Dr. Grzegorz Karol Wagner is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Zoology and Nature Conservation within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS). His research focuses on biological sciences, with emphasis on saproxylic beetles, ant ecology, and insect morphology. Specializes in saproxylic beetles (ecology, distribution, larval stages) Studies ant biology, interspecific relationships, and symbiotic organisms Investigates biological activity of insect-derived substances He maintains active collaborations and has published 23 works with a total impact factor of 13.319. His research integrates systematic classification with ecological and morphological analyses of insects. Contact: grzegorz.wagner@mail.umcs.pl
Anna-Bella Failloux is a leading researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where she heads the Arboviruses and Insect Vectors (AIV) laboratory within the Virology Department. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions between arboviruses and mosquito vectors, particularly Aedes species, and their role in the emergence and transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile fever. Her work spans virology, entomology, epidemiology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on vector competence, transmission dynamics, and the impact of environmental changes on disease spread. She leads and participates in numerous national and international research projects, including those funded by ANR, H2020, and DARPA, often in collaboration with the Pasteur International Network. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in arbovirus surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and vector control strategies, particularly involving Wolbachia and climate change impacts. Her research combines experimental infection studies, genomic analysis, and field surveillance to assess the risk of arboviral disease emergence in new regions, such as the Caribbean and metropolitan France. Researcher, Institut Pasteur Head, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors (AIV) laboratory Member, Virology Department Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Failloux mentors PhD students such as Benjamin Dupuis and Lazare Brézillon-Dubus. She leads or co-leads multiple research projects, including ENVIRON-MOS (on West Nile virus and environmental changes), CHIPARBO (high-throughput screening of arboviruses), and has been a work package leader in major consortia like ZIKALLIANCE and Infravec2, demonstrating her significant role in securing and managing research funding. Labs and Teams: She leads the AIV laboratory, which maintains mosquito colonies (including Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex species) and conducts experimental infections under high-containment (P3/A3) conditions. The team includes technicians, engineers, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers, working collaboratively on vector-pathogen interactions.
Rafał Jerzy Gosik is a university professor at the Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska. His academic career spans over 25 years, with a focus on coleopteran taxonomy and ecological conservation. PhD (2005): Studies on Curculionidae beetles in the Bug River Valley Habilitation (2014): Larval morphology of Bagoinae weevils His research interests encompass weevil morphology , biological control , insect taxonomy , and conservation biology , particularly of amphibians and reptiles. Recent work focuses on immature stages of Curculionidae and their systematic significance. Scientific contributions include: Over 47 publications h-index 10 (Scopus), 9 (WoS) Ministerial score: 1,845 Editorial roles in Polskie Pismo Entomologiczne (2017-2019) and Insects (2020-present) Awards include the Homo Didacticus distinction for excellence in teaching. Active in international collaborations (Serbia, Germany, Czech Republic) and student mentorship (supervisor of the UMCS Biological Sciences Students' Circle 2014-2023).
Lauren Lucas serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology within the College of Science at Utah State University. With over a decade of service to USU and recognition as Faculty Teacher of the Year (2019), she has established herself as a dedicated educator and researcher specializing in evolutionary biology and ecology. Her work primarily focuses on butterfly systematics, population genetics, and plant-insect-microbe interactions. Other, Biological Sciences/Secondary Education, University of Wyoming, 2010 MS, Population and Conservation Biology, Texas State University, 2006 BA, Biology (Environmental Studies), St. Olaf College, 2004 Dr. Lucas's research centers on evolutionary processes in butterfly populations, particularly Lycaeides species. Her work examines genetic constraints on adaptation, hybrid zone dynamics, and the genomic basis of host plant shifts. She investigates how genetic variation influences phenotypic traits and ecological interactions, with particular attention to how these factors shape evolutionary trajectories in natural populations. Her research integrates field observations with genomic analyses to understand the mechanisms driving biodiversity patterns. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on butterfly-plant interactions, with increasing integration of genomic approaches since 2015. Her work demonstrates how genetic variation across multiple interacting species shapes ecological outcomes, with particular emphasis on hybrid zones, speciation processes, and adaptation to novel environments. The research often bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with practical conservation implications for specialized insect populations. Master Teacher Certificate, 2025 (Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence, USU) Mentor of UTF of the Year, 2024 (College of Science, USU) 10 years of service to Utah State University, 2023 (USU) Teaching Scholar Certificate, 2020 (Academic and Instructional Services, USU) Faculty Teacher of the Year, 2019 (College of Science, USU) Teaching portfolio workshop completion, 2016 (USU) Dr. Lucas has been instrumental in developing undergraduate research experiences, particularly through the Dr. Gene Miller Life Science Garden Laboratory. She co-received a five-year federally-funded grant to study plant-insect-microbe interactions, focusing on alfalfa and associated insect communities. Her educational research has demonstrated positive impacts of classroom research experiences on student attitudes toward science. She has advised numerous undergraduate researchers and integrated authentic research into her teaching curriculum. As co-director of the Dr. Gene Miller Life Science Garden Laboratory, Dr. Lucas oversees an experimental garden that serves as a living laboratory for undergraduate students. The garden, featuring genetically diverse alfalfa populations, supports research on plant-insect interactions, endophyte diversity, and eco-evolutionary dynamics. This facility has become a hub for participatory science, engaging both students and community members in biodiversity monitoring through the iNaturalist platform.
