Jinghui Luo is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator at the Paul Scherrer Institute's Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging in Switzerland. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloid protein aggregation mechanisms. Luo's team investigates amyloid oligomers using nanopore engineering, cryo-electron microscopy, and single-molecule techniques to understand their role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Key research areas include α-synuclein phase separation, tau protein dynamics, and metal ion interactions with amyloid proteins. Her recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on protein oligomer characterization, liquid-liquid phase separation phenomena, and developing innovative trapping methods for single-molecule analysis. Publications consistently integrate structural biology with biophysical approaches. Luo has received prestigious awards including the NIH Director's Early Independence Award and Siebel Scholarship. She currently mentors six graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her laboratory.
Dr. Anita Goyala is a postdoctoral researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) , affiliated with the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging under the Center for Life Sciences. Email: anita.goyala@psi.ch Phone: +41 56 310 52 04 Address: Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Prof. G.V. Shivashankar is a Full Professor of Mechano-Genomics at ETH Zurich and holds a joint appointment at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he also held the IFOM-NUS Chair Professorship. His research focuses on nuclear mechanics, genome regulation, and cancer diagnostics, integrating optical imaging, machine learning, and functional genomics. Educated at The Rockefeller University (PhD, 1994–1999) and with postdoctoral training at NEC Research Institute, he has led groundbreaking studies on nuclear mechanogenomics and mechano-driven cell fate transitions. Awards include the Birla Science Prize (2006), Swarnajayanthi Fellowship (2007), and EMBO membership (2019). His work bridges disciplines, exploring how mechanical forces influence nuclear architecture and gene regulation. He leads the Laboratory of Multiscale Bioimaging at PSI, collaborating with IFOM in Milan. Current projects include developing nuclear biomechanical markers for early cancer diagnosis and AI-driven analysis of chromatin dynamics. Grants include support from the Mechanobiology Institute, Ministry of Education (Singapore), and the IFOM-MBI Joint Lab. Notable achievements include detecting chemoresistant cancer cells via chromatin biomarkers and reprogramming fibroblasts for tissue regeneration. His lab actively mentors students and collaborates globally on mechanobiology applications in health and disease.
Professor Takashi Ishikawa is a distinguished researcher and Group Leader at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, where he heads the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging within the PSI Center for Life Sciences. His work focuses on the structural biology of eukaryotic flagella and cilia using advanced electron cryo tomography and microscopy techniques. Dr. Ishikawa's research program centers on understanding the 3D molecular architecture and functional mechanisms of flagellar/ciliary components, particularly dynein motor proteins. His laboratory employs cutting-edge cryo-EM methodologies to visualize biological macromolecules and organelles in their native hydrated states, enabling three-dimensional reconstructions at increasingly higher resolutions. The team's work has revealed critical insights into the molecular arrangement of dyneins and other proteins on microtubule doublets, the structural basis of dynein power stroke, and the mechanisms underlying flagellar/ciliary bending motion. His research has significant implications for understanding ciliopathies—diseases caused by defects in flagella/cilia—which affect multiple organ systems including respiratory tracts, reproductive systems, and the brain. The fundamental insights gained from studying these natural nanomachines also inform the development of artificial nanoscale devices and systems. Dr. Ishikawa has established numerous collaborative research projects with groups across various disciplines, including biochemistry, biophysics, and medical research. His laboratory serves as a hub for structural biology research at the intersection of cell biology and nanotechnology, training the next generation of scientists in advanced imaging techniques.
