University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Syed Hani Hassan Abidi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences , School of Medicine , Nazarbayev University , Kazakhstan. His research integrates virology , immunology , viral oncology , and bioinformatics , with a focus on HIV molecular epidemiology , viral evolution , and drug resistance . He has led international projects across Pakistan, Kenya, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan, and is recognized for innovative teaching and MOOC development. Education: PhD in Virology and Immunology Research Interests: His laboratory employs bioinformatics (machine learning, AI), genomics , and proteomics to study HIV phylodynamics , viral co-infections , and oncogenic viruses like EBV in prostate cancer. He also explores microbiome-immunity interactions and designs antiviral drugs/vaccines . Recent Research Trends: His 2025 publications emphasize COVID-19 immunopathology , HIV/syphilis epidemiology in Pakistan , and particle physics contributions via ATLAS , showcasing interdisciplinary impact. Awards & Recognition: Outstanding Teachers Award (2019, Aga Khan University) Fellowship of Higher Education (UK, 2022) Teaching & Grants: He pioneered Pakistan’s first MOOC on Computer-Based Drug Discovery (2014) and received a 2022 SoTL grant for MOOC-based molecular biology education. His teaching integrates animations , films , and flipped classrooms . Collaborations & Labs: Leads projects on HIV drug resistance , HCV genomics in Kazakhstan , and AI-driven dementia diagnostics (Kazakh Brain Atlas). His lab collaborates with global institutions to advance viral disease surveillance and therapeutic innovation .
Christopher M. Overall is a Full Professor at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences . He is also a Principal Scientist at the Centre for Blood Research and holds associate memberships in UBC's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Obstetrics and Gynecology , and Bioinformatics Graduate Program departments. As a Canada Research Chair Laureate , he pioneered the field of degradomics to study proteases in vivo. B.D.S., University of Adelaide Ph.D., University of Toronto Postdoctoral Fellowship, UBC (with Nobel Laureate Michael Smith) Dr. Overall’s research focuses on protease proteomics and systems biology , particularly degradomics to analyze protease substrates in diseases like COVID-19 and immunodeficiency . His work on matrix metalloproteinases has revealed new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and cancer . His 15 most recent articles (2015–2008) demonstrate expertise in TAILS proteomics , protein terminomics , and protease network analysis with applications in arthritis , antiviral immunity , and precision medicine . Scientific Awards 2022 Helmut Holzer Award 2018 Royal Society of Canada Fellow 2014 Tony Pawson Canadian Proteomics Award 2013 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award Dr. Overall has mentored 61 trainees , including 9 full professors with department chairs, and received the UBC John McNeill Mentorship Award (2023). He leads the HUPO Chromosome-centric Human Proteome Project and consults for Genentech and Novartis .
