 PubMed-listed publications). His laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research in orthopaedic biomechanics and tissue engineering, bringing together engineers, biologists, and clinicians to address fundamental questions in musculoskeletal science. His work has significant translational implications for understanding and treating tendon injuries, which are common clinical problems affecting millions of people.
José Morales Aznar is a Full Professor in the Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and Sports Management at the Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Sports, Ramon Llull University (Blanquerna). His academic work focuses on the intersection of physical activity, sport sciences, and adapted physical education, with a particular emphasis on judo applications for diverse populations. Dr. Morales Aznar's research interests span Physical Activity, Sport Sciences, Martial Arts (particularly judo), Adapted Physical Activity for people with disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Education, Motor Skills, and Heart Rate Variability. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to applying sport science principles to improve quality of life across different demographic groups, especially those with special needs. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trend toward adapted judo programs, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities. His research combines practical applications with theoretical frameworks to develop evidence-based approaches in adapted physical activity. The publications also show growing interest in technology integration in physical education and the physiological aspects of martial arts training. Dr. Morales Aznar is actively involved in multiple research projects including KATAUTISM (Judo program for autistic children), JUDODI (Effects of judo for adolescents with intellectual disabilities), JIDP (Judo for Intellectual Disability Project), SAFE (Health, Physical Activity and Sports), and AUTJUDO (Adapted Judo for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders). These projects demonstrate his leadership in developing and implementing specialized physical activity programs for vulnerable populations while securing significant research funding from various agencies including the EACEA Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency and Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca.
Federica Sallusto is a Full Professor in Medical Immunology at ETH Zurich and Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), and a Group Leader in the Cellular Immunology department at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland. She leads a prominent research group focused on human T cell biology, immunological memory, and immune responses in infection and autoimmunity. Doctor in Biology, University of Rome, 1988 Postdoctoral work: Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome; Basel Institute for Immunology Group Leader, IRB, since 2000 Full Professor, ETH Zurich and USI, since 2017 Her research centers on the heterogeneity and function of human CD4+ T cell subsets, particularly Th17 and T follicular helper cells, and their roles in protective immunity and inflammatory diseases. She investigates immune responses to pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV, using cutting-edge techniques in cellular immunology and systems immunology. Her work integrates human immunology with translational applications in vaccinology and autoimmune disorders. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on human immune responses to infectious agents, mechanisms of T and B cell immunity, and the intersection of immunology with neurology and autoimmunity. Key themes include antigen-specific T cell activation, antibody cross-reactivity, regulation of inflammatory pathways, and the impact of vaccines and infections on immune memory and disease outcomes. Pharmacia Allergy Research Foundation Prize Behring Lecture Member, German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2009) Member, EMBO (2011) International Member, U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2022) Doctor honoris causa, University of Fribourg (2022) Federica Sallusto has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom are co-authors on her high-impact publications. Her group has received significant funding from the European Research Council (ERC), Marie Curie Actions, and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), where she served on the National Research Council from 2018 to 2024. She has held leadership roles including President of the Swiss Society for Allergology and Immunology (2013–2015) and President of the European Federation of Immunological Societies (2022–2024). Her laboratory is embedded within the IRB, a leading biomedical research institute affiliated with USI, and collaborates extensively with clinical and research teams across Europe. The group is part of broader scientific networks in antibody discovery, infectious disease immunology, and neuroimmunology.
Damiano Piovesan is Associate Professor in Bioinformatics (SSD BIO/10) at the Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Padua , Italy. Since March 2022 he has held this rank, having previously served as Assistant Professor (2022) and PostDoc researcher (2019) in the same department. Education 2013 – PhD in Biotechnology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bologna 2009 – MSc in Bioinformatics, University of Bologna 2007 – BSc in Biotechnology, University of Bologna Research Focus Piovesan’s research integrates machine-learning approaches with structural bioinformatics to advance understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and protein function prediction . He develops widely used resources such as MobiDB for disorder annotation, DisProt for functional curation of disordered regions, and RING for residue interaction networks. Additional interests include tandem repeat proteins , cancer-related IDP targets , and community benchmarking initiatives (CAFA, CAID, CAGI). Publication Trends His 2024–2025 output is dominated by updates to flagship databases ( InterPro , DisProt , MobiDB ), next-generation disorder predictors leveraging deep learning ( PredIDR , MobiDB-lite 4.0 ), and large-scale genomics challenges ( CAGI6 ). Across the decade, recurring themes include methodological advances in disorder prediction, creation of interoperable bioinformatics platforms, and rigorous benchmarking to ensure community-wide reliability. Scientific Awards No specific awards are listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants No individual students or grant details are explicitly supplied; however, his leadership in multi-institutional consortia (e.g., InterPro, DisProt, CAFA) implies substantial supervisory and funding coordination roles. Labs & Teams Piovesan is affiliated with the BioComputingUP Lab ( https://biocomputingup.it/ ) at the University of Padua, a hub for computational biology and bioinformatics tool development.
Sara Liin is a Senior Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on ion channel dysfunction in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly exploring polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids as therapeutic avenues. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology (2011) and a Master in Medical Biology (2005). Her work emphasizes understanding how genetic mutations in cardiac ion channels lead to arrhythmias and developing targeted treatments. Recent studies highlight the role of estrogen in exacerbating arrhythmia risk and the potential of endocannabinoids like ARA-S to rescue mutant channels. Liin has secured grants totaling SEK 64 million and leads a research group investigating lipid-channel interactions and drug development strategies. Key achievements include the Eric K Fernström award (2021) and collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Miami and SciLifeLab. Her lab, part of the Division of Cell and Neurobiology, explores translational applications of ion channel research to combat heart rhythm disorders.
