Jonas Frisén is a Professor of Stem Cell Research at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, leading the Stem Cells in Tissue Homeostasis and Regenerative Medicine group within the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. His work focuses on stem cell roles in healthy and diseased tissues, including neural, cardiac, and intestinal systems. Key methodologies include 14C dating for cell turnover analysis and spatial transcriptomics. Education: University Medical Degree, Karolinska Institutet (1991) Research Interests: Stem cell dynamics in neural, cardiac, and intestinal tissues Regenerative medicine applications for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases Age-related changes in stem cell function Development of novel genomic and spatial analysis tools Publications: Recent work highlights include studies on latent cardiomyocyte regeneration in heart disease (2025), neurogenic aging trajectories (2025), and spatial immune cell receptor mapping (2023). These studies emphasize translational potential and advanced single-cell technologies. Awards & Funding: Recipient of distinguished professor grants (2023) and Wallenberg Scholar funding (2024). Notable grants include VR awards totaling SEK 660 million for KI researchers in 2023. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary group integrating stem cell biology, genomics, and clinical applications. Collaborates with institutions like SciLifeLab and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Dai H. Chung is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in pediatric surgery. He joined the faculty in 2018 after completing medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, followed by advanced fellowships at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, NIH (Shriners Burns Hospital), and UTMB. Certified by the American Board of Surgery in pediatric surgery, his professional roles include serving as President of the Society of University Surgeons Foundation, Director of the American Board of Surgery, and Chairman of its Maintenance of Certification Exam Committee. Dr. Chung’s research focuses on pediatric surgical oncology (e.g., neuroblastoma), burn injury pathophysiology, and surgical outcomes optimization. He has published over 130 articles and contributed to numerous books, with awards including the 2017 Society of University Surgeons Travel Award. He is a sought-after speaker and editorial board member for journals like JAMA Surgery and Cancer Research Frontiers . His surgical expertise spans congenital anomalies, trauma, and oncologic interventions, with a strong emphasis on translational research bridging molecular mechanisms and clinical care. Key contributions include studies on intestinal homeostasis post-burn and targeted therapies for neuroblastoma.
Dr. Lynn Mahony is Professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she chairs the NHLBI-funded Pediatric Heart Network. Her clinical expertise spans pediatric cardiology with research focus on congenital heart disease outcomes and clinical trials. Key research areas include: Long-term outcomes of Fontan procedure Neurodevelopmental sequelae of congenital heart disease Marfan syndrome therapeutics Quality of life assessment methodologies Perioperative management protocols She leads multicenter clinical trials investigating pharmacological interventions for Marfan syndrome and single ventricle physiology. Recent publications emphasize functional outcomes, quality of life metrics, and neurodevelopmental trajectories in pediatric cardiac populations. Dr. Mahony mentors early-career investigators through the Pediatric Heart Network and contributes to guideline development for congenital heart disease management.
Josefa Velasco García is a full Professor at the University of Murcia's Faculty of Biology, Department of Ecology and Hydrology. She specializes in aquatic ecology, focusing on freshwater biodiversity, limnology, and the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems. Her research groups include the Aquatic Ecology team and the Inland Water Ecology network. She earned her doctorate in 1989 with a thesis on the colonization processes of artificial environments by aquatic insects in the Iberian southeast. Education: PhD in Biology (1989), University of Murcia Research Interests: Her work spans aquatic insect ecology, salinity tolerance in water beetles, freshwater biodiversity conservation, and climate change effects on limnological systems. She also collaborates in interdisciplinary studies involving medical and educational fields. Grants & Collaborations: She participates in international studies such as the INTELLECT collaborative on lower limb fractures and has contributed to projects on pediatric organ transplantation and educational methodology improvements. Labs/Groups: Leads the Aquatic Ecology research group and has been part of the Inland Water Ecology network. Her work often involves protected areas like Sierra Espuña Regional Park.
Janelle Ayres, PhD, is a Professor and Laboratory Head at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her primary affiliations include the Gene Expression Laboratory, Molecular and Systems Physiology Laboratory, and the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis. She is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and holds the Salk Institute Legacy Chair. Ayres completed her BA in Molecular & Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, her PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on understanding how host physiologies and microbial interactions promote health, particularly through disease tolerance mechanisms. She discovered the co-operative defense system, which allows hosts to survive infections without eliminating pathogens. This work challenges traditional antibiotic-dependent approaches and opens avenues for therapies targeting host-pathogen cooperation. Key areas include metabolic defenses, immunometabolism, and microbiome-driven health promotion. Ayres' recent studies highlight drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) as potential sepsis treatments by enhancing host tolerance. Her work also explores how pathogens evolve into symbiotic relationships with hosts, reducing infection threats. Major awards include the NIH Pioneer Award (2018), Blavatnik National Award (2018), and HHMI Investigator status (2024). Her research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on cancer cachexia, microbiome-metabolome interactions in colorectal cancer, and age-related sepsis defenses. Ayres' lab integrates evolutionary theory, systems biology, and clinical insights to redefine strategies for managing infections and promoting healthy aging.
