Thomas Michaels is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, leading the Michaels Group . His research focuses on theoretical models of biomolecular condensates and protein aggregation in biological systems. Research Themes : Protein aggregation, liquid-liquid phase separation, membrane biophysics, and the role of condensates in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Collaborative Approach : Integrates theoretical physics, control theory, and computational biology with experimental validation to design therapeutic strategies. Recent Publications highlight his work on amyloid formation mechanisms, lipid interactions, and phase-separated compartments as biochemical reactors. His group trains PhD students in systems biology and biocondensate physics.
Prof. Knut Drescher is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , leading a research group focused on bacterial biofilms , swarming , and microbial multicellularity . Previously, he served as a Professor of Biophysics and Max Planck Research Group Leader at Philipps-Universität Marburg (2015-2021) and conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University. Research Interests: Physical and biological mechanisms of biofilm formation Cell-cell interactions in microbial communities Antibiotic resistance in biofilms Hydrodynamics of bacterial swarms Evolution of cooperation in multispecies biofilms Development of bioimaging software (BiofilmQ, BacStalk) Scientific Awards: 2023: SNSF Consolidator Grant 2019: Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (DFG), VAAM Research Prize, IUPAP Young Scientist Prize 2016: ERC Starting Grant Advising & Grants: Advises PhD and Master's students in microbiology, biophysics, and bioinformatics Secured major grants from ERC , HFSP , and DFG
Jorge Peña serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toulouse 1 Capitole and is a core member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mathematics, biology, and social sciences. His institutional affiliation combines university faculty responsibilities with advanced research activities at IAST, an independent institute fostering innovative approaches to complex societal challenges. His research program centers on Evolutionary Game Theory, Social Evolution, and Collective Action Problems, with specific expertise in mathematical modeling of cooperation dynamics. Key investigation areas include: Stability analysis of Nash equilibria in dynamic game environments Group-size effects on collective action in public goods games Evolution of environmentally mediated social interactions Institutional evolution and cultural transmission mechanisms Cooperation dynamics in spatially structured populations Mathematical foundations of social dilemmas Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2016-2025) reveals consistent methodological rigor in evolutionary dynamics modeling, with increasing focus on large-group cooperation (2023-2025) and interdisciplinary applications spanning biological symbiosis to institutional design. His work demonstrates sophisticated integration of graph theory, population dynamics, and game-theoretic stability concepts, particularly evident in studies of Wolbachia symbionts and voter participation games. As an active IAST researcher, Peña contributes to an environment that bridges theoretical mathematics with empirical social science, leveraging the institute's collaborative framework for cross-disciplinary innovation in evolutionary social theory.
Javier Apfeld is an Associate Professor of Biology at Northeastern University’s College of Science, leading the Apfeld Lab. His research focuses on cellular redox chemistry and multicellular aging in the nematode C. elegans, particularly investigating how oxidative stress impacts tissue function and aging-related diseases. His work integrates molecular biology, live imaging, and systems biology approaches to study redox regulation across molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Research interests include neuronal biology, protein oxidation dynamics, and lifespan regulation. He employs CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and genetically encoded biosensors for real-time protein oxidation monitoring in live organisms. Key themes include environmental stress responses, microbiome interactions, and the neuroendocrine control of survival strategies in C. elegans. Publications highlight studies on temperature-dependent stress defenses, toxin avoidance mechanisms, and the role of HSF-1 in peroxide stress protection. His lab also explores translational applications of C. elegans models for understanding human diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes. No specific awards are listed, but his work has been featured in media articles discussing aging biology and organismal stress adaptation. Advising and grants are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, though his lab’s collaborative projects suggest involvement in experiential learning initiatives. The Apfeld Lab is located in the Mugar Life Sciences Building (134 MU), Boston.
