Professor Mirko Trajkovski leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva. He completed his PhD at the International Max Planck School in Dresden (2005), followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, before establishing his lab at University College London (2012) and moving to Geneva (2013). His work focuses on adipose tissue plasticity , gut microbiota , and their roles in obesity , diabetes , and insulin resistance . Swiss National Science Foundation Professor (2014) ERC Starting Grant (2014) & Consolidator Grant (2019) Dr Walter Seipp Prize & Carl Gustav Carus Prize (2005) His lab investigates fat browning mechanisms , microbiota-host communication , and multi-tissue metabolic regulation using in vivo , in vitro , and human cohort approaches. Recent publications emphasize microbiome-based therapies , temperature effects on metabolism , and gut-bone-adipose crosstalk . Current advisees include PhD student Silas Kieser, with past members like Jing Xue, Salvatore Fabbiano, and Claire Chevalier contributing to immuno-metabolism and microbial engineering projects.
Dr. Rebecca Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. Her research focuses on understanding intestinal function in health and disease using the Drosophila model. She investigates how the intestinal epithelium balances barrier function, nutrient absorption, microbial symbiosis, and cell turnover, particularly during aging and disease states. Key research questions include mechanisms of intestinal barrier failure and the interplay between nutrition and intestinal homeostasis. Her work integrates genetic, microbiological, and physiological approaches to explore aging-related pathologies. Current projects aim to identify molecular pathways linking intestinal health to longevity. Supervised postgraduate students include Ale Acevedo Marcelin, Beñat Yanez, and Fanila Shahzad. Dr. Clark’s lab uses Drosophila as a model system due to its powerful genetic tools and evolutionary relevance. Research has implications for understanding human conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and age-related metabolic disorders. Recent findings highlight microbiota-independent aging mechanisms and the role of tricellular junctions in stem cell regulation. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Her research has been published in journals like Cell , Nature Cell Biology , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
Pierre Maechler is a Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism. His research focuses on mitochondrial metabolism in pancreatic beta cells and its critical role in diabetes pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on glutamate dehydrogenase function and regulation. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion and beta-cell failure in Type 2 diabetes. Maechler's research interests span mitochondrial metabolism, energy homeostasis, and the molecular pathways linking nutrient sensing to insulin secretion. His work has established crucial connections between glutamate metabolism, beta-cell function, and diabetes development. He investigates how metabolic stressors like glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity impair beta-cell function through mitochondrial dysfunction. His research has expanded to include the role of glutamate dehydrogenase in multiple organs including brain, liver, and muscle, revealing systemic metabolic implications. Analysis of Maechler's publication record shows a sustained focus on beta-cell metabolism with evolving scope. Early work established fundamental mechanisms of glutamate signaling in insulin secretion, while recent publications demonstrate expansion into multi-organ metabolic regulation. His research has identified novel biomarkers for beta-cell mass, explored therapeutic targets for diabetes, and revealed unexpected roles for glutamate dehydrogenase in diverse physiological processes from muscle regeneration to brain function. The consistent thread through his work is understanding how mitochondrial metabolism governs cellular and systemic energy homeostasis. Professor Maechler has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to publish significant work in diabetes research. His laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches for diabetes. Funding for his work likely comes from Swiss National Science Foundation and other European research agencies, supporting investigations into metabolic diseases. Maechler leads the Mitochondria and Energy Metabolism research group at the University of Geneva. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, metabolomics, and physiology to investigate metabolic regulation in health and disease. The laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical diabetes researchers, facilitating translational applications of their findings. Current work focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets for preserving beta-cell function in diabetes.
Armando J. D. Silvestre is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro. He holds academic degrees including a Licenciatura in Chemistry (1990), PhD in Chemistry (1994), and Agregação in Chemistry (2008) from the University of Aveiro. His research focuses on renewable materials, circular economy, and functional biomaterials. Research interests include: Development of biopolymer-based functional materials Valorization of biological residues for value-added chemicals Novel polymeric materials from renewable resources Sustainable nanocomposites and coatings Professor Silvestre has supervised 18 MSc and 11 PhD students to completion and currently mentors 3 PhD and 3 MSc candidates. Research projects include EU-funded initiatives like AFORE (Forest Biorefineries) and national projects on membrane technology and biomass valorization. Scientific contributions include over 180 SCI journal publications and patents on extraction methods. He serves on editorial boards for Industrial Crops and Products and actively participates in academic activities including Erasmus coordination and Bologna process implementation.
