Professor Frank J Gunn-Moore is a faculty member at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews , where he co-directs the Sir James Mackenzie Institute for Early Diagnosis . His research spans neuroscience, biochemistry, and biophysics , focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic signaling. Developed novel models for Alzheimer's pathology in cetaceans Identified FRMD6/Willin as a Hippo pathway component in neurons Collaborated on biophotonics patents with industry partners Research trends include interdisciplinary studies merging biology, chemistry, and physics, particularly in neurodegeneration , mitochondrial biochemistry , and optical manipulation techniques . His work has produced over 150 publications and patents. Scientific Awards Fellow, Royal Society of Edinburgh (2023) Collaborations include biomedical engineering projects and clinical partnerships for therapeutic development. His laboratory integrates molecular biology with advanced optical technologies.
Dr. Shuting Han leads a Junior Research Group at the University of Zurich under the Helmchen Lab, funded by the SNSF Ambizione Fellowship since 2024. She holds a Research Fellow position focusing on cortical dynamics underlying sensory processing and memory. Her research examines how distributed cortical areas interact during sensory processing and memory formation, utilizing multi-area two-photon calcium imaging, virtual reality behavior paradigms, electrophysiology, and advanced data analysis techniques. Key projects include investigating sensory representation in cortical areas, predictive processing in neural circuits, cortico-cortical interactions, memory consolidation across the neocortex, and developing high-throughput imaging methodologies. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in cross-modal predictions, cortical microstates during consciousness alterations, and neural ensemble dynamics. She directs research on top-down predictive signals in neocortex and develops tools for volumetric neural imaging. SNSF Ambizione Fellowship Dr. Han mentors PhD students Maï Ly Leclair and Saidong Ma in the Helmchen Lab. Her group develops custom multi-area two-photon microscopes and applies machine learning for neural data analysis, bridging experimental neuroscience with computational approaches to decode cortical information processing.
Prof. Dr. Martin Mittendorff is a faculty member at the University of Duisburg-Essen , affiliated with the Faculty of Physics and the Experimental Physics department. He leads the Mittendorff research group, focusing on time-resolved THz spectroscopy and 2D materials. Research areas: Terahertz spectroscopy, plasmonics, ultrafast dynamics, 2D materials, and optoelectronics. Current projects: B09 THz Dynamics of Photo-Excited Charge Carriers on the µm Scale . Research Trends : His recent publications highlight THz-driven plasmonic nonlinearities in graphene structures, surface transport in nanograined thermoelectrics, and ultrafast electron dynamics in semiconductor heterostructures. These works bridge fundamental solid-state physics with applications in THz detectors and optical switches. Key collaborators: Stephan Winnerl, Wojciech Knap, Thomas E. Murphy. Students & Lab Culture : Supervised PhD student Ahana Bhattacharya through successful defense. The group maintains an active team culture, exemplified by a 2023 team day involving a canoe trip from Essen-Kettwig to Mülheim Water Station.
Yajie (Kevin) Liang, MB, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is a Principal Investigator at the Center for Advanced Imaging Research (CAIR) and a member of the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. His interdisciplinary research bridges neuroscience, imaging technology, and regenerative medicine. Education and Training: 1998–2003: Baccalaureate in Medicine, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, China 2003–2009: PhD in Neurobiology, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, China 2010–2012: Postdoc, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University 2012–2015: Postdoc, Institute of Physiology, Tübingen University, Germany Research Focus: Dr. Liang’s laboratory develops and applies advanced in vivo imaging techniques, particularly two-photon and three-photon microscopy, to study neural stem cell therapy, stroke recovery, and neurodegeneration. His team investigates how transplanted neural cells integrate into host brain circuits and how toxic protein aggregates, such as α-synuclein, propagate in dementia models. Current Projects: Long-term tracking of single neural stem cells in stroke models Nanobody-based chemogenetic probes for α-synuclein strain imaging Smart multiphoton imaging systems for real-time cellular interrogation 3D-printed microinjection needle arrays for precise brain delivery Grants & Funding: NIA: “Shedding Light on Functional Heterogeneity of Dementia-related Alpha-synuclein Strains” ($463,124, 2022–2025) Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: “Smart Intravital Multiphoton Imaging iPSC-derived Cells” ($345,000, 2024–2026) NIMH subcontract: “3D Microprinting-Enabled Microinjection Needle Arrays” ($88,295, 2023–2025) Total active funding: $896,419 Scientific Awards: Young Investigator Award, National Natural Science Foundation of China (2009) Outstanding Doctoral Thesis, Chongqing City (2010) Fortune Award for Junior Investigators, Tübingen University (2013) Dr. Liang is an active member of the Society for Neuroscience, Society for Image Guided Neurointerventions, and BioImaging North America. His work has been featured in high-impact journals including Nature Methods , Cell Research , and Biomaterials .
