Dr. Vasiliki Evageliou is an Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens since 2018. Previously, she held roles as Assistant Professor (2012-2018) and Lecturer (2006-2012) in Food Physical Chemistry. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from Cranfield University (UK) and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Athens. Her research focuses on biopolymer systems, edible films, aroma encapsulation, and functional food development. She teaches courses in Physical Chemistry and Food Physical Chemistry. Her scientific work spans rheology of biopolymer solutions (e.g., pectin, carrageenan), stabilization of emulsions, and development of novel food products. Notable projects include studies on buttermilk properties from sheep milk and utilization of orange peel pectin for edible films. She leads research on encapsulation techniques for bioactive compounds like EGCG and antimicrobial coatings for fruit preservation. Dr. Evageliou collaborates with labs specializing in Chemistry & Analysis. Her research integrates food chemistry principles with material science applications, emphasizing sustainable food technologies and biopolymer valorization. Despite no listed awards, her extensive publication record reflects impactful contributions to food science and technology.
Miek Schlangen is a postdoctoral researcher at SDU FOOD MATTERS (University of Southern Denmark), specializing in food texture engineering, mechanical properties of meat analogues, and machine learning applications in food science. She obtained her PhD in Food Process Engineering from Wageningen University (2024), focusing on dry fractionation of plant proteins, transglutaminase crosslinking, and structuring into meat analogues. Active in AI-driven hierarchical food structure design (FIBROUSNESS project, 2024-2027) Developed image analysis methods for fibrousness quantification Expert in mechanical anisotropy assessment of meat analogues Research Interests: Her work bridges food biophysics, advanced processing technologies, and computational modeling to create plant-based meat alternatives with optimized structural and textural properties. Key focus areas include: Multiscale fibrousness characterization Enzymatic protein modification Machine learning for rheological prediction Polysaccharide-protein interactions Non-linear food material behavior Endogenous starch utilization Scientific Contributions: Miek's research output includes 11 publications (2025-2021) covering meat analogue development, plant protein structuring, and sustainable ingredient applications. Her work has received significant attention with 3 citations in 2025 and 15 citations in 2024. 2023 - Honorable Mention, Women in Science Rising Talent Prize 2022 - Structural characterization of plant-based meat replacers 2021 - Texture evaluation methodology review Collaborative Network: Maintains active collaborations with researchers at Wageningen University and SDU Biotechnology, with external partnerships across Europe and Asia. Current work focuses on quantitative relationships between mechanical anisotropy, macrostructure, and microstructure in meat analogues.
Maria Rita Caruso serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè at the University of Palermo, where her work bridges advanced materials science with practical applications in cultural heritage preservation and environmental sustainability. Her research portfolio centers on: Nanomaterial development using halloysite clay nanotubes Biopolymer composites (chitosan, keratin, alginate) Sustainable conservation techniques for artworks and archaeological materials Eco-friendly pollutant removal systems Interdisciplinary approaches to material degradation challenges Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent trajectory in designing green nanomaterial solutions for cultural heritage conservation. Her work demonstrates exceptional focus on Flemish tapestries, canvas paintings, and waterlogged wood, utilizing halloysite-biopolymer composites for consolidation, cleaning, and protection. The publications exhibit strong interdisciplinary integration between nanotechnology, polymer science, and conservation practice, with increasing emphasis on scalable sustainable treatments. Notably, her 2024-2025 output shows expanded applications into environmental remediation while maintaining core heritage conservation objectives. Caruso actively contributes to advancing sustainable methodologies in conservation science through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, with her email contact mariarita.caruso02@unipa.it facilitating academic collaboration.
Jinze Dou is an Academy Research Fellow at Aalto University's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, specializing in biomaterials, sustainable chemistry, and plant-based resource utilization. His work focuses on valorizing underutilized biomass such as willow and spruce bark for applications in water treatment, biomedical materials, and renewable energy storage. He has led projects including the development of UV-blocking sunscreens from spruce bark stilbenes and coagulants for water purification from willow extracts. His research spans organic chemistry, material science, and environmental engineering, with a particular emphasis on circular economy principles. Notable contributions include advancing enzyme-based biomass fractionation techniques and exploring natural dye fixation methods using chitosan. Dou has collaborated internationally, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, affordable energy, and responsible consumption. Received the 2019 IAWS PhD Award for outstanding research Lead Investigator for the 2023–2027 'FACE+' project on UV-filter development Contributed to the 'BioColour' project recognized with the Iiris-palkinto award Key innovations include structural characterization of plant biomolecules via NMR and Raman spectroscopy, and demonstrating the antibacterial properties of willow bark materials for wound dressings. His work bridges fundamental plant chemistry with industrial applications, emphasizing sustainability.