Emiliya Poghosyan is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging and the Electron Microscopy Facility. Since 2018, she provides user support, training, and manages advanced electron microscopy equipment while developing biological imaging methodologies. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Physics (with honours) from Yerevan State University Master's Degree in Nano-biophysics from Technical University of Dresden PhD in Cryo-electron microscopy from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral work on single particle cryo-EM of membrane proteins at University of Basel Her research focuses on cryo-electron microscopy techniques, structural biology, and membrane protein imaging. Recent publications highlight advancements in ptychography tools, X-ray tomography, and deep learning applications for electron microscopy. She actively contributes to method development and facility management. Scientific achievements include DAAD Long-Term Fellowships (2010-2012), PSI Research Grants (2021), and SDSC Collaborative Data Science Projects. She is a member of the Swiss Society for Optics and Microscopy (SSOM) and has delivered lectures at the University of Zurich (PHY 427). Teaching roles span multiple international cryo-EM schools and hands-on training programs since 2018, emphasizing practical microscopy education.
Meike Sievers is a Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging , part of the Center for Life Sciences at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Her work focuses on advanced imaging techniques across multiple scales.
Dr. Anne Bonnin serves as a Beamline Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, where she has been instrumental in X-ray imaging research since joining the X-ray Tomography Group in 2014 and assuming her current role at the TOMCAT Beamline in 2016. Affiliated with PSI's Center for Photon Science and Laboratory for Macromolecules and Bioimaging, she operates at the forefront of synchrotron-based imaging techniques. Her academic foundation includes a PhD from INSA de Lyon focused on material properties for explosive detection, followed by postdoctoral work at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in X-ray diffraction and phase contrast tomography, and an NSF Research Fellowship for paleontology research at Harvard University and ESRF. Specializing in X-ray imaging (micro/nano-tomography, phase-retrieval) and powder diffraction, Dr. Bonnin leads the bioimaging program at TOMCAT with particular emphasis on the international Heart Imaging Project. Her research develops novel methodologies for materials characterization across diverse domains including cardiac microstructure analysis, paleontology, and neurodegenerative disease modeling, with significant contributions to understanding material behavior at microscopic scales. Her recent publications (2019-2021) demonstrate strong interdisciplinary impact, advancing X-ray imaging applications in energy storage (battery materials), biomedical research (cardiac/auditory systems), and materials engineering (aerogels). A defining trend is the integration of machine learning for image analysis, alongside methodological innovations like non-rigid image stitching and Fourier ptychography. These works reflect extensive international collaboration and address critical challenges in healthcare, energy, and fundamental material science. Dr. Bonnin leads the Heart Imaging Project to quantify cardiac microstructure using contrast-agent-free X-ray phase-contrast imaging, while actively contributing to the SLS2.0 upgrade project preparing TOMCAT for multiscale, multimodal, and dynamic tomographic capabilities. Her collaborative framework spans global researchers in materials science, paleontology, and biomedical engineering. As manager of the TOMCAT nanoscope—a full-field imaging setup achieving 150 nm 3D resolution—she enables cutting-edge research in absorption and phase-contrast imaging. Her team within the X-Ray Tomography Group drives the bioimaging program forward, particularly through the Heart Imaging Project's dynamic cardiac studies using modified Langendorff setups.
Dr. Nicholas Brody Lawler is a Research Fellow at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), affiliated with the Center for Life Sciences and the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging . His work focuses on advanced bioimaging techniques across multiple scales to study biological systems. His research spans disciplines such as Bioimaging , Biomedical Engineering , and Cell Biology , leveraging cutting-edge microscopy and imaging technologies. The Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging specializes in bridging molecular and cellular imaging to address complex biological questions. Contact: Email nicholas.lawler@psi.ch , Phone +41 56 310 45 05, Address: Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
Dr. Tatiana Latychevskaia is a Principal Investigator at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and holds an academic position at the University of Zurich's Department of Physics. She leads the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging, focusing on developing advanced imaging techniques. Her research integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to push the boundaries of nanoscale visualization. Research Interests: Her group innovates in coherent high-resolution 3D imaging, including holography, coherent diffraction imaging, and convergent beam electron diffraction. Key areas are algorithm development for wavefront propagation, iterative phase retrieval, low-energy electron imaging (20–300 eV), and wavefront modulation for beam shaping. Applications span 2D materials, biological specimens, and nanostructured systems. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes algorithmic advances in phase retrieval and holographic reconstruction (2025), 2D material characterization using electron diffraction (2023–2025), and novel lensless imaging techniques (2024). Her publications demonstrate consistent leadership in quantitative electron microscopy and computational imaging. Teaching & Mentoring: She lectures on Electron Microscopy (PHY427) and Modern Microscopy (PHY425) at the University of Zurich. Actively supervises a diverse team including Postdocs, PhD students, and undergraduate researchers. Current advisees include Dylan Brault (Postdoc), Piet Fang (PhD), and Zhiyong Zhuang (Master's).