Dimitrios (Dimitris) Anastasiou is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, specializing in cancer metabolism research. Previously, he served as a Group Leader at the Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) starting in 2012 before transitioning to the Crick Institute in 2015. His research career includes postdoctoral work and an Instructor position at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School under Lewis Cantley, where he focused on metabolic reprogramming in cancer. University College London, UK - BSc Molecular Biology (2001) University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland - PhD in Biochemistry (2006) Anastasiou's research centers on understanding how cancer cells generate energy and utilize nutrients differently from normal cells. His laboratory conducts detailed analyses of metabolic pathways in cancer, investigating how tumor cells rewire their metabolism to support rapid growth and evade the body's defenses. His work spans biochemistry, proteomics, computational systems biology, human physiology, and tumor biology, with particular emphasis on identifying metabolic vulnerabilities that could be targeted for cancer therapy. His innovative approaches include developing chemical 'sensors' to monitor metabolic changes in cancer cells over time as tumors develop. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on metabolic regulation in cancer, particularly regarding glycolysis, hypoxia response, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide biosynthesis. His work frequently examines enzyme regulation (particularly PKM2), metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors, and the intersection between metabolism and signaling pathways. A notable trend is his exploration of how metabolic enzymes function beyond their traditional roles, influencing cellular signaling and gene expression in cancer contexts. Anastasiou has made significant contributions to understanding metabolic reprogramming in cancer, particularly regarding pyruvate kinase M2 regulation, hypoxia responses, and nutrient utilization in tumor microenvironments. His work bridges basic biochemical mechanisms with potential therapeutic applications, focusing on identifying metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells that could be exploited for treatment. As a Senior Group Leader at the Crick Institute, Anastasiou leads a research group investigating how metabolism contributes to disease, particularly cancer. His laboratory utilizes a range of techniques including metabolomics, bioinformatics, structural biology, and high-throughput screening to study metabolic pathways. The group's work aims to identify fundamental differences between metabolic pathways in tumors and healthy tissue to discover new therapeutic targets against cancer.
Prof. Dr. Annette Liesegang serves as a Professor at the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics within the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich. Her research focuses on bone and cartilage physiology, obesity, and clinical nutrition impacts across multiple animal species including ruminants, dogs, reptiles, pigs, and birds. Her primary research interests encompass bone metabolism, mineral nutrition, comparative physiology, and veterinary diagnostics. She specializes in bone marker analysis, bone mineral density measurement via quantitative peripheral computed tomography, and calcium absorption mechanisms using immunohistochemical methods. Her work investigates physiological and nutritional influences on bone resorption/formation dynamics during critical periods like gestation and lactation, with extensive species-specific expertise. Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant research themes in calcium metabolism (particularly in sheep/goats), urolithiasis pathogenesis across species, vitamin D optimization, and clinical dietary interventions for conditions like intestinal malabsorption. Methodological innovations include in-vitro digestion models and UVB-irradiated feed development, reflecting her translational approach from basic bone physiology to practical animal nutrition solutions. Scientific awards: No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. Prof. Liesegang mentors thesis students and leads collaborative research projects, notably with Prof. Brigitte von Rechenberg on growth plate physiology in foals and lambs. Her work leverages institutional facilities including specialized CT equipment and laboratory infrastructure for biochemical analysis, though specific grant details remain unreported in the source text. The Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics operates dedicated animal research facilities with stables for multiple species and managed sheep/goat herds under veterinary supervision. These resources enable controlled studies on bone metabolism, dietary interventions, and species-specific nutrition, supporting her extensive publication record in veterinary and comparative nutrition science.