Jesper Holck is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, specializing in enzyme technology and carbohydrate chemistry. His work focuses on carbohydrate-active enzymes, glycosylation, and microbiome interactions, with applications in prebiotics, marine biotechnology, and industrial waste valorization. Current affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU Academic role: Researcher (Senior Researcher title) Research interests include: Enzymatic degradation of complex carbohydrates (fucoidan, pectin, arabinoxylan) Engineering enzymes for human milk oligosaccharide synthesis Microbiota-immune interplay with bioactive sugar beet components Marine enzyme applications for sustainable bioprocessing Structural characterization of glycoside hydrolases Development of enzymatic methods for lignocellulosic biomass utilization Recent publications highlight his expertise in: Enzyme-catalyzed production of immunologically active oligosaccharides Functional diversity in CAZy families (GH20, GH29, GH119) Microbial degradation pathways for pectin and mucin Enzyme-assisted extraction from citrus and sugar beet byproducts Protein engineering for improved transglycosylation Structural studies of novel biocatalysts Scientific supervision includes: Main supervisor for PhD projects on legume innovation (N2CROP) and citrus pectin valorization Co-supervisor for research on carbohydrate processing enzymes and gut microbiota interactions
Dr. Alisdair Boraston is a Professor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Victoria, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on protein-carbohydrate recognition, with three main themes: mechanisms of carbohydrate recognition by proteins, the role of these interactions in host-pathogen systems (e.g., bacterial adhesion and toxin delivery), and biotechnological applications of microbial enzymes targeting biomass components like cellulose and starch. Education: BSc and PhD (British Columbia). Research interests include structural glycobiology, enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides, and microbial adaptation to host environments. The Boraston Laboratory uses structural biology, genomics, and microbiology to study enzymes from pathogens like Clostridium perfringens and Streptococcus pneumoniae , with applications to biofuel production and medical therapeutics. Recent work explores marine polysaccharide metabolism and O-glycopeptidases involved in host-microbe interactions. Labs/Teams: Director of the Boraston Laboratory, established in 2003, focusing on structural and functional glycobiology. Located in Petch Building Room 216.
Dr. Tom Dugmore is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York, specializing in Green Chemistry. He holds an MChem and PhD from the University of York and has industry experience in waste management. His role includes teaching postgraduate programs (e.g., MSc in Green Chemistry) and promoting interdisciplinary curricula. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and actively engages in outreach to inspire future chemists. His research focuses on valorizing food waste into useful materials, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Notable projects include converting coffee grounds into adsorbents and exploring tea waste for dye removal. He collaborates across disciplines to advance sustainable practices. Publications reflect his work in waste valorization, antimicrobial biocomposites, and life-cycle assessments of chemical processes. His efforts extend to advocating green chemistry principles at educational and industrial levels.
Professor Anton Scheurink is a leading academic in Neuroendocrinology at the University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on neural regulation of energy balance, Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, and Anorexia Nervosa. He holds a PhD in animal physiology from the University of Groningen and completed postdoctoral research in the U.S. before returning to Groningen in 2011. Scheurink's work bridges clinical and basic science, with notable contributions to understanding the neurobiology of eating disorders and metabolic diseases. Education: PhD in Animal Physiology (University of Groningen), Postdoc at U.S. institutions Affiliations: Chair of the Admission Board for the Master's in Biomedical Sciences, Scheurink Lab - Neuroendocrinology Research Interests: Neural mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis, hormonal regulation of appetite, and translational studies on metabolic disorders. Key projects include modeling Anorexia Nervosa, investigating ghrelin's role, and evaluating lifestyle interventions for obesity. Publications & Grants: Over 146 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact reviews on stress and eating. Active in securing grants for projects like TI Pharma's DIWA initiative and CCC's carbohydrate absorption studies. Holds patents on nutritional compositions for managing body weight and inflammation. Awards: UG Teacher of the Year (2014), Boyd O’Dell Award (2011), multiple Faculty Teaching Awards Teaching: Courses in Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Neurosciences, with a focus on integrating theory and clinical practice Labs/Teams: Leads the Scheurink Lab, collaborating internationally on metabolic and neuroendocrine research Media Engagement: Regular contributor to science communication, including appearances on Dutch radio (Het Klokhuis) and podcasts discussing obesity, exercise motivation, and eating behaviors.