Prof. Dr. Damian Brunner is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich. His research focuses on uncovering molecular mechanisms that generate cellular architecture diversity, particularly through the cytoskeleton and specialized membrane domains. He uses Drosophila melanogaster and Schizosaccharomyces pombe as model organisms, combining real-time fluorescence imaging, genetics, and biophysical approaches. Education: Ph.D. from University of Zurich (1995), previously studied chemistry and biology at the same institution. His work explores conserved principles of cell morphology across organisms, emphasizing quantitative data analysis and mathematical modeling for understanding developmental processes. Current projects investigate cytoskeletal feedback in contractile actomyosin systems and specialized membrane domains in cell polarization. Scientific awards include EMBO Fellowship (1996-1998), SNSF Fellowship (1998-1999), Novartis Stiftung Grant (1999-2000), and election to EMBO in 2017. Funding has been secured through DFG, HFSP, SNF, and SystemsX grants. He leads a multidisciplinary team comprising Ph.D. students (Fátima Benítez, César Cano, Denise Goly, Martina Pruzincova, Max von Büdingen, Tim Weber) and research associates, focusing on collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Sebastian Bonhoeffer is a Full Professor in Theoretical Biology at ETH Zurich, where he has been serving since July 1, 2005. He is affiliated with the Department of Environmental Systems Science and serves as Head of Collegium Helveticum. His research focuses on using population biological models to understand fundamental biological processes, with particular expertise in mathematical modeling of virus infections within infected individuals, providing important insights into the pathogenesis of viral infections, especially HIV. Prof. Bonhoeffer was born in Tübingen, Germany. His academic journey began with Music studies in Basel, followed by Physics studies in Munich and Vienna. He then moved to Oxford for his PhD with Martin Nowak and Robert May at the Department of Zoology. After completing his PhD, he remained in Oxford as a Research Fellow of Wolfson College and worked as a visiting scientist with David Ho at the Rockefeller University in New York. Prior to his appointment at ETH Zurich in 2001 as an SNF Research Professor, he was a junior group leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institut in Basel. His research interests span theoretical biology, population dynamics, evolutionary ecology of infectious diseases, mathematical modeling of viral infections, and antimicrobial resistance. He has made significant contributions to understanding the population dynamics of virus infections within infected individuals, particularly HIV. His work has provided important insights into the pathogenesis of viral infections and the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens. Prof. Bonhoeffer's recent publications demonstrate a diverse research portfolio spanning microbial ecology, epidemiology, evolutionary biology, and antimicrobial resistance. His work shows a strong focus on applying mathematical and computational approaches to understand complex biological systems, from viral dynamics to microbial communities and pandemic responses. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaborations addressing pressing public health challenges. Prof. Bonhoeffer has supervised numerous students and mentored early-career researchers in theoretical biology and mathematical modeling. His work has been supported by various research grants, though specific details are not provided in the available information. He is actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as "Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases" and "Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper" at ETH Zurich.
Prisca Liberali serves as Full Professor at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, based at Klingelbergstrasse 48 in Basel, Switzerland. Her academic position includes leadership of the Multicellular Systems research group within the university's Biosystems Science and Engineering department. Her research focuses on multicellular organization principles, integrating bioengineering and systems biology approaches to study cellular collective behaviors. Key interests include synthetic multicellularity, emergent tissue dynamics, and engineering applications for regenerative medicine, leveraging interdisciplinary methodologies from computational modeling to experimental cell manipulation. Professor Liberali teaches Advanced Bioengineering (636-0102-10L) and Multicellular Systems (636-0126-00L) courses for the Autumn Semester 2025 curriculum. She maintains active laboratory operations focused on decoding self-organization mechanisms in cell populations through advanced bioengineering techniques.