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and ScienceUnited States
Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models
Professor Maryse Bailly is a Professor of Cell Biology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, where she has been employed since December 2000, progressing from Lecturer to Reader/Associate Professor and finally to Professor in October 2020. Her research focuses on understanding fibroblast behavior in the context of ocular diseases, scarring, and fibrosis, with particular emphasis on cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanotransduction pathways. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1992 Diplome Universitaire de Technologie, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1983 Professor Bailly's research program investigates how fibroblasts sense and respond to mechanical and chemical stimuli in their environment, with applications to multiple ocular pathologies including trachoma, thyroid eye disease, glaucoma scarring, and myopia. Her laboratory has developed innovative in vitro and ex vivo models that allow the study of tissue contraction mechanisms within pseudo-physiological 3D environments, leading to the identification of novel therapeutic targets such as the Rac1 small GTPase and the MRTF/SRF pathway. She has established significant collaborations with clinicians at Moorfields Eye Hospital, particularly with Dr. Annegret Dahlmann-Noor on pediatric eye growth and myopia research. Analysis of Professor Bailly's publication record reveals a consistent focus on fibroblast mechanobiology with increasing emphasis on pediatric ocular development in recent years. Her work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications, particularly in understanding the biomechanical properties of fibroblasts in myopia development and post-surgical scarring. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between ophthalmology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. Teaching: CELL0016 - Actin cytoskeleton and Intermediate Filaments CELL0017 - Fibrosis and mechanotransduction CELL0009 - Models organisms and techniques MECH0031 MSc Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering - Modeling tissue contraction and fibrosis
Michael Krisinger is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia . He began his teaching career in 2010, transitioning to full-time in 2013. He lectures Biochemistry 202 (Introductory Medical Biochemistry) and Biochemistry 303 (Molecular Biochemistry) while serving as a tutor in the Faculty of Medicine's Case Based Learning program. Krisinger co-developed the department's two-course summer program for international students and mentors postdoctoral fellows in teaching. He also manages the department's CANVAS digital learning platform. Krisinger's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of coagulation and complement system regulation , particularly their evolutionary relationship and functional interplay. His work has explored thrombin's role in complement activation, polyphosphate-mediated complement suppression, and nanoparticle surface interactions with proteolytic cascades. He previously co-supervised graduate students at UBC's Centre for Blood Research before prioritizing education. Publications highlight his expertise in protease-substrate dynamics , lipoprotein-phospholipid interactions , and hemostasis-immunity crosstalk . He remains engaged in public science through community environmental initiatives and local outreach activities.
Privatdozent Dr. Andreas Faust is a leading researcher at the European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI) at the University of Münster, where he heads the Chemical Targeting Lab. His work focuses on developing innovative imaging agents for medical diagnostics, particularly in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and molecular imaging. He maintains strong affiliations with the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University Hospital Münster and participates in the "Cells in Motion" excellence cluster, contributing to cutting-edge research at the intersection of chemistry, medicine, and imaging technology. Dr. Faust completed his chemistry studies at the University of Münster, earning his Diploma in 1999, followed by his doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) in 2003 with research on artificial caffeine receptors. His academic journey continued with positions at the Department of Organic Chemistry and the Department of Nuclear Medicine before becoming head of the chemistry group at EIMI in 2011. Dr. Faust's research centers on organic and medicinal chemistry with specialization in radiopharmaceutical chemistry . His team develops novel tracers for diagnostic molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. A significant portion of his work focuses on creating specific ligands for the alarmins S100A8/S100A9 and bacteria-specific tracers based on complex carbohydrates or siderophores. His research has important applications in inflammation imaging, infection diagnostics, and cancer theranostics, with emphasis on improving metabolic stability and target specificity of imaging agents. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to molecular imaging, with recent work emphasizing bacteria-specific PET tracers, inflammation imaging targeting S100 proteins, and novel optical imaging probes. The research shows a clear trajectory toward developing clinically applicable imaging agents with improved specificity and metabolic stability, particularly in the areas of infection diagnostics and inflammation monitoring. 2017: Best Poster Award at Symposium "Molecular Imaging Agents in Medicine," Groningen 2009: Young Investigator Award at Deutscher Röntgenkongress, Berlin 2005: Best Scientific Poster Award at 4th Annual Meeting of the Society of Molecular Imaging, Köln Dr. Faust leads multiple significant research projects, including as Coordinator of a project on immune cell distribution imaging (2019-2024) and as Principal Investigator for CRC-project A03 "Targeting of S100A8/A9 for imaging of inflammatory disorders" and research on vascular graft infections (both 2021-2024). His Chemical Targeting Lab comprises a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of chemistry, microbiology, and medical imaging, securing substantial funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative and DFG Collaborative Research Centre. The Chemical Targeting Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for chemical synthesis, radiochemistry, and biological testing. The lab collaborates extensively with microbiologists, clinicians, and imaging specialists to translate basic research into clinical applications. Current research directions include optimizing bacterial imaging probes for clinical diagnostics and developing new inflammation-specific tracers for early disease detection, with particular focus on S100A9-targeted imaging and siderophore-based bacterial detection systems.
Dr. Sung Sik Lee serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Affiliated with ScopeM (Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy), he develops microfluidic platforms for real-time cellular analysis at the HPM C 52.2 facility (Otto-Stern-Weg 3, Zürich). His research bridges engineering and biology to investigate cellular responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. His primary research domains include: Microfluidics : Design of microfabricated devices for cell stretching, particle separation, and dynamic stimulation Cellular Aging : Mechanisms of chromosome loss and nuclear pore complex reorganization in yeast models Nanotoxicology : Impact of nanoplastics on macrophage inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity Advanced Imaging : Application of holotomography and Raman spectroscopy for label-free cellular analysis His work consistently targets translational applications in disease modeling and diagnostics. Analysis of his 50+ publications reveals strong interdisciplinary integration, particularly the convergence of machine learning with microscopy (e.g., automated vacuole quantification in yeast) and the development of open-access resources like MicrobioRaman. Recent trends emphasize nanoparticle-cell interactions and microfluidic solutions for inflammatory conditions including IBD and acute kidney injury. Dr. Lee actively contributes to ScopeM's mission of advancing microscopy techniques, maintaining collaborations across ETH Zurich's research ecosystem. His laboratory focuses on microfluidic device fabrication, cellular mechanotransduction studies, and biophysical characterization of particles and cells, with ongoing projects extending through 2025.
Andrew Currie is a Professor and Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) at Murdoch University's School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, within the College of Environmental and Life Sciences. He leads the Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics and co-heads the Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team with Clinical Professor Tobias Strunk at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine & Infectious Diseases at Telethon Kids Institute. His research focuses on immunology and infectious diseases in pediatric populations, particularly sepsis diagnostics and neonatal immunity. Education: PhD (Immunology, University of Western Australia, 2001); BSc (Biotechnology with Honors, Murdoch University, 1997). Research Interests: Sepsis diagnostics, innate immunity mechanisms in neonates, medical biotechnology for diagnostics (e.g., biosensors), and translational research in pediatric infections. Collaborates internationally with institutions in Canada, Denmark, the UK, US, and China. Aims to reduce sepsis burden in vulnerable populations through advanced molecular methods and interdisciplinary partnerships. Key Affiliations: Lead of Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group (Murdoch University), Senior Lecturer in Immunology, Honorary Associate at Kids Research Institute Australia. Past roles include leadership in the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics. Scientific Contributions: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles focusing on sepsis biomarkers, neonatal immunity, tick-borne diseases, and clinical trials for interventions like vitamin C and probiotics in critical illness. Active in developing precision medicine approaches for neonatal sepsis. Grants & Funding: Co-leads major projects on sepsis diagnostics and neonatal infection, supported by national and international grants. Collaborates on multi-institutional initiatives. Labs/Teams: Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group (Murdoch) and Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team (Telethon Kids Institute). Works closely with the Personalised Medicine Centre and Health Futures Institute.