Beth A. Carter is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California (USC) and Medical Director of both the Liver Transplant Program and Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her clinical and research expertise centers on pediatric gastroenterology, with a focus on intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD), and outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation. She has led clinical trials evaluating teduglutide in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) and contributed to understanding the microbiome in intestinal failure. Her work also addresses complications of parenteral nutrition and surgical interventions for vascular and biliary disorders in children. Her research interests include optimizing therapeutic strategies for SBS-IF, improving outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation, and investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying PNALD. She has extensively published on topics such as teduglutide efficacy, microbiome analysis in intestinal failure, and the impact of lipid emulsions on liver disease. Her clinical roles involve managing complex cases of pediatric liver failure and intestinal rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on translational research bridging clinical practice and molecular insights. Dr. Carter’s contributions extend to understanding the natural history of pediatric intestinal failure, the role of immunomodulatory therapies in acute liver failure, and the management of post-transplant complications such as hepatitis C recurrence. She collaborates across disciplines to advance care for children with rare gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions.
Dr. Rima Fawaz is Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Gastroenterology & Hepatology) at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and serves as Medical Director of Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation. She completed her MD at American University of Beirut (1996), pediatric residency at Upstate Medical University, gastroenterology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center, and transplant hepatology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Her research focuses on pediatric hepatobiliary disorders including cholestatic liver diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and transplant outcomes. Current investigations include NIH-funded studies on immune-mediated acute liver failure, Wilson's disease registries, and cholestasis management innovations. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on pediatric liver disease mechanisms and interventions, with recent work emphasizing metabolic liver disorders (2022-2024), cholestatic disease management (2025), and transplantation outcomes (2023). Longitudinal studies characterize genetic conditions like Alagille syndrome while clinical investigations examine novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Awards include: Gastroenterology Attending of the Year (twice) from Boston Children's Hospital GI fellows As site investigator for multiple NIH-sponsored clinical trials, she leads research on pediatric acute liver failure and transplantation protocols. She directs the Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Program, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance clinical care and research training.
Graeme Birdsey is an Associate Professor in Vascular Science at the National Heart & Lung Institute, part of Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of endothelial cell gene expression in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. He has held affiliations with the CDT in Chemical Biology, the Institute of Chemical Biology, the Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Network, and the Vascular Science Network. Dr. Birdsey earned a BSc in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University and a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology from University College London (UCL). His postdoctoral training included work in Prof. Chris Danpure's lab (UCL) on alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) targeting, followed by studies on nitric oxide regulation under Prof. Patrick Vallance at UCL. His research spans vascular biology, with emphasis on ERG transcription factor roles in endothelial cell function, vascular inflammation, and disease mechanisms. Key areas include lymphatic malformations, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic syndromes linked to ERG mutations. His work integrates molecular biology, genomics, and 3D modeling approaches. Publications highlight contributions to vascular biology, including ERG's role in angiogenesis regulation, therapeutic strategies using ultrasound-microbubble systems, and genetic insights into rare diseases. His research bridges basic science and clinical applications in cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders.
Luis O Rohena serves as Professor of Pediatrics at Uniformed Services University's School of Medicine, holding dual appointments as Chief Medical Officer at Brooke Army Medical Center/San Antonio Military Health System and Chief of Medical Genetics with Directorship of the Metabolic Clinic at San Antonio Military Medical Center. His educational background includes: B.A. Biochemistry (Honors), Columbia University (2004) M.D., Ponce Health Sciences University (Honors, 2008) Pediatrics Residency (Distinguished Graduate), Walter Reed Army Medical Center (2011) Clinical Genetics Fellowship, Columbia University (2013) M.S. Management, University of Maryland (2019) Ph.D. Higher Education, Texas Tech University (2022) Rohena's research integrates clinical genetics with military medicine, focusing on rare genetic disorders, autism spectrum conditions, skin disorder genetics, epilepsy mechanisms, and higher education innovation. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with operational military healthcare needs, particularly in metabolic and neurogenetic conditions affecting service members and families. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to medical genetics literature between 2013-2017, with emphasis on novel gene-disorder associations across diverse systems including neurology, cardiology, and dermatology. Key themes include discovery of new mutations in genes like CLCN4, SON, and SNAP25, with clinical correlations to intellectual disability and seizure disorders. Major recognitions include: Henry Jackson Foundation Army Hero of Military Medicine (2024) The Surgeon General's Physician Recognition Award (2023) American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Awards (2018, 2022) Order of Military Medical Merit (2021) Alpha Omega Alpha and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society memberships As a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, Rohena has served as PROFIS Physician for multiple Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (2013-2018) and CBRNE Physician Expert (2018-2019), with deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom-Spartan Shield and Operation Allies Refuge. He currently serves as Chief Editor for Medscape's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases section while maintaining active clinical and academic responsibilities.