David A. Ray is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University (TTU). His research focuses on genomic and evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on transposable elements and genome evolution. Education: BS in Biology, University of South Carolina (1990) MAT in Biology/Education, University of South Carolina (1992) PhD in Zoology, Texas Tech University (2002) The Ray laboratory studies genomes across diverse model organisms, including bats, crocodilians, mammals, and insects. His work integrates molecular evolution and comparative genomics to understand evolutionary dynamics. Ray's research has received funding from the National Science Foundation (grants DEB-1355176, DEB-1838283, MCB-0841821, MCB-1052500, DEB-1020865), the US Department of Agriculture, and various state agencies. Labs & Research Groups: Ray Laboratory Research Groups: Genetics & Genomics, Systematics & Evolution
Dr. Demetra Rakosy is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Spatial Interaction Ecology (SIE) group at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig. She is affiliated with the Department of Community Ecology and focuses on plant-pollinator interactions, particularly along anthropogenic and natural gradients in Central and Eastern Europe. Her work integrates ecological networks, functional diversity, and conservation biology. PhD, University of Vienna (2012–2017) Master’s, University of Vienna and Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca Her research spans pollination ecology , floral trait evolution , and species interaction networks , with a focus on deceptive orchids such as Ophrys , Neotinea , and Traunsteinera . She investigates how visual and olfactory cues shape pollinator behavior and reproductive success. Her recent publications emphasize network analysis, pollen identification via deep learning, and the conservation of pollination systems in human-modified landscapes. Dr. Rakosy has co-mentored several early-career researchers and contributed to teaching and summer schools in pollination ecology. Her work is presented at major ecological conferences, and she actively participates in science outreach, including exhibitions at the Leipzig Botanical Garden. Her collaborative research spans Germany, Romania, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Pollination Networks and Biodiversity Conservation Floral Signal Evolution in Deceptive Orchids Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Plant-Pollinator Interactions She has received support from DAAD, WTZ Czech Republic, and the Natural Science Society for Carinthia. Her recent work integrates advanced imaging and machine learning for ecological monitoring. Co-mentorship of PhD, Master’s, and intern students since 2018 Guest lecturer at Babeș-Bolyai University (2017–2018) Tutor at University of Vienna (2010–2012) Dr. Rakosy is involved in the GLIMPSE PhD cohort and contributes to interdisciplinary projects linking biodiversity, land use, and environmental policy. Her research aims to inform conservation strategies in under-studied regions of Eastern Europe, particularly regarding overgrazing impacts on grassland ecosystems.
Gabrielle Bangay is a Researcher at the School of Health Sciences and Technologies (ECTS) of Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, affiliated with the Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS). Her work focuses on pharmacology, natural product-based anticancer therapies, and multidrug resistance reversal mechanisms. Key Research Areas: Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product Research Collaborations: Active in international collaborations, particularly in cancer research and phytochemical studies. Her recent publications highlight the use of diterpenoids like royleanones and abietane derivatives for targeting P-glycoprotein in cancer therapy, functionalized gold nanoparticles for drug delivery, and systematic reviews of Plectranthus amboinicus in traditional and modern medicine. These studies integrate experimental and computational approaches to address neurotoxicity, antifungal properties, and cytotoxicity. Current projects include ABC-MDR-REVERSAL , which investigates allosteric mechanisms to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer via ATP-binding cassette transporters. Her work bridges natural product chemistry with translational applications in oncology and neuroprotection.