Taavi Repän is an Associate Professor of Computational Photonics at the Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu. He has held this position since December 2021, with his current appointment running until December 2025. Prior to this, he worked as a Post-Doc at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology from 2019 to 2021. Repän earned his Doctoral Degree in Physics from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in 2019, with his dissertation titled 'Dark-field hyperlens: High-contrast subwavelength imaging in optics and acoustics' supervised by Andrei Lavrinenko and Morten Willatzen. He received his Master's Degree in Physics from the University of Tartu in 2014, with a thesis on 'Sub-wavelength imaging with hyperbolic metamaterials' supervised by Siim Pikker and Sergei Zhukovsky. His educational background also includes a Bachelor's Degree in Physics from the University of Tartu (2009-2012). His research focuses on computational photonics, metamaterials, inverse design, and the application of neural networks to optical simulations. He leads the project 'Inverse design methods for integrating nanophotonic structures with gas sensors' (2022-2026) and participates in several other research initiatives related to wood valorization and structural optimization. His work bridges theoretical physics, computational methods, and practical applications in optical sensing and imaging. His publication record shows a consistent trajectory in computational photonics, with recent work heavily emphasizing the integration of machine learning techniques with electromagnetic simulations. The most recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on neural network applications for inverse design problems in nanophotonics, hyperbolic metamaterials, and plasmonic structures, indicating his leadership in applying AI to complex optical design challenges. Repän currently leads or participates in multiple research projects funded by the Estonian Research Council and other institutions, demonstrating his active role in the research community. His work spans fundamental theoretical investigations to applied research with potential industrial applications. His laboratory work appears to focus on computational modeling of photonic structures rather than experimental setups, with emphasis on numerical methods for designing and analyzing optical systems. His collaborations span multiple institutions across Europe, reflecting the international nature of his research.
Dr. Dmytro Uhryn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. With a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree (2021) and specialization in Computer Science (12DC No. 029057, 2011), he actively contributes to research in swarm intelligence and geographic information systems . As a member of the Bukovina Information Technology Cluster since 2019, he focuses on intelligent forecasting systems , medical image analysis , and financial data modeling . Education: Applied Mathematics (2003, Chernivtsi National University) and Organizational Management (National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute") Research Interests: Information technologies for decision support, swarm intelligence systems, industry-specific GIS, medical image processing, and financial market algorithms. Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate expertise in swarm intelligence applications for migration forecasting, medical diagnostics using laser autofluorescence, and financial systems modeling. His 2021 dissertation established foundational methods for swarm intelligence in GIS . Professional development includes certifications in educational programming (Sigma Software University), NATO modeling , and international teaching methodologies (Lyublin Institute, 2023). He collaborates with researchers across Ukraine and Poland on biomedical optics, financial IT, and tourism technology projects.