Toni M. Antalis, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director of Training and Education for the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and Director of the Program in Molecular Medicine. Her research bridges vascular biology and cancer, focusing on membrane-anchored serine proteases and their role in tumor metastasis, inflammation, and coagulation. Doctorate in Biochemistry from Rice University Postdoctoral training in Cell Biology at Baylor College of Medicine Her laboratory investigates how protease-activated receptors (PARs) and the plasminogen activation system influence vascular disease and ovarian cancer progression. Current projects include studying fibrinolysis in thrombus resolution and developing protease-targeted therapies for metastatic ovarian cancer. Recent publications highlight roles of matriptase, testisin, and PAI-2 in tumor dissemination and vascular permeability. Dr. Antalis' research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense, and a VA Merit Award. She has previously received support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Rivkin Center. She co-directs NIH-funded T32 and PREP programs for cancer training. Mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral fellows Developed engineered anthrax toxin prodrugs for ovarian cancer therapy (patents 10,568,929 and 11,013,784)
Sandra Rieger is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences with research bridging basic science and medical applications. Her work has significant connections to the Miller School of Medicine through the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and University of Miami Health System. Dr. Rieger's research focuses on mechanisms leading to peripheral neuropathy, particularly those induced by chemotherapy or diabetes. Her laboratory discovered that chemotherapeutic agents like paclitaxel and high glucose levels increase hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation in epidermal keratinocytes. This elevated H2O2 activates the matrix-degrading metalloproteinase MMP-13, which induces cell adhesion defects and degeneration of unmyelinated sensory axons. Her work further demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of MMP-13 prevents paclitaxel and glucose neurotoxicity in rodent models, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for human patients. Current research focuses on identifying how paclitaxel induces H2O2 production and elucidating MMP-13's precise role in axon degeneration. Dr. Rieger leads the Rieger Lab specializing in neural-epithelial interactions research. Her findings have important implications for developing treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy, conditions affecting millions of patients worldwide. She maintains active research collaborations across the University of Miami system, working toward translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications.
Wendy R Gordon serves as an Associate Professor in the Structural Biology and Biophysics department at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Her research program bridges structural biology, biophysics, and translational medicine with significant funding from NIH sources including the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Dr. Gordon leads multiple active research projects focused on mechanobiology, protein engineering, and cancer therapeutics. Dr. Gordon's research interests center on understanding molecular mechanisms of cell surface receptors, particularly the Notch signaling pathway, and developing innovative tools for studying cellular mechanics. Her work spans structural biology approaches to characterize protein-DNA interactions, mechanotransduction mechanisms, and receptor regulation. She has developed novel technologies including HUH-Tags for protein-DNA labeling and tension sensors for measuring cellular forces. Her research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in engineering protein modulators of Notch activation for CAR T-cell therapy. Analysis of Dr. Gordon's recent publications reveals a strong focus on three interconnected research themes: 1) molecular mechanisms of Notch signaling and receptor regulation, 2) development of innovative tools for protein-DNA conjugation and cellular mechanotype measurement, and 3) applications of these technologies to cancer biology and immunotherapy. Her work demonstrates increasing integration of structural biology with functional cellular assays and therapeutic applications, particularly in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy contexts. Dr. Gordon currently leads or collaborates on seven major research projects totaling millions in NIH funding. Her active grants include: LUMICKS C-trap for Mechanistic Studies of Biological Systems (as PI), Engineering Protein Modulators of Notch Activation for CAR T-cell immunotherapy (as CoI), Viral vector technology for cell type specific gene delivery (as CoI), Decoding mechanotransduction mechanisms of cell-surface receptors (as PI), and the Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments (as CoI). These projects reflect her expertise spanning structural biology, mechanobiology, and translational applications. Dr. Gordon's laboratory operates at the intersection of structural biology and cellular mechanobiology, with strong collaborations across the University of Minnesota campus including with cancer researchers, bioengineers, and clinicians. Her team develops and applies cutting-edge technologies including single-molecule techniques, protein engineering approaches, and high-throughput cellular mechanotype measurement systems to address fundamental questions in receptor biology with therapeutic implications.