Professor Anthony Clarke is a leading academic in entomology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he holds the title of Professor and Chair of Fruit Fly Biology and Management within the Faculty of Science and the School of Biology & Environmental Science. His research is globally recognized for advancing sustainable management of tropical fruit flies, particularly species in the genera Bactrocera and Zeugodacus . Clarke earned a B.Agr.Sc in Entomology and a PhD in Entomology from The University of Queensland, followed by a decade of research fellowships at Australian universities before joining QUT in 2002. He has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and supervised 20+ higher degree research students. His research spans insect ecology, evolutionary biology, and integrated pest management, with significant contributions to understanding fruit fly behavior, population dynamics, and biological control. His work has informed national and international fruit fly management strategies, particularly in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. The trends in his recent publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, phylogenetics, behavioral ecology, and landscape-level population studies to understand fruit fly biology and improve pest management. Key themes include gene expression in response to host plants, biogeographic patterns, reproductive behavior, and the role of competition in pest dynamics. Elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (2006) CRCNPB Science Excellence Award (2011) Australian Entomological Society Mackerras Medal (2014) Appointed to ARC College of Experts (2016) Chaired development of the National Fruit Fly RD&E Plan (2014) Chair, IPPC Expert Consultation on Phytosanitary Treatments (2014) Clarke has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, focusing on fruit fly ecology, behavior, and management. His research has been supported by major competitive grants, including the Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation and projects under the Australian Competitive Grants scheme. He leads a vibrant research lab and collaborates widely across international institutions. His laboratory, Fruit Fly QUT , is a hub for tephritid research, integrating molecular, ecological, and applied approaches to address critical challenges in horticultural biosecurity.
Michael Ohl is a researcher affiliated with the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin , focusing on the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of holometabolous insects, particularly Hymenoptera and Neuropterida. His work integrates empirical studies with theoretical and methodological investigations into biological systematics and the history of biology. Research Interests: Taxonomy and phylogeny of apoid wasps (Aculeate Hymenoptera) Global diversity studies of Mantispidae (Neuropterida) Conceptual foundations of biological systematics History of biological sciences
Kiran Adhikari is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, affiliated with the Lazzaro Lab. Their research focuses on genetics, evolutionary biology, and molecular mechanisms underlying insect traits such as sex determination, thermal adaptation, and developmental patterning. Key research interests include the evolution of sex chromosomes in insects, genotype-by-environment interactions, and the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity. Adhikari's work combines experimental genetics, ecological studies, and genomic analyses to address fundamental questions in evolutionary and developmental biology. Publications highlight contributions to understanding house fly proto-Y chromosome effects on gene expression and fitness, thermal tolerance in insects, and the role of Distal-less gene in butterfly wing patterning. Collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to unravel complex biological systems.
Prof. Daniel Link is a Professor in the Department of Training Science and Sports Informatics at the Technical University of Munich's TUM School of Medicine and Health. His research focuses on systematics of training and competition, digitalization of sports (including AI-driven data analysis), and technical-tactical performance metrics. He supports German elite sports in match analysis processes and holds roles as spokesperson for the Sports Informatics and Sports Technology section of the German Association of Sport Science (dvs), Secretary General of the International Association of Computer Science in Sport (IACSS), and reviewer for the Federal Institute of Sport Science (BISp). Prof. Link earned a computer science degree from TU Dortmund University, a doctorate in sports science from the University of Augsburg, and a venia legendi in sports science from TU Munich. His work bridges computer science and sports science, emphasizing data-driven approaches to athlete performance and ecological studies on insects (e.g., butterfly genomics, climate vulnerability). His recent research trends include computational analysis of sports performance, ecological studies on insect adaptations, and validation of electronic tracking systems. Key contributions involve genome sequencing projects, thermal tolerance studies in endangered species, and methodological advancements in sports data collection.