Dr. Gurudas Chakraborty serves as Project Leader and Scientific Advisor to the Director at RWTH Aachen University, with office space in Room A3.17 and contactable via +49 241 80-23149. He concurrently holds a governance position as Board of Trustees member for the Garg Foundation. His research bridges nanotechnology, biomaterials science, and biomedical applications through innovative molecular engineering approaches. Chakraborty's primary research focuses on DNA nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry, specializing in the design of functional DNA-based nanostructures for drug delivery and catalytic applications. His work addresses critical challenges in synthetic mRNA delivery systems, particularly regarding macrophage targeting and protein expression limitations, while developing novel biomaterials like hybrid pectin-fibroin microgels with tailored cross-linking properties. Recent investigations explore DNA's catalytic capabilities in non-aqueous environments and salt-free hybridization mechanisms through electrostatic PEGylation. Analysis of his 2019-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on DNA's structural versatility for nanoscale engineering. Key themes include overcoming biological barriers in therapeutic delivery (especially to liver macrophages), creating multifunctional biomaterials through supramolecular and covalent strategies, and expanding DNA's utility into non-physiological conditions like organic solvents. His work consistently integrates gold nanoparticles and hybrid polymer systems to develop advanced assemblies with biomedical applications, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation across chemistry, materials science, and molecular biology.
Patrik Lennartsson is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Borås, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business, Department of Resource Recycling and Community Development. His research focuses on biotechnology within resource recovery, with particular emphasis on fungal fermentation for ethanol production, protein extraction, and waste valorization. He has been employed at the university since 2012, after completing his PhD in Bioscience at Chalmers University of Technology in collaboration with University of Borås, and undergraduate studies at the same institution. Current affiliation: University of Borås (since 2012) PhD: Chalmers University of Technology (collaborative) Undergraduate: University of Borås His research spans multiple biorefinery approaches using filamentous fungi (e.g., Neurospora intermedia , Aspergillus oryzae ) to convert agro-industrial wastes like bread, grape pomace, and wheat straw into ethanol, protein, pigments, and biocomposites. Key methods include submerged and solid-state fermentation, lignocellulose pretreatment, and bioreactor design. He supervises doctoral students Aishwarya Thyagarajan and Sharmeen Mustafa. Recent publications highlight his work on fungal biotechnology for waste valorization, including grape marc conversion to food ingredients, oyster mushroom residue applications, and biocomposite development from pectin-cellulose matrices. His team explores the integration of first- and second-generation bioethanol processes, fungal enzyme production, and the role of second messengers like cAMP in fungal morphology.
Moshe Rosenberg is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on physico-chemical properties of food components, microencapsulation technologies, and biorefinery systems for food security and waste reduction. Research Highlights: Develops platforms for nutrient and bioactive delivery using proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates Investigates milk processability and dairy product quality evolution Pioneers food authentication methods in Food Forensics Designs biorefinery systems for agricultural waste valorization Scientific Awards: U.S. Patent 7,700,127 B2 (2010) for rumen-protected delivery systems Teaching: FST 119: Dairy Chemistry and Technology FST 219: Cheeses of the World: Biochemical, Microbiological and Technological Aspects FRS 002: Freshman Seminar: Life After Cheddar FOR 298: Food Forensics
Dr John Bothwell is an Associate Professor (Reader in Bioenergy) at Durham University's Department of Biosciences. His research focuses on seaweed evolution, bioenergy applications, and ecological roles of marine macroalgae along UK coastlines. He holds a DPhil in Biochemistry from 2000 and has held postdoctoral roles at Cambridge, Plymouth, and Roscoff before joining Queen’s University Belfast (2009-2012) and Durham (2013-present). His career includes a unique year-long hiatus for professional rugby (2002-2003). Research interests include algal development genetics, bioenergy production from marine biomass, and systematic studies of seaweed evolution. His work integrates genomic, physiological, and ecological approaches to understand algal biology and its environmental applications. Publications (2023-2010) span topics like algal cell signaling, biofuