Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
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
Dr. Angelika Rambold is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany, heading the Laboratory for Metabolic Organelle Networks in Immunology within the Department of Developmental Immunology. Previously affiliated with the University of Münster's Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) and Institute of Medical Biochemistry until January 2025, she investigates how intracellular organelle networks regulate immune cell function during inflammation, infection, and metabolic stress. Her research centers on dynamic interactions between mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and autophagosomes during cellular adaptation to nutrient deprivation and pathogen challenge. Key interests include organelle communication mechanisms in immune cell activation, metabolic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and how defects in organelle networks drive primary immunodeficiencies like Chediak-Higashi syndrome. She employs advanced live-cell microscopy, super-resolution imaging, metabolomics, and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect these processes in primary immune cells and human disease models. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on mitochondrial dynamics as a central regulator of immune cell metabolism and fate determination. Landmark studies demonstrate TFEB-mediated itaconate synthesis for bacterial control in macrophages and coordinated organelle network responses during starvation, establishing critical links between organelle communication, immunometabolism, and disease pathogenesis across multiple immune cell types. Dr. Rambold serves as a supervisor in the Cells in Motion International Max Planck Research School (CiM-IMPRS) Graduate Programme, mentoring PhD students in interdisciplinary research. Her laboratory maintains active collaboration with the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) at the University of Freiburg to translate basic findings on organelle-mediated immune defects into clinical insights for patient-oriented research.
Rainer Böckmann is a Professor of Computational Biology in the Department of Biology at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany, where he leads the Group for Theoretical and Computational Membrane Biophysics. His research integrates molecular dynamics simulations with biophysical analysis to study membrane structure, dynamics, and function. Research Interests: His work focuses on computational biophysics, particularly lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, molecular dynamics, and structural bioinformatics. He investigates how lipid composition, cholesterol, and embedded peptides influence membrane organization, curvature, and permeability, with applications in antimicrobial strategies and mRNA vaccine delivery systems. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), particularly their phase behavior, pH-dependent protonation, and structural transitions relevant to mRNA vaccines. He also explores antimicrobial peptides, membrane domain formation, and the role of cholesterol in modulating membrane properties. His group develops and applies advanced simulation techniques, including constant-pH MD and coarse-grained modeling. Member of Editorial Board, Biophysical Journal (2024–present) Elected Member, DFG Review Board for Biophysics (2020–present) Chairman, Molecular Biophysics Section, German Biophysical Society (2011–2012) Leadership and Service: Böckmann is actively involved in academic governance, serving on editorial boards, DFG committees, and as a guest editor for special issues in Frontiers journals. He contributes to graduate education and high-performance computing initiatives at FAU, including the NHR@FAU and Life@FAU Graduate School. He has organized major conferences and workshops in biophysics and membrane modeling. Laboratory and Collaboration: He leads a research group focused on biomembrane physics, collaborating with experimentalists and theorists. His lab develops and applies simulation tools to study membrane systems, bridging computational insights with biological function.
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.
Professor Erez Raz serves as Director of the Institute of Cell Biology at the University of Münster and is affiliated with the Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE). He is a prominent member of the Cluster of Excellence "Cells in Motion" and serves on the board of the CiM-IMPRS graduate program. His research group "AG Raz: Cell biology in vivo - Germ-cell development" investigates fundamental mechanisms of cell migration in living organisms. Professor Raz's research focuses on cell migration, cell-fate maintenance, and organogenesis within live vertebrate embryos. His laboratory primarily employs zebrafish as a model organism due to its transparent embryos that develop externally, enabling high-resolution live imaging of cellular processes. His work has revealed critical mechanisms of how cells navigate within developing organisms, with significant implications for understanding pathological conditions like cancer metastasis and inflammatory processes where cell migration becomes dysregulated. His recent publications demonstrate a sustained focus on molecular mechanisms controlling germ cell migration, including the roles of RNA-binding proteins like Dnd1, bleb formation dynamics, mitochondrial regulation of germ cell fitness, and tissue microenvironment influences on cell protrusion types. His research uniquely integrates approaches from cell biology, biophysics, genetics, and mathematical modeling to gain comprehensive insights into cellular migration dynamics. Over 100 publications spanning two decades Extensive collaborations across disciplines Methodological innovations in cell imaging and manipulation Professor Raz has successfully mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between biologists, physicists, mathematicians, and clinicians. His laboratory has developed innovative techniques for cell ablation, mRNA labeling, and in vivo manipulations using optical tweezers, contributing significantly to methodological advances in the field. His laboratory participates in the Multiscale Imaging Centre and the "Cells in Motion" research network, providing access to state-of-the-art imaging capabilities for studying cellular dynamics at multiple scales, from molecular interactions to whole-organism development.
Christian Becker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Münster, where he leads the Becker Research Group focused on "Adaptive and innate T cell Immunity." His work bridges immunology, dermatology, and vascular biology, with particular emphasis on understanding T cell responses in inflammatory conditions and thrombosis. Dr. Becker's research interests include: T cell function and differentiation Myeloid cell differentiation Nanoparticle-mediated tumor therapy Humanized mouse models Regulatory T cells in tissue repair Monocytes in chronic venous insufficiency His recent work has explored how cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) serves as a signaling messenger in immune regulation, how specialized regulatory T cells control venous blood clot resolution through SPARC, and how nanoparticle-based therapies can be used for melanoma treatment. His research combines molecular immunology with translational approaches to develop novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and thrombotic conditions. Dr. Becker has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Blood, and Circulation Research. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of immunology and vascular biology, particularly examining how T cells and monocytes interact in thrombotic and inflammatory conditions across multiple disease contexts. His laboratory recently relocated from Mainz to Münster, where he continues to expand his research program. Dr. Becker actively mentors doctoral student Doğa Uncuer and master's student Friederike Pauline Neesen, and is seeking additional talented scientists to join his team.
Dr. Wolfgang Hübner is a Researcher at the Faculty of Physics at University of Bielefeld, Germany, affiliated with the Biomolecular Photonics Group. His work focuses on advanced optical imaging techniques applied to cellular and molecular structures. He maintains an active research program as evidenced by numerous publications from 2023-2025. His research interests center on photonics, biophotonics, optical microscopy, super-resolution imaging techniques, cellular biophysics, and molecular imaging. Dr. Hübner's work bridges physics and biology, developing and applying cutting-edge microscopy methods to address biological questions at the nanoscale level. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on super-resolution microscopy techniques, particularly structured illumination microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and correlative imaging approaches. His research investigates cellular structures like liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, dystroglycan mutants, and mitochondrial dynamics, revealing how advanced optical methods can visualize biological processes at unprecedented resolution. Dr. Hübner's research shows consistent development in both methodological advances in optical imaging and biological applications. His work spans from fundamental optical engineering to biomedical applications, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise across physics, engineering, and cell biology.
Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117
Prof. Ben Maoz is a Professor at the Department of Bio-Medical Engineering , The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering , Tel Aviv University . He directs the MaozLab, which pioneers interdisciplinary research in neuroengineering, microphysiological systems, and nanoscale therapeutic delivery. His lab integrates engineering principles with neuroscience to model human diseases and develop translational technologies. Research Focus Prof. Maoz's research spans: Organ-on-Chip Platforms : Developing modular microfluidic systems (e.g., neurovascular units, PNS-CNS models) for disease modeling and drug screening. Nanoneuroengineering : Designing brain-targeted nanocarriers (liposomes, dendriplexes) for siRNA and antibody delivery in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's. Medical Devices : Creating implantable sensors, nanogenerators for sensory restoration, and tools for traumatic brain injury analysis. Cellular Mechanobiology : Investigating biomechanical forces in tissues using magnetoresponsive hydrogels and 3D cultures. Publication Trends His recent work (2023-2025) emphasizes: Advanced drug delivery systems for neurological applications (e.g., siRNA to neurons, alpha-synuclein-targeting antibodies). Innovative organ-on-chip platforms for studying cancer metastasis, viral entry, and neuro-immune interactions. Biomaterials and nanotechnologies addressing sensory restoration, cellular contractility, and super-resolution imaging. Laboratory & Collaborations The MaozLab employs microfabrication, molecular biology, and in vitro modeling to tackle challenges in brain health, with collaborations spanning oncology, virology, and gastroenterology.
Prof. Ulrike Holzgrabe is a distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at the Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Würzburg. With over 30 years of academic excellence, she has held numerous leadership positions including Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy (2009-2011) and Vice President of the University of Würzburg (2018-2021), where she focused on teacher training and educational innovation. Her pioneering research spans three interconnected domains: developing novel anti-infectives from both synthetic and natural sources, designing selective ligands for muscarinic receptors, and advancing analytical methodologies using capillary electrophoresis and NMR spectroscopy for pharmaceutical quality control. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with clinical applications, particularly in combating antimicrobial resistance and improving drug safety. Prof. Holzgrabe's recent publications reveal a strategic expansion of her research into global pharmaceutical quality issues, with particular attention to developing countries. Her analytical expertise has been consistently applied to critical problems including nitrosamine contamination in sartans, counterfeit medicines, and quality assurance of essential antibiotics. Her exceptional contributions to pharmaceutical sciences have been recognized with prestigious honors including the Bavarian Order of Merit (2019), Elsa Ullmann Medal (2021), and the Lesmueller Medal (2023). She was also named Honorary Citizen of Wuerzburg University in 2023, reflecting her profound impact on the institution. As a mentor and scientific leader, Prof. Holzgrabe has secured funding from major organizations including the German Research Foundation (DFG), DAAD, and various international bodies. Her editorial roles include Associate Editor of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and service on multiple editorial boards, demonstrating her influence across pharmaceutical sciences. She leads a dynamic research group that combines traditional pharmaceutical chemistry with cutting-edge analytical approaches, maintaining strong international collaborations while addressing pressing global health challenges through rigorous scientific investigation.
Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
Prof. Dr. Christa Müller leads research at the Pharmazeutisches Institut, University of Bonn, focusing on medicinal chemistry and receptor pharmacology. Her work spans neuropharmacology, molecular imaging, and targeted drug development. Key research areas include purinergic signaling (P2X/P2Y receptors), CD73 inhibition for cancer immunotherapy, and antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. Recent publications highlight radiotracer design, GPCR antagonists, and structure-based drug discovery. Collaborative projects integrate structural biology, preclinical models, and clinical translation. Contributions to neurotechEU and TRA Life and Health align with interdisciplinary approaches to neurological and inflammatory disorders.
Helmholtz Institute Ulm for Electrochemical Energy StorageGermany
Zheng-Jiang Zhu is a Professor at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, within the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry (IRCBC) . Since 2013, he has led a research program focused on advanced mass-spectrometry technologies and their application to metabolomics, lipidomics, and systems biology. Education and Training PhD in Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2006–2011 BS in Chemistry, Nanjing University, 2002–2006 Post-doctoral Research Associate, Scripps Research Institute, 2011–2013 Research Interests Professor Zhu’s research integrates cutting-edge mass spectrometry , ion mobility spectrometry , and bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in metabolism , aging , and neurodegeneration . His group develops novel analytical workflows, software tools, and databases that enable high-throughput, high-coverage profiling of metabolites and lipids in complex biological systems. Specific areas of focus include: Stable-isotope tracing metabolomics for mapping metabolic fluxes across tissues Lipid transport and remodeling at subcellular resolution Machine-learning-assisted metabolite annotation and structural elucidation Biomarker discovery for early cancer diagnosis and aging interventions Scientific Output & Impact Over the past decade, Zhu has authored more than 78 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Nature Communications , Analytical Chemistry , Science Advances , and Nature Chemistry . His 2025 papers alone address tissue-specific fatty-acid biosynthesis, AI-driven metabolite annotation, organellar lipid trafficking, and the anti-aging role of citrulline in macrophages. These works collectively advance both technological frontiers and biological understanding, positioning his laboratory at the forefront of integrated multi-omics research. Software & Databases AllCCS2 – A curated atlas of collision cross-section values for small molecules Met4DX – A unified data-processing platform for multidimensional untargeted metabolomics LipidIMMS Analyzer – Integrative tools for ion-mobility-based lipidomics MetFlow – Interactive workflow for metabolomics data cleaning and differential analysis Collaborations & Funding Zhu’s research is supported by multiple national grants and extensive collaborations with clinicians and industry partners. His group routinely engages in peer review for over 20 high-impact journals, reflecting the community’s recognition of his expertise in analytical chemistry and systems biology.