Dr Arabinda Haldar is Associate Professor of Physics at Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. His group pursues experimental and theoretical research in magnonics, microwave magnetics and nanomagnetism, with an emphasis on spintronic and post-CMOS information-processing technologies. Education Ph.D. – Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Research Interests The group operates at the intersection of condensed-matter physics , nanotechnology and microwave engineering . Core themes include: Magnonics & Spin-Wave Computing: Propagation and control of magnons in ultra-thin magnetic multilayers, magnonic waveguides and reconfigurable metamaterials for low-power logic and memory. Microwave Magnetics: Self-biased nanomagnets and ferrite-free thin-film devices for on-chip RF components, radars and wireless communication systems. Nanomagnetism & Spin Dynamics: Spin-orbit phenomena (spin Hall effect, spin pumping, spin-orbit torque), skyrmionics, and ultrafast magnetization dynamics probed by FMR, BLS and ST-FMR techniques. Scientific Awards & Recognition Research Excellence Award – IIT Hyderabad (2024) DAE Young Scientist Research Award (2021) IEEE Senior Member recognition (2022) Ramanujan Fellowship – DST, Government of India (2017) Outstanding Reviewer 2019 – IOP Publishing Early Career Research Award – SERB (2017) Advising & Funding Dr Haldar has mentored 15+ PhD students and numerous Masters and project interns. He is principal investigator on SERB-CRG grants for Brillouin light scattering microscopy and sputtering system for skyrmion research , and co-PI on additional CRG-SERB and NIMS-ICGP programs. Recent graduates include Sudeep (DRDO-MoE), Brahmaranjan, Mahathi and Bibekananda Paikaray. Laboratory & Collaborative Networks The Magnonics & Nanomagnetism Laboratory at IITH houses state-of-the-art facilities: broadband FMR (2–18 GHz), micro-focused Brillouin light scattering, spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) and nanofabrication clean-room tools. International collaborations span Durham University (Prof A O Adeyeye), NIMS Japan, IISc Bangalore, DMRL Hyderabad and IIT Bombay.
Professor Nicole Grobert is a leading academic in nanomaterials research at the University of Oxford and holds a visiting professorship at the BioNano Electronics Research Centre, Toyo University . She currently supervises 16 DPhil and 3 Part II students, with research focus on carbon nanotubes, boron nitride nanomaterials, and hierarchical structures for healthcare and energy applications. Ordinary Fellow, Materials at Corpus Christi College, Oxford Chief Scientific Advisor to the European Commission (2018) Research Interests span Nanomaterials Synthesis , Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) , Template Routes , and Wet-Chemical Techniques . Her team emphasizes in situ characterization of growth parameters and structure-property relationships, with key collaborations in healthcare and energy sectors. Recent Publications highlight advancements in 2D materials, electrospun fibers for thermal insulation, photovoltaic nanofibrous layers, and sono-dispersion dynamics. Collaborative work includes ultrasensitive MRI contrast agents and polymer-functionalized nanotubes for electrocatalytic applications. Scientific Awards include the Carbon Pergamon Prize (2001) and multiple Royal Society fellowships (2002, 2006, 2016). She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and a member of Academia Europaea. Teaching Roles include Introduction to Nanomaterials (first year) and advanced third-year option courses at Oxford. Her Nanomaterials by Design team hosts summer researchers annually.
Sonke Johnsen is the Ida Stephens Owens Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, with additional appointments as Professor in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation at the Nicholas School of the Environment. He is also affiliated with the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and the Duke Initiative for Science & Society. His research program focuses on visual ecology, examining how animals interact with light in natural environments. The Johnsen Lab investigates bioluminescent signals underwater, visibility of aquatic animals, tissue ultrastructure and transparency, polarization vision, ultraviolet vision effects on predation, and optical sampling techniques for zooplankton. They also collaborate with Dr. Ken Lohmann at UNC on magnetoreception research. Dr. Johnsen's recent publications reveal a strong focus on visual acuity across marine species, dynamic visual appearance, color signaling, and the interplay between light environments and animal behavior. His work spans from molecular mechanisms to ecological implications, showing particular interest in how visual systems have evolved to meet environmental challenges in aquatic habitats. His research has been supported by significant grants from the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization, Air Force Research Laboratory, and University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill for projects on transparency in fish, visual acuity, and magnetoreception in marine animals. Dr. Johnsen earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1996) and his B.A. from Swarthmore College (1988). His interdisciplinary approach combines protein biochemistry, microscopy, behavioral studies, field techniques, and mathematical modeling to address fundamental questions in sensory biology.