Dr. Sebastien Wielgoss is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science within ETH Zürich , Switzerland. His research focuses on the evolutionary and population genomics of social bacteria, particularly Myxococcus xanthus , and mutation rate dynamics in microbial systems. Education : PhD in Biology (Universität Konstanz, 2004-2009), Master's in Agrobiology (Universität Hohenheim, 2000-2004), Undergraduate in Agricultural Sciences (TU München, 1999-2000) Research Interests Phylogenomics with social myxobacteria : Investigating genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in Myxococcus xanthus across spatial scales, linking genomics to social phenotypic diversity. Mutation rate dynamics : Using experimental evolution to study spontaneous mutation rates and their evolutionary trajectories in bacteria like Escherichia coli and Myxococcus xanthus . Publication Trends His work spans phylogenomics, social evolution, phage-host interactions, and mutation rate analysis, with recent publications in high-impact journals like Science , Nature Communications , and PLoS Biology . Scientific Awards Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (EU-FP7, 2013-2015) PhD Fellowship (Universität Konstanz, 2009) PhD Fellowship (Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg, 2007-2008) Master Student Fellowship (DAAD, 2003) Grants & Institutional Roles He has received multiple fellowships and grants, including the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship. He serves as a study advisor for Environmental Biology (Bachelor) and study coordinator for Ecology & Evolution (Master) at ETH Zürich. Additionally, he is a member of the Teaching Commission and the Institute's Council.
Gregory Velicer is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science and Deputy Head of the Institute of Integrative Biology. His research investigates microbial social evolution, focusing on complex behaviors like predation and multicellular development in myxobacteria using ecological, molecular, and evolutionary approaches. Research explores: Genetic controls of bacterial cooperation Predator-prey dynamics in microbial communities Evolution of cheating resistance Ecological drivers of social exploitation Molecular regulation of developmental processes Recent publications emphasize bacterial social evolution in changing environments, with themes spanning molecular genetics, ecological adaptation, and applied biocontrol. Laboratory work integrates experimental evolution with genomic and transcriptomic analysis.
Dr. Yuen-Tsu Nicco Yu is a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich. He is affiliated with the Institut für Integrative Biologie (Institute of Integrative Biology), where his research focuses on molecular mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations in bacteria, particularly Myxococcus xanthus. His work investigates how specific mutations influence social traits like fruiting body formation and cooperative swarming. Education includes a PhD in Microbiology from Michigan State University (USA, 1993) and a BS in Zoology from National Taiwan University (Taiwan, 1986). Professional experience spans over three decades, including roles as Senior Scientist (ETH Zurich, 2018–present), Oberassistentin (ETH Zurich, 2012–2018), and Associate Scientist (Indiana University, 2007–2012). He has also held postdoctoral positions at institutions like the Max-Planck Institute (Germany, 2000–2006) and Michigan State University (USA, 1997–2000). Research interests emphasize understanding sRNA regulation, bacterial development pathways, and evolutionary dynamics through experimental evolution and genetic analysis. His studies often explore kin discrimination mechanisms, outer membrane exchange in bacteria, and the genetic basis of cooperative behaviors. Recent work has expanded into agricultural applications, including bovine genetics and livestock disease resistance. Teaching responsibilities include co-leading the Experimental Evolution course (Spring Semester) and serving as the main responsible lecturer for Integrated Practical: Antibiotic-Resistance in Soil Microbial Communities . His academic contributions bridge microbiology, systems biology, and evolutionary theory, with a focus on applying molecular insights to ecological and agricultural challenges. Yu collaborates extensively with researchers like Gregory J. Velicer, contributing to studies on myxobacterial social adaptations and their evolutionary implications. His work highlights the interplay between genetic mutations and phenotypic changes in microbial populations, informing both fundamental biology and applied fields like livestock health.
Prof. Yoshiki Sasai is a leading researcher at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan. His work focuses on understanding how stem cells self-organize to form complex organs like the brain and eyes. He pioneered 3D culture systems to recapitulate organ development in vitro, emphasizing the 'community effect' where cells collectively create structures through intercellular communication. His research bridges basic biology and translational medicine, aiming to revolutionize therapies for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. Research Interests: Self-Organization: Investigating how thousands of cells autonomously form structures like optic cups through local interactions. 3D Cultures: Developing culture mediums and imaging techniques (e.g., in toto imaging with Olympus) to study mesoscopic tissue formation. Translational Applications: Creating human retinal tissues for drug testing and cell transplantation therapies. Awards & Collaborations: Recipient of the 2013 Hans Sigrist Prize , funding foundational studies on multicellular organization principles. Collaborates with CELLnTEC Advanced Systems AG (University of Bern spin-off) on optimizing culture mediums. Future Directions: Expanding interdisciplinary work with physicists and engineers to develop novel measurement tools and deepen understanding of self-organization mechanisms.