Dr. Sasan Sakiani, MD , is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and an attending transplant hepatologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center . Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology, he co-directs clinical care and research initiatives focused on advanced liver diseases and transplantation. Education & Training MD – Ross University School of Medicine (2008, Highest Honors) Post-Graduate Research – Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH Residency – Internal Medicine, Case Western Reserve University / MetroHealth Medical Center (2012) Fellowship – Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University / MetroHealth Medical Center (2015) Fellowship – Transplant Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic (2018) Research & Clinical Interests Dr. Sakiani’s scholarly work bridges bench to bedside in transplant hepatology . His investigations encompass viral hepatitis (HCV, HBV), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), cirrhosis , alcoholic liver disease , and the under-recognized cystic fibrosis liver disease . Collaborative studies with the NIH have produced seminal insights into adult-onset cystic fibrosis liver disease, while his ongoing clinical trials explore novel antifibrotic and antiviral therapies for portal hypertension and hepatitis B functional cure. Recent Publications Focus Over the last four years, Dr. Sakiani has led or co-authored more than fifteen peer-reviewed articles. These works illuminate key areas such as post-transplant cholangiopathies , nodular regenerative hyperplasia , COVID-19 associated hepatobiliary injury , and resource utilization in acute-on-chronic liver failure . Collectively, the publications underscore a commitment to improving diagnostics, therapeutic algorithms, and long-term outcomes in complex liver disorders. Scientific Awards & Honors Ross University School of Medicine – Graduated with Highest Honors (2008) Rajiv M. Reddy Academic Achievement Award, MetroHealth Medical Center (2011, 2012) Fellowship² Leadership Award, Salix Pharmaceuticals (2014, 2015) Professional Memberships & Grants Dr. Sakiani maintains active memberships in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) , American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) , and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) . He has served on national guideline committees and is principal or co-investigator on several industry- and NIH-funded studies investigating novel antiviral and antifibrotic agents for chronic liver disease. Clinical & Research Teams At the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr. Sakiani leads the Transplant Hepatology service , directing multidisciplinary care teams that integrate hepatologists, transplant surgeons, radiologists, and nurse coordinators. He also mentors residents and fellows in the University of Maryland Gastroenterology Fellowship program and collaborates closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited CF Center to advance liver-related outcomes in CF patients.
Niels Qvist is a Professor at the Clinical Institute of the University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with Odense University Hospital (OUH) where he works in the Research Unit for Surgery. His academic career spans surgical research with a focus on gastrointestinal procedures and complications, with over 555 publications to his name. His primary research interests include: Postoperative Complications Surgical Anastomosis techniques and failures Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease) Anastomosis Leakage prevention and management Cohort Analysis methodologies Systematic Reviews in surgical outcomes Professor Qvist's recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on gastrointestinal surgery outcomes, inflammatory bowel disease treatments, and surgical complication prevention. His work frequently involves large-scale cohort studies examining drug safety (particularly biologics for IBD), comparative effectiveness of surgical techniques, and innovative approaches to anastomotic perfusion assessment. He often collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Denmark on clinical trials and observational studies. His scientific contributions include numerous high-impact publications with notable recent work on: Longitudinal safety studies of Golimumab for ulcerative colitis treatment Comparative studies of colon capsule versus traditional colonoscopy Vacuum-assisted closure techniques for postoperative complications Autoimmune comorbidities in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease Professor Qvist actively supervises students and junior researchers, with multiple guidance relationships documented in animal experimental studies related to surgical techniques and anastomosis. His work bridges clinical practice with surgical research, particularly in gastrointestinal surgery and inflammatory bowel disease management, with strong connections to both clinical care at Odense University Hospital and academic research at the university.
Dr. Guy Rousseau is a Full Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. He serves as Associate Director of Basic Research at the Sacré-Coeur Hospital Research Center and is a member of the Quebec Research Network on Aging. His research focuses on intracellular signaling in cardiovascular pathologies, regulation of G protein-coupled receptors, and the cardioprotective effects of adenosine and omega-3 fatty acids. Key research themes include post-myocardial infarction depression, gut-brain axis interactions, and inflammation modulation via probiotics. His work spans molecular mechanisms in myocardial injury, neurobehavioral consequences of cardiovascular events, and microbiome-cardiovascular disease links. Recent publications highlight his exploration of probiotics in mood disorders, omega-3 fatty acid metabolites in cardioprotection, and uric acid's role in shock-related organ injury. Dr. Rousseau's contributions include grants from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and NSERC, along with editorial board service for Apoptosis . His leadership extends to the Quebec Society of Hypertension, where he served as President from 2018 to 2021, focusing on public education about hypertension management.