Katsushi Arisaka is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the College of Physical Sciences. His research spans multiple disciplines including particle physics, cosmology, biophysics, and neurophysics. Dr. Arisaka began his academic journey at the University of Tokyo in 1979 as a graduate student under Professor Masatoshi Koshiba, working on the development of the world's largest 20-inch photomultiplier for the Kamiokande Experiment. He moved to the United States in 1985 and established his research group at UCLA in 1988. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, though specific dates are not provided in the available materials. Professor Arisaka's research interests center around answering fundamental questions about the universe and life itself. His work explores three primary areas: the origin of the universe through dark matter research and cosmic ray studies; the origin of life through biophysics and molecular tracking; and the origin of consciousness through neurophysics. His approach consistently leverages advanced photon detection technologies across these diverse fields. Early in his career, he focused on rare decay processes of kaons to understand CP-violation at BNL and Fermilab, then shifted to cosmology in 1998, participating in the Pierre-Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory and CMS Endcap Muon Chambers for LHC at CERN. Since 2007, his main focus has been dark matter experiments including XENON100 at Gran Sasso in Italy and its successor XENON 1Ton, while also collaborating with DarkSide and MAX projects. His recent publications (2020-2023) reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of physics, neuroscience, and consciousness studies. The 2022-2023 publications show a significant focus on visual perception, neural holographic tomography, and the grand unified theory of mind and brain. Earlier works (2017-2020) demonstrate continued activity in dark matter detection with experiments like XENON and DarkSide, as well as applications of advanced photon detectors to biological imaging. Grand Unified Theory of Mind and Brain (2022 series) Visual Perception of 3D Space and Shape (2022 series) Transverse sheet illumination microscopy (2023) DarkSide direct dark matter search (2017) Dr. Arisaka has been actively involved in major international collaborations including the CMS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, the XENON dark matter project at Gran Sasso in Italy, and the DarkSide experiment. His laboratory has developed innovative imaging techniques such as the Spatio-Temporal Multiplexing (STEM) microscope for multiple plane imaging and high-speed confocal microscopy systems capable of capturing 1,000 frames per second. The STEM microscope, developed with Adrian Cheng, allows simultaneous scanning of multiple planes using time differences between beams. At UCLA, Professor Arisaka has established productive collaborations across campus, particularly with the Medical School, where his advanced photon detection technologies have been applied to neuroscience research. His laboratory has contributed to significant discoveries in hair cell oscillation measurements and neural development studies. He teaches several physics courses including Physics 6B, 6C, 89 for 6B, 89 for 6C, and Physics 19, and regularly seeks graduate and undergraduate students interested in his research directions. His group has developed virtual reality systems for rats to study spatial recognition in the hippocampus in collaboration with Prof. Mayank Mehta's group. The Arisaka Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities including a Photon Detector Lab and collaborates with multiple research groups on campus. Current research directions include the development of Transverse Sheet Illumination Microscopy (TransIM) and continued work on dark matter detection with next-generation XENON experiments. His lab's philosophy centers on using physics principles to answer the fundamental questions: 'Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?' through experimental approaches rather than philosophical speculation.
Allan Mackenzie-Graham is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with affiliations in Neurology and Neuroscience. His research focuses on neuroimaging, neuroimmunology, and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis and sex-based differences in brain anatomy. His work integrates computational biology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and preclinical models to explore neuroprotective mechanisms and pathological processes. Research Interests: His studies span neuroimaging methodologies (e.g., voxel-based morphometry, CLARITY), hormonal therapies (e.g., estriol, estrogen receptors), and sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases. Key topics include axonal injury, brain atrophy, and neuroinflammatory processes, often using mouse models to bridge bench-to-bedside applications. Publications: Recent work highlights computational advancements in brain segmentation, hormonal neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis, and cross-species neuroimaging comparisons. Projects involve machine learning (e.g., SwinUNETR), neuroanatomical sex differences, and in vivo/ex vivo MRI analysis.
Vishesh Kumar Dubey is a Researcher at the Department of Physics and Technology within UiT The Arctic University of Norway . He is affiliated with the Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics research group, focusing on advanced optical imaging techniques. Current position: Researcher in Physics and Technology University: UiT The Arctic University of Norway His research spans quantitative phase microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning integration in biomedical optics . Recent work emphasizes photonic chips for histopathology, coherence effects in phase imaging, and SERS-based bacterial detection . Publications highlight collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across Europe and Asia. Key trends in his work include label-free imaging, waveguide platforms, and computational optical methods . No scientific awards or student advising details are mentioned in the provided texts.
David Micheron is a Senior Lecturer at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, affiliated with the Department of Physics and Technology. His work spans two distinct research domains: optical nanoscopy and STEM education . Micheron contributes to photonic chip development for biomedical imaging and explores pedagogical strategies for large-group physics instruction. Research Focus : Photonic chip-based super-resolution microscopy, histopathology applications, and STEM education innovations Teaching : Course development for introductory physics (FYS-0100, FYS-1002, FYS-1003) and former FYS-2008 Measurement Techniques Collaborations : Active in the Optical Nanoscopy research group and Realfagsdidaktikk i høyere utdanning (Physics Education in Higher Education) Micheron’s publications highlight advances in on-chip nanoscopy for biomedical analysis and student-active learning methodologies.
Edwin L. Thomas is a Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Erle Nye ’59 Chair II. He is a Permanent Member of the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering. His research focuses on polymer material physics and engineering, with particular emphasis on photonic/phononic crystals, metamaterials, and energy dissipation in nanocomposites. Ph.D., Materials Science, Cornell University B.S., Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, University of Massachusetts Thomas’s research explores the optical, mechanical, and electronic properties of block copolymers, liquid crystalline polymers, and hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Key areas include ballistic behavior of lightweight nanocomposites , 3D interference lithography , and self-assembled supramolecular networks . His work spans multiscale energy absorption, defect analysis in tubular networks, and symmetry control in triply-periodic assemblies. Recent publications highlight trends in gyroid metamaterials , high-strain-rate deformation , and mesoatomic distortions . Topics include supersonic impact resistance, ion-irradiated carbon mats, and advanced 3D-printed architectures for energy dissipation. Collaborative studies extend to microscopy of microalgae, though primarily focused on polymer systems. Member, National Academy of Engineering Erle Nye ’59 Chair II Permanent Member, Hagler Institute for Advanced Study EAGER Grant (Structures of Defects and Interfaces in Block Copolymer Materials) Thomas leads the Thomas Research Group , investigating polymer physics, metamaterials, and mechanical behavior of microtrusses. The group has received grants like the EAGER award and engages in interdisciplinary collaborations. They actively publish in top journals such as Nature , Science , and Advanced Science , with recent work on dynamic covalent networks and structural color sensing.
Masakazu Kobayashi is a Professor at the Waseda University School of Advanced Science and Engineering , specializing in semiconductor physics and optoelectronic materials. His work focuses on crystal growth techniques for tellurium-based chalcopyrites and zinc telluride thin films, with applications in solar cells and electro-optical waveguides. He has held positions at Purdue University and Chiba University, contributing to materials science through molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and closed space sublimation (CSS) methods. Education: Doctor of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology Bachelor’s Degree, Waseda University Faculty of Science and Engineering Research Interests: Kobayashi’s work spans Semiconductor Physics , Crystal Growth , and Optoelectronic Device Fabrication . He investigates: Bandgap engineering in AgGaTe2 and CuGaTe2 Surface wettability and lattice mismatch in heterostructures Defect reduction in ZnTe waveguides Domain orientation control via substrate texturing Solar cell efficiency improvements using chalcopyrite heterojunctions Article Trends highlight his focus on photovoltaic materials (AgGaTe2, CuGaTe2), crystallographic characterization (XRD, TEM), and thin film optimization (MBE, CSS). His studies address stoichiometry control, defect passivation, and interface engineering for high-performance devices. Professional Memberships include the American Physical Society, IEEE, and Japanese academic societies, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise.