Ian Carroll, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on gastrointestinal biology and disease, with specific expertise in microbiome interactions. He directs the Carroll Lab and holds affiliations with the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), where he serves as a Microbiome Focus Area investigator. Dr. Carroll's research centers on mechanisms through which intestinal microbiota and their metabolites influence gastrointestinal physiology, behavior, and weight regulation. His work spans microbiome dynamics in obesity, diabetes, and eating disorders , with particular emphasis on short-chain fatty acid physiology , gut-brain axis communication , and nutritional interventions . His laboratory has pioneered techniques for biological sample collection and bacterial DNA isolation from human fecal and mucosal samples. His publication trends reveal strong focus on Microbiome responses to dietary interventions (fiber, almonds, purified diets) Longitudinal biomarker discovery using interpretable machine learning Clinical applications in hypertension, bariatric surgery, and anorexia nervosa Cross-species validation through murine models Award Highlights: CGIBD Pilot and Feasibility Award (2012) Dr. Carroll maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines including gastroenterology, immunology, and computational biology. His work integrates molecular techniques with clinical studies to develop nutritional therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. Current research examines microbial contributions to weight regulation post-bariatric surgery and mechanisms underlying microbiome-mediated blood pressure control. The Carroll Lab operates within the MBRB building facility, conducting translational research bridging basic microbial science with clinical applications in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders.
Jaap Keijer is a Full Professor and Chairholder in the Department of Human and Animal Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on metabolic physiology, particularly energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the interplay between diet, aging, and chronic metabolic diseases. He leads projects investigating nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) in energy metabolism, galactose's effects on metabolic programming, and the role of environmental factors like hypoxia in muscle physiology. He serves on the editorial board of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research and advises the German Institute of Human Nutrition. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and whole-organism approaches to understand health and disease mechanisms. Key research themes include metabolic adaptations in obesity, mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, and translational biomarker development for physical activity and metabolic health. Dr. Keijer teaches courses on molecular nutritional physiology, model organisms for lifespan research, and dissection-free human/animal physiology. His projects address clinical challenges such as sarcopenia, atrial fibrillation, and nutrient interventions for metabolic disorders. Recent studies explore dietary galactose's programming effects on intestinal metabolism and the impact of NNT deficiency on cardiac health. His lab employs advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and Seahorse extracellular flux analysis to study metabolic pathways in humans and animal models. Publications emphasize mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic biomarkers, and translational models for aging and disease. His work bridges basic research and clinical applications, aiming to improve metabolic health through dietary and lifestyle interventions. Current initiatives include developing a human gut-on-a-chip model and validating integrative biomarkers for physical activity in adolescents.
Siriluck Wimmers is a leading researcher at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf, Germany, where she heads the Department of Functional Genome Analysis within the Institute of Genome Biology. She is the leader of the Integrative Genomics Working Group, focusing on the molecular genetics of farm animal performance traits. Her academic background includes a habilitation from the University of Bonn and prior teaching experience at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. PhD in Agricultural Sciences, TU Berlin (1995) Habilitation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bonn (2003) Assistant Professor, Chiang Mai University (1997) Research Assistant, University of Bonn (1997–2003) Senior Assistant, FBN (2004–2013) Head of Department, FBN (2014–present) Her research centers on the molecular genetics of meat quality, miRNA regulatory networks in muscle cells, and the genotype-phenotype relationship in farm animals. She investigates how genetic and epigenetic factors influence traits such as meat quality, energy metabolism, and stress response. Her work combines functional genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics to understand the biological mechanisms underlying economically important traits in pigs, poultry, and cattle. Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on gene expression, DNA methylation, nutrient metabolism (especially phosphorus and vitamin D), and stress responses in livestock. She frequently studies pigs and laying hens, using advanced genomic techniques to dissect molecular pathways related to feed efficiency, meat quality, and adaptation. Her work often involves multi-tissue analyses and collaborations across disciplines. Siriluck Wimmers has not been mentioned as receiving specific scientific awards in the provided text. She has mentored and collaborated with numerous researchers, including Michael Oster, Henry Reyer, Eduard Muráni, and Siriluck Ponsuksili. Her leadership in large collaborative projects suggests a significant role in guiding junior scientists and research teams. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained research output implies successful funding acquisition. She leads the Integrative Genomics Working Group at FBN, which conducts cutting-edge research in functional genomics and systems biology of farm animals. The group likely operates advanced molecular biology and bioinformatics facilities to support high-throughput genomic analyses.