Robert Falconer serves as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) at the University of Bradford. A registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council, he leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on tumor glycocalyx targeting and protease-activated anticancer prodrugs. His academic journey spans from pharmacy training at The School of Pharmacy, University of London to establishing the medicinal chemistry program at ICT in 2005. Pharmacy Degree: The School of Pharmacy, University of London (now UCL School of Pharmacy) PhD in Medicinal Chemistry: London (2000) Professional Registration: General Pharmaceutical Council Professor Falconer's research centers on tumor glycocalyx modulation through polysialyltransferase inhibition and protease-activated drug delivery systems. His work spans osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, breast, and prostate cancers with emphasis on developing targeted therapies that minimize systemic toxicity. The Falconer group employs computational design, solid-phase synthesis, and advanced biological evaluation techniques to develop novel anticancer agents. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on tumor-specific activation mechanisms (2023-2025), glycocalyx-targeted metastasis inhibition (2019-2021), and prodrug development (2010-2014). Recent work emphasizes theranostic applications and DNA repair targeting for pediatric cancers. Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry Former Honorary Treasurer, RSC Central Yorkshire Local Section Trust (2012-2018) Registered Pharmacist with General Pharmaceutical Council As principal investigator, Falconer has secured substantial funding from Breast Cancer Now, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Worldwide Cancer Research, and Neuroblastoma UK. He leads the £2m ICT Doctoral Training Centre and co-founded spin-out company Incanthera plc, which is advancing the MMP-targeted prodrug ICT2588 to clinical trials. His mentorship includes three PhD students and multiple postdoctoral researchers developing next-generation cancer therapeutics. The Falconer group operates within the ICT's state-of-the-art facilities, collaborating with Stanford University, University of Sheffield, and Ellipses Pharma. Current projects address unmet needs in pediatric oncology while developing platform technologies applicable across multiple cancer types.
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)Switzerland
Prof. Dr. Rainer Riedl is the Head of the Competence Center for Drug Discovery and Organic & Medicinal Chemistry at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (School of Life Sciences and Facility Management) . He leads numerous drug development projects targeting acute myeloid leukemia , Alzheimer's disease , antimicrobial resistance , and infectious diseases , with a focus on peptide therapeutics , targeted protein degradation , and structure-based drug design . His research combines medicinal chemistry and natural product-inspired design to develop antiviral agents (including against SARS-CoV-2 ), anti-inflammatory compounds , and novel antimicrobial delivery systems using extracellular vesicles . He has pioneered computational frameworks like CyBy2 for chemical data management and contributed to inhibitor development for matrix metalloproteinases and SENPs . Recent peer-reviewed publications highlight his work in drug resistance mechanisms , peptide engineering , and innovative antiviral strategies . He holds multiple international patents for CD93 inhibitors , skin cancer treatments , and antifungal compounds , reflecting translational impact of his research.
Sven Hermann is a Senior Lecturer at the European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI) within the University of Münster, leading the Preclinical Imaging Group. His research focuses on developing molecular imaging strategies for inflammation and infection, including PET, SPECT, fluorescence reflectance imaging, and optoacoustic imaging. Key targets include matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and alarmins (S100A8/S100A9), with applications in cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and bacterial imaging. He participates in the Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence and leads DFG-funded projects TRR332-C07 and CRC1450-C03, investigating immune regulation and imaging techniques. Affiliations: EIMI, University of Münster; Core Unit Pix (preclinical imaging). Research Themes: Bacterial imaging via maltodextrin transporters, MMP activity visualization in atherosclerosis, and S100A8/A9-driven immune modulation. His work integrates engineering and biology to translate imaging innovations into clinical applications, emphasizing multimodal approaches for disease monitoring.
Judith West-Mays is a Professor in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine at McMaster University . Her research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of eye development and disease Role of transcription factors (AP-2β, AP-2α) in ocular morphogenesis Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in vision disorders Biomaterials for intraocular pressure management Key scientific contributions include: Elucidating AP-2β's role in trabecular meshwork formation and glaucoma Characterizing MMP-9's impact on aqueous humor drainage Developing conditional knockout mouse models for vision research Investigating YAP signaling in lens fibrosis Creating mucoadhesive micelles for glaucoma therapy Scientific awards : Brockhouse Canada Prize (2025) for interdisciplinary vision health research Teaching : Biomedical Engineering II (2018) at McMaster University. Collaborators include Taiyab, Sheardown, and Ball. Research hubs involve McMaster's interdisciplinary vision science team.