Helmholtz Institute Ulm for Electrochemical Energy StorageGermany
Jesmond Dalli is Professor in Molecular Pharmacology at the William Harvey Research Institute , part of Queen Mary University of London , where he has served as Lipid Mediator Unit Director since 2015. His research focuses on lipid mediator biology , particularly specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in inflammation, with applications spanning cardiovascular disease , arthritis , neuroinflammation , and HIV . Education : PhD in Biochemical Pharmacology (2005-2009), Queen Mary University of London His work systematically explores pro-resolving pharmacology across acute and chronic inflammation models, including diabetes , obesity , and traumatic brain injury . Articles demonstrate expertise in LC-MS/MS lipid mediator profiling , immune cell metabolism , and translational immunology . Scientific Awards : Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (Royal Society & Wellcome Trust) As Lipid Mediator Unit Director , he leads multidisciplinary studies integrating mass spectrometry platforms , cellular models , and animal models to dissect lipid mediator pathways in disease contexts.
Constanze Jakwerth serves as Group Leader of the Airway Immunology Research Group at Helmholtz Munich's Institute of Allergy Research (IAF), holding the academic rank of Privatdozent (equivalent to Associate Professor) through the Technical University of Munich. Her work investigates epithelial barrier leakage in allergic diseases and environmental impacts on rising allergy incidence amid climate change. Her educational background includes molecular medicine studies across Freiburg, Providence (RI), and Harvard Medical School, followed by a PhD in Hematooncology from Technical University of Munich focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia pathogenesis. Key professional milestones feature postdoctoral work at ZAUM since 2015, Deputy Group Leadership since 2022, and ongoing habilitation in Molecular Immunology at TUM. Research centers on airway immunology mechanisms where environmental triggers (allergens, viruses, pollutants) interact with epithelial barriers to drive diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis. She examines epithelial-immune cell cross-talk involving T cells and macrophages, Th1/Th2 mediator effects, and biomarker identification for allergic inflammation. A major focus involves allergen-specific immunotherapy's impact on epithelial barriers using advanced 3D-culture models. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong translational focus across asthma biomarker discovery, SARS-CoV-2 hepatic pathogenesis, and immunotherapy response monitoring. These works leverage high-dimensional techniques including single-cell RNA-sequencing and 40-color flow cytometry to dissect disease mechanisms at cellular resolution. Scientific recognition includes: Helmholtz Munich Best Paper Award (2024) EAACI Congress oral presentation prize (2023) DZL Annual Meeting poster prize (2023) IFIR Young Investigator Award (2009) Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes scholarships (2007-2010, 2008) Dr. Jakwerth actively mentors young scientists in translational research while advocating for clinic-basic research integration. Her work receives institutional support through German Center for Lung Research (DZL) frameworks and Helmholtz Munich resources, though specific grants aren't detailed in source materials. She leads the Airway Immunology Group within Helmholtz Munich's IAF, operating through the Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM) joint venture with TUM. The team employs primary organotypic 3D-cultures, 40-color flow cytometry, and single-cell sequencing to model airway disease mechanisms under environmental stressors.
Katia Cosentino is a Junior Professor (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in the Department of Biology at Osnabrück University, where she leads the research group Molecular Cell Biophysics . Her work bridges molecular biophysics and cell biology, focusing on the mechanisms of regulated cell death, particularly pyroptosis and apoptosis, through the lens of pore-forming proteins (PFPs). Her research centers on the spatio-temporal assembly of Gasdermin pores during pyroptosis, how membrane environment modulates pore formation , and the crosstalk between apoptosis and pyroptosis . She investigates how these processes influence cell death outcomes, with relevance to disease mechanisms in cancer, neurodegeneration, and immune disorders. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on Gasdermin D (GSDMD) regulation via palmitoylation and membrane targeting, as well as the interplay between BAX/BAK in apoptotic pore dynamics and inflammation. These works reflect a consistent theme in membrane biophysics, protein-lipid interactions, and cell death signaling , employing cutting-edge techniques like single-molecule imaging and super-resolution microscopy. While no scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her research is published in high-impact journals such as The EMBO Journal and Molecular Cell , indicating strong recognition in the field. There is no information available about student advising or external grants. Her lab utilizes advanced model systems including artificial membranes (liposomes, nanodiscs), mammalian cells expressing PFPs, and isolated organelles, combined with methods like fluorescence imaging, atomic force microscopy, and stoichiometric analysis of protein complexes.