Olayiwola Adeola is a Professor of Animal Sciences at Purdue University's College of Agriculture. With expertise in Swine and Poultry Nutrition , he focuses on nutrient digestibility, feed ingredients, and gut microbiome research. His work bridges practical animal feeding strategies with advanced biochemical analysis. B.S., University of Ife, Nigeria M.S. and Ph.D., University of Guelph, Canada His research explores: Heat treatment effects on feed protein quality Phytase enzyme applications for mineral absorption Gut microbiome modulation through dietary supplements Energy metabolism in swine and poultry diets Non-invasive bone health assessment methods Impact of dietary fiber and antinutritional factors Recent publications highlight collaborations with researchers like Dr. Kola Ajuwon, advancing understanding of: Branched-chain amino acid interactions Maternal yeast supplementation effects Black soldier fly larvae meal applications Calcium-phosphorus balance mechanisms Dr. Adeola teaches graduate courses: ANSC 52200 - Monogastric Nutrition ANSC 62000 - Proteins and Amino Acids in Nutrition Current lab members include graduate students Abidemi Adekoya, Yuechi Fu, and Tanner Wise, with administrative support from Lab Manager Pat Jaynes.
Nadia Everaert is an associate professor at KU Leuven’s Department of Biosystems, affiliated with the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering and the Leuven One Health Institute. She leads the Nutrition and Animal-Microbiota EcoSystems (NAMES) Lab, focusing on microbiota-host interactions and gut health in poultry and pigs. Her research aims to improve animal resilience through nutritional manipulations. Education: BSc/MSc in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven (1999–2004), PhD in Avian Embryonic Development (2008). Postdoctoral work included molecular biology studies in France. She was a faculty member at Liège University (2013–2021) before returning to KU Leuven. Research Interests: Microbiota colonization, gut health, pre/probiotics, in vitro fermentation models, maternal programming, and sustainable livestock practices. The NAMES Lab investigates host-microbiota interactions to enhance animal performance and health via nutritional strategies. Recent projects include studies on earthworms in broiler diets, probiotics in piglets, and the impact of hatching methods on broiler gut health. Her work addresses antibiotic reduction and sustainable feed alternatives. Teaching: Courses on nutrition, animal welfare, poultry/pig farming, and functional biochemistry. Supervises PhD students and postdocs in her lab. Service: Member of the Animal Ethics Commission at KU Leuven and HUB-KAHO, Board Member of the Belgian WPSA, and expert for ANSES (France) on animal nutrition. Labs/Teams: NAMES Lab personnel include postdocs, PhD students, and lab technicians. Collaborations span institutions like INRAE (France) and Shandong Agricultural University (China).
Dr. Ezgi Ozen is a Lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Reading's Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, part of the School of Chemistry, Food & Pharmacy. She specializes in investigating the role of diet in body composition, with a focus on gene-nutrient interactions and metabolic health. Her work explores how macronutrient intake and genetic factors influence body fat distribution, appetite regulation, and cardiovascular disease risk. She is particularly interested in dietary interventions targeting aging populations to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Dr. Ozen holds a PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of Reading (UK), an MSc in Food and Nutritional Sciences (University of Reading, UK), and a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from Hacettepe University (Turkey). She is affiliated with professional bodies including The Nutrition Society, American Society of Nutrition, and European Association for the Study of Obesity. Her research interests span dietary fat metabolism, gene-nutrient interactions, and the impact of protein intake on appetite in older adults. She leads the Nutrition Research Group and contributes to modules such as 'Public Health Nutrition and Consumer Food Choice' (MSc) and 'Nutrition and Public Health' (MPAS). Her recent work emphasizes cross-sectional and interventional studies analyzing the effects of dietary fats on lipid profiles, inflammation markers, and body composition. Key research trends include investigating how replacing saturated fats with unsaturated options affects cholesterol metabolism, platelet function, and cardiovascular risk. Her studies also address vitamin D deficiency's role in adiposity and the modulation of APOE genotype effects on metabolic health. These findings contribute to evidence-based dietary guidelines and personalized nutrition strategies. Dr. Ozen has published extensively on dietary fat interventions, lipid metabolism, and aging populations. She collaborates on projects like the BODYCON study and RISSCI trials, focusing on translational research with public health implications. Her work bridges nutritional science and clinical outcomes, emphasizing practical applications to improve metabolic health across lifespans.