Médéric Diard is an Assistant Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads the research group focused on the Evolution of Bacterial Pathogens within the Focal Area Infection Biology. His laboratory investigates the development and evolution of Salmonella Typhimurium and the role of bacterial variability during infection. Previously, he held positions as a Lecturer at ETH Zurich (2009-2018) and completed his doctoral studies at Paris Diderot University. His educational background includes: Doctor of Sciences in Microbiology from Paris Diderot University (2004-2008) Master of Sciences in Biochemistry and Microbiology from Paris Diderot University (2002-2004) Diploma of Laboratory Technology from Lycée JB Poquelin (1999-2001) Diard's research focuses on understanding bacterial pathogen evolution, particularly how Salmonella Typhimurium adapts during infection. His team investigates phenotypic heterogeneity in bacterial populations, examining how genetically identical cells produce different forms that may allow for division of labor between subpopulations in the gut. This work has important implications for understanding the antibiotic resistance crisis, as technological progress currently lags behind bacterial evolution. His group also studies the role of transmission in pathogen evolution, using modern sequencing technologies to investigate population dynamics during long-term infection and host-to-host transmission. Their research explores how factors like gut microbiota and host immunity limit pathogen life cycles, with the ultimate goal of designing robust biological strategies to prevent the emergence of treatment-resistant bacteria. His scientific contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards including the 2017 Robert Koch Postdoctoral Award for Hygiene and Microbiology and the 2017 Swiss Society of Microbiology Encouragement Award. He has published extensively in top-tier journals including Nature , Science , and Nature Microbiology , with research that spans bacterial evolution, host-pathogen interactions, and microbiome dynamics. Diard supervises a diverse research team including doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff. His group has developed innovative approaches to combat bacterial pathogens, including a new vaccination concept that combines traditional vaccination with targeted colonization of the intestine with harmless bacteria. This work, highlighted in April 2025, represents a promising strategy to move beyond traditional antimicrobial chemotherapy approaches that are increasingly failing due to antibiotic resistance. His laboratory is part of the Biozentrum, a world-renowned center for molecular and biomedical research at the University of Basel, where he collaborates with other research groups working on infection biology, structural biology, and computational modeling to advance our understanding of pathogen evolution and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Clinical Professor Henrik Højgaard Rasmussen is affiliated with Aalborg University Hospital Clinical Institute under the Faculty of Health Sciences at Aalborg University in the Department of Gastroenterology . His work bridges clinical practice and academic research in gastrointestinal diseases. Key Research Areas: Clinical nutrition, intestinal failure, short bowel syndrome, parenteral nutrition, chronic pancreatitis, protein intake, skeletal muscle physiology, and healthcare economics. His recent publications (2025) focus on socio-economic impacts of nutrition interventions, real-world teduglutide outcomes for intestinal failure, resting energy expenditure modeling, cannabis-based appetite stimulation in geriatrics, and economic analyses of undernutrition. Trends include multi-center trials, metabolic assessments, and healthcare cost reduction strategies. He collaborates with the Clinical Nutrition Research Unit at Herlev-Gentofte University Hospital and participates in clinical guidelines, educational conferences, and public health media engagements. His work emphasizes translational research to improve patient care and reduce healthcare burdens.
Jun Yu, MD, FAHA is a Professor and Vice Chair of Biomedical Education and Data Science at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine, with additional professorships in Cardiovascular Sciences and the Center for Metabolic Disease Research. His multidisciplinary roles span vascular biology, metabolic disease research, and biomedical data science. Dr. Yu's research focuses on molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling, atherogenesis, and ER stress-related pathologies. Key interests include reticulon family proteins in plaque necrosis, autophagy-inflammation crosstalk, vascular fibrosis involving MKP5 signaling, and collateral artery remodeling in metabolic disease. His laboratory extensively employs mouse genetic models, cell biological approaches, and biochemical assays. Recent publication trends (2022-2025) emphasize natural compounds (Edgeworthia gardneri, saponins, flavonoids) for atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation, with growing focus on trained immunity, gut-microbiota interactions, and novel biomarkers (ELABELA, soluble prorenin receptor) for cardiovascular diseases. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational applications. Dr. Yu's laboratory maintains active collaborations across vascular biology, immunology, and pharmacology fields, with recent emphasis on macrophage polarization, T-cell subsets in atherosclerosis, and epigenetic regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. His research program integrates advanced techniques including single-cell RNA-seq, metabolomics, and sophisticated murine disease models.