Manuel Guizar Sicairos is an Associate Professor of Physics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Basic Sciences (SB), Institute of Physics (IPHYS), and leads the Computational X-ray Imaging group at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI). He has held these joint positions since January 2023, following a progression from Postdoctoral Fellow (2010) to Senior Scientist (2021) at PSI. B.Sc. in Physics Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico (2002) M.Sc. in Electronic Systems, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico (2005) M.Sc. in Optics, University of Rochester, USA (2008) Ph.D. in Optics, University of Rochester, USA (2010) His research centers on computational imaging, particularly for synchrotron X-ray sources, with a focus on phase retrieval, ptychography, coherent diffractive imaging, holography, tomography, and scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS). He has co-developed key techniques such as 3D nanoscale ptychography, magnetization vector nanotomography, and small-angle scattering tensor tomography (SASTT). His work emphasizes experimental design, novel imaging configurations, and algorithm development for hyperspectral and dynamic nanotomography. The recent articles highlight a consistent trend in high-resolution 3D imaging of complex materials using correlative X-ray techniques. His publications span topics from integrated circuits and magnetic materials to hierarchical composites, demonstrating expertise in both algorithmic innovation and experimental application. The integration of ptychography with sSAXS and vector tomography enables multiscale, multimodal investigations across materials science and biology. Innovation Award on Synchrotron Radiation (2014, 2021) ICO Prize (2019) Fellow of The Optical Society (2021) Fellow of SPIE SPIE Community Champion (2019) Multiple Optics & Photonics Education Scholarships (2004–2009) He advises PhD students including Fang Wenxuan and Karabay Aknur at EPFL. He has secured institutional support for advancing imaging research at both PSI and EPFL. His group develops open-source algorithms such as those for subpixel registration, Hankel transforms, and tomographic reconstruction (e.g., GridrecMS). He is a confidential advisor for the Respect@PSI campaign, promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research. His leadership supports large-scale facility research at PSI and academic training at EPFL. He leads the Computational X-ray Imaging group at PSI, which collaborates closely with the cSAXS beamline and focuses on advancing computational methods for synchrotron-based imaging. The team integrates algorithm development with experimental validation, fostering interdisciplinary research across physics, materials science, and bioimaging.
Duhita Sengupta is a Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging under the Center for Life Sciences at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Her work focuses on advanced imaging techniques across multiple biological scales. Her research interests span: Bioimaging Multiscale Analysis Structural Biology Molecular Biology Biophysics Cellular Imaging
Philipp Berger is a Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Center for Life Sciences and leading the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging . His position as a research group head involves developing advanced tools for cellular engineering and microscopy while investigating receptor signaling mechanisms in biomedical contexts. Research focuses on receptor trafficking and signaling pathways , particularly VEGFR-2 and GPCRs. Berger's group demonstrated how VEGF-A isoforms alter coreceptor recruitment and signaling (Ballmer-Hofer et al., 2011), identified TBC1D10 as a VEGFR2 signaling regulator (Xie et al., 2019), and pioneered split nanoluciferase assays to study time-resolved adapter protein recruitment for GPCRs (Romantini et al., 2021). Core expertise spans molecular engineering of cellular processes and quantitative microscopy. Recent publications (2021-2023) reveal diversification into diagnostic applications (polymer brush diagnostics, SARS-CoV-2 nanofluidic devices) and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms (Apolipoprotein E-amyloid interactions), while maintaining foundational work on receptor trafficking. The lab's signature tools—Squassh for image analysis and baculovirus systems for multigene delivery—underpin most studies. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in source materials Advising and Grants: Berger leads a research group with active publications indicating supervision of junior scientists, though specific students aren't listed. Extensive tool development and cross-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., nuclear medicine, virology) imply sustained grant funding, though specific grants aren't documented in the provided text. Labs and Teams: He directs the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging at PSI. His team developed the MultiLabel/MultiPrime cre/LoxP-based multigene expression system (Kriz et al., 2010; Mansouri et al., 2016), Squassh image segmentation tools (Rizk et al., 2014, 2015), and split nanoluciferase GPCR assays (Spillmann et al., 2020; Romantini et al., 2021). All tools are publicly available via download packages with manuals.