Betty Leibold is a Professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Internal Medicine . Her research focuses on iron metabolism , diabetes , and mitosis , with a particular emphasis on iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) and their role in cellular homeostasis. Education: B.S., State University of New York Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Interests include understanding how eukaryotic cells sense and respond to iron, the mechanisms of IRP2 regulation via ubiquitin ligases and phosphorylation, and the link between iron dysregulation and diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Her lab employs Caenorhabditis elegans and transgenic mice models to study these pathways. Publications highlight her work on IRP2's role in iron-dependent tRNA modification, HIF-1 regulation of iron homeostasis in worms, and the molecular mechanisms of IRP2 degradation. Keywords span iron metabolism , protein regulation , cell signaling , genetic models , and disease pathogenesis .
Dr. Stephen Mansbridge is a Reader in Animal Science and Bioinformatics at Harper Adams University, specializing in monogastric nutrition and livestock production systems. He leads the Pig, Poultry & Aquatic Animals Group within the Animal Science Research Centre and holds roles on key university committees including the Research Degrees Committee and Animal Welfare Ethics Review Body (AWERB). His research emphasizes enzyme and probiotic applications in animal feed, sustainable protein sources, and gut health mechanisms in poultry and pigs. Education: BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and PhD in Animal Science (pig nutrition) from Harper Adams University, supported by the Silcock Fellowship. Professional qualifications include Chartered Biologist (CBiol), Chartered Scientist (CSci), and Registered Animal Scientist (R.Anim.Sci.). He is an Advance HE Senior Fellow with extensive teaching experience in livestock production science, research skills, and postgraduate veterinary pharmacy courses. Research interests span enzyme-mineral interactions, pre/probiotic efficacy, and alternative feed ingredients like insect meal. Recent work focuses on phytase super-dosing in pigs and straw bedding's impact on nutrient digestibility. He actively contributes to industry initiatives through the Pig Health and Welfare Council’s Food Safety Subgroup and as a STEM Ambassador. Key achievements include the Silcock Fellowship and over 200 peer-reviewed publications on feed formulation, gut health, and sustainable practices. His teaching spans foundational to master’s levels, with modules on animal production science and research methodologies. He also serves as an external examiner at Canterbury Christ Church University. Professional memberships include the British Society of Animal Science, Royal Society of Biology, and Laboratory Animal Science Association. His work bridges academic research with industry applications, particularly in enhancing animal welfare and reducing environmental footprints through innovative feeding strategies.
Hamid M. Said, PhD, PharmD is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. He also holds a joint appointment as Distinguished Professor in the Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation within the Department of Medicine, and serves as Vice-Chairman for Basic and Translational Research in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Said's research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in gastrointestinal handling of water-soluble vitamins, particularly biotin (vitamin B7) and thiamin (vitamin B1). His pioneering work has established the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) system as the primary mechanism for biotin uptake in human intestinal epithelial cells. His laboratory investigates how inflammation, bacterial products, and genetic factors affect vitamin transport processes in the gut, with significant implications for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and nutritional deficiencies. Analysis of Dr. Said's extensive publication record reveals a consistent focus on vitamin transport physiology, with recent work expanding into the interactions between gut microbiota and vitamin metabolism. His research spans molecular mechanisms, cell biology, animal models, and potential clinical applications. A key theme across his work is how inflammatory conditions disrupt normal vitamin absorption processes, creating potential vicious cycles in gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Said has maintained continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, particularly from the NIDDK (DK 56061 and DK58057), supporting his research for many years. His laboratory employs diverse methodologies including molecular biology, cell culture models, gene expression analysis, and animal studies to investigate the physiological relevance of vitamin transport mechanisms. His work has established important connections between nutrient absorption, gut microbiome function, and inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