Prof. Dr. Pavel E. Tarasov is an Adjunct Professor (Außerplanmäßiger Professor) at Freie Universität Berlin’s Institute of Geological Sciences, specializing in Paleontology and Quaternary Sciences. His research focuses on lake sediments as climatic archives, pollen-based reconstructions of vegetation and climate, and Holocene human-environment interactions. He holds a PhD from Moscow State University (1992) and a Habilitation (2007) from FU Berlin. Tarasov has led major projects like the Lake El’gygytgyn drilling in Arctic Russia and the Baikal-Hokkaido Archaeology Project, integrating environmental and archaeological data. Key achievements include the 2012 Heisenberg Fellowship and over 220 peer-reviewed publications with an h-index of 59. Education: MV Lomonosov Moscow State University (1980–1985), Diploma in Geography (1985) PhD (Doctor of Geographical Sciences), Moscow State University (1992) Habilitation in Quaternary Sciences, FU Berlin (2007) Research Interests: Lake sediment analysis, pollen-based climate reconstructions, Holocene environmental variability, and interdisciplinary studies linking environmental changes to human dynamics across Eurasia. Major foci include the Arctic (Lake El’gygytgyn), East Asia (Lake Biwa, Lake Suigetsu), and Hokkaido’s prehistoric environments. Selected Awards: Heisenberg Stipend (DFG, 2011–2016) Visiting Scholar Award (University of Alberta, 2012) Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowship (2000–2001) Grants & Projects: Leads initiatives like the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation’s “HEINIA” project and contributes to the Asian Lake Drilling Program. Collaborates internationally on projects such as the Bridging Eurasia Research Initiative and Silk Road Fashion studies. Active in radiocarbon dating innovations, including fossil pollen purification techniques. Labs & Teams: Heads the Palaeobotany and Palaeoclimatology Working Group at FU Berlin. Collaborates with institutions like the Alfred Wegener Institute, German Archaeological Institute, and University of Alberta. Supervises interdisciplinary studies combining archaeology, geochemistry, and environmental proxies.
Thomas Christian McElrath is an Assistant Research Scientist in Entomology at the Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Entomology, where he focuses on insect systematics, biodiversity, and conservation biology. His research interests include the taxonomy and systematics of Coleoptera (beetles), particularly Monotomidae and Elateridae, with emphasis on North American and Neotropical species. He also explores conservation policy applications, such as evaluating recovery metrics under the Endangered Species Act and biodiversity preservation strategies. Recent work includes studies on sex attractant identification in click beetles, taxonomic revisions of Silvanidae genera, and collaborative projects analyzing Brazilian Coleoptera diversity. His contributions span both fieldwork and database development, such as the dataset on Illinois hover flies derived from museum and citizen science records. McElrath collaborates internationally, contributing to global entomological research networks. His work bridges taxonomic expertise with applied conservation challenges, emphasizing the role of systematic data in ecological management.
Víctor Ortega Jiménez serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where his research bridges biology, engineering, and fluid dynamics to investigate organismal responses to complex environmental forces. His work specifically examines animal locomotion through perturbed flows including rain, waterfalls, turbulent convection, and electrostatic fields, with implications spanning evolutionary biology to bio-inspired robotics. His core research interests focus on organismal dynamics under capillary forces, static electricity, and multicomponent fluid environments . This interdisciplinary program integrates physiological measurements, fluid dynamics modeling, and engineering principles to decode how small animals navigate unpredictable conditions—such as hummingbirds in precipitation or springtails at fluid interfaces—with direct applications for designing resilient bio-inspired robots. Key methodologies include high-speed videography, aerodynamic force measurements, and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Analysis of his 2012-2022 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory exploring size-dependent fluid-structure interactions across diverse taxa. His work systematically addresses how turbulence (von Kármán streets, whirlwinds), electrostatics (spiderweb deformation), and capillary phenomena (springtail adhesion) constrain animal movement, while identifying evolutionary adaptations for environmental challenges. The research consistently links fundamental biomechanics to ecological and engineering innovation. Dr. Ortega Jiménez directs the Ornithopterus Lab , which serves as the experimental hub for studying animal locomotion in complex flows through controlled environmental simulations and biomechanical analysis. The lab’s infrastructure supports high-precision fluid dynamics testing and bio-robotic prototyping for translating biological insights into technological solutions.
Dr. Mateusz Płóciennik is a researcher at the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology , University of Łódź, Poland. His work focuses on paleoclimatology, freshwater ecology, and environmental reconstruction through interdisciplinary approaches. Research Keywords: Climate change, Ecosystem responses, Freshwater ecology, Multiproxy analysis Recent publications highlight his expertise in Holocene climate dynamics, carbon cycling in northern lakes, alpine macroinvertebrate resilience, and taxonomic discoveries. Collaborations span institutions in marine studies, environmental engineering, and agricultural sciences. Notable Contributions: First documentation of Eukiefferiella dittmari in Poland; analyses of North Atlantic Jet influence on Carpathian climates; studies on mire humidity tracking using statistical models.
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