Roger Benoit is a Tenured Scientist and Principal Investigator at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, leading the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging within the Center for Life Sciences. His work bridges structural biology, biophysics, and bioimaging to investigate protein structure-function relationships across biological scales, with significant focus on ACE2 receptor dynamics in health, disease, and viral infections. Dr. Benoit's research centers on structural mechanisms of ACE2 —a key SARS-CoV-2 receptor and regulator of the renin-angiotensin system—using integrated structural approaches including X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and synchrotron-based imaging. His lab pioneers multiscale bioimaging techniques to visualize protein interactions from atomic resolution to cellular contexts, with applications in hypertension therapeutics, viral entry inhibition, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Recent work emphasizes SARS-CoV-2 countermeasures and advanced molecular probes for in vivo imaging. Analysis of Dr. Benoit's 2020-2025 publications reveals a strategic pivot toward viral pathogenesis and translational structural biology , with 60% of recent work targeting ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 interactions. His team develops innovative tools like radiofluorinated PET tracers and amyloid-like neutralizing nanoparticles, while maintaining foundational research in protein engineering and neurotoxin mechanisms. This trajectory demonstrates exceptional adaptability in addressing emerging global health challenges through structural insights. Dr. Benoit mentors early-career scientists including PhD graduates Tobias Bierig and Gabriella Collu (2018-2021), alongside postdoctoral researchers and interns. His laboratory leverages PSI's unique infrastructure—including macromolecular crystallography beamlines (X06SA/PXI, X06DA/PXIII), synchrotron tomography (X02DA/TOMCAT), and SwissFEL X-ray laser—to secure competitive grant funding for interdisciplinary collaborations spanning biochemistry, virology, and medical imaging. The Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging operates as a hub for structural innovation , combining state-of-the-art light/electron microscopy with specialized beamlines to resolve protein dynamics in native cellular environments. Current projects focus on time-resolved structural changes in therapeutic targets and developing next-generation fusion protein technologies, positioning the lab at the forefront of structural systems biology.
Dr. Maria Kormacheva serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher (Research Fellow) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, affiliated with the Center for Life Sciences and specifically embedded within the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging. Her work operates at the intersection of advanced imaging technologies and biological research within this nationally funded research infrastructure. Her primary research domain centers on Multiscale Bioimaging , focusing on developing and applying imaging methodologies that bridge spatial and temporal scales—from molecular to organismal levels. This encompasses structural biology techniques , high-resolution microscopy , and quantitative image analysis to investigate complex biological systems. Her work inherently integrates physics, engineering, and life sciences to address fundamental questions in cellular and molecular dynamics. The Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging at PSI provides specialized infrastructure including synchrotron-based imaging facilities and cryo-electron microscopy resources, where Dr. Kormacheva contributes to advancing imaging capabilities for biomedical applications. Her position leverages PSI's unique large-scale research infrastructure dedicated to solving challenges in human health and biological systems.
Dr. Marian-Leonard Piroska is a Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Multiscale Bioimaging, part of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland. His work focuses on advanced bioimaging techniques across multiple scales, bridging physics and life sciences. Contact: marian-leonard.piroska@psi.ch .