Prof. Dr. Jean Pieters is a Professor of Biochemistry at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland. He leads a research group focused on the molecular mechanisms of immune cell homeostasis and host-pathogen interactions, particularly involving coronin proteins and their role in T cell regulation and mycobacterial survival. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Maastricht (1985–1989) and undergraduate studies in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Leuven, Belgium. He has held prestigious positions at the Basel Institute for Immunology and the Netherlands Cancer Institute before joining the University of Basel in 2002. His research interests center on coronin-mediated cell population size control , signal transduction in immune cells , and host-pathogen interactions , especially in the context of tuberculosis. His lab investigates how coronin 1 regulates T cell survival, macrophage function, and pathogen evasion mechanisms using models ranging from Dictyostelium discoideum to mammalian systems. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in understanding the evolutionarily conserved role of coronin in immune regulation, T cell homeostasis, and microbial pathogenesis. His work integrates proteomics, cell biology, and immunology to dissect signaling pathways involving coronin 1, calcineurin, and PI3Kδ. Elected Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011) Friedrich Miescher Award (2002) Pfizer Award (2001) Eppendorf Young Investigator Award (1999) EMBO long term fellowship (1989) Sanofi Young Investigators Prize (1989) Prof. Pieters has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers and teaches courses in Cell Biology, Membrane Traffic, and Microbial Pathogenesis. His lab is actively involved in training and mentoring, with a team comprising postdocs, PhD students, and research associates. He has contributed to major discoveries in antigen processing, phagosome biology, and the survival mechanisms of intracellular pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis .
Prof. Dr. Britta Lundström-Stadelmann is a Professor and Co-Director of the Institute of Parasitology at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern. She also serves as President of the Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (SSTMP). Her research focuses on the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis (fox tapeworm) as a model for multicellular pathogens causing alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Bern (2010) with thesis 'To be or not to be: the importance and application of EmPGI in alveolar echinococcosis' and a Habilitation thesis (2018) titled 'Strategies for the identification of novel treatment options against parasitic diseases'. Prof. Lundström-Stadelmann's research centers on host-parasite interactions and drug development for parasitic diseases: Development of in vitro cultivation systems for E. multilocularis Identification of novel drug targets through metabolic pathway analysis Drug repurposing for antiparasitic applications Investigation of parasite metabolism, particularly threonine metabolism and malate dismutation Development of movement-based screening assays for anti-cestodal compounds Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on dual inhibition of energy metabolism pathways and identification of new drug targets against E. multilocularis. Key trends include the investigation of threonine dehydrogenase as a potential drug target, development of nanoparticle delivery systems for mefloquine, and establishment of unbiased in vitro drug screening assays for E. granulosus. Her work bridges basic science investigations of parasite biology with applied clinical research. Notable achievements include the discovery that mefloquine (an anti-malarial drug) shows significant activity against E. multilocularis, revealing new possibilities for drug repurposing in parasitic diseases. Prof. Lundström-Stadelmann leads an active research group comprising postdocs, PhD students, and laboratory technicians. Her team has received recognition including 'Best presentation award' at the Annual meeting of the Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology (2024) and 'Honorary Mention of Oral Presentation' at the Joint Spring Meeting of the German, British and Swiss Society of Parasitology (2025). Her laboratory maintains extensive collaborations across Switzerland and internationally, contributing significantly to the understanding and treatment of neglected tropical diseases.
Dr. Ludivine Challet Meylan is a researcher at the Basel School of Life Sciences (ETH Zürich), affiliated with the Department of Multicellular Systems . Her work focuses on computational and systems biology approaches to study cellular networks and multicellular organization. She can be contacted at ludivine.challet@bsse.ethz.ch .
Dr. Gustavo Quintas Glasner de Medeiros is a researcher at the Professorship for Multicellular Systems at ETH Zürich. His work focuses on multicellular systems biology and bioengineering, though specific research details, publications, or awards are not listed in the provided text. Contact: gustavo.medeiros@bsse.ethz.ch . No formal education, students, or scientific accolades are detailed in the available information.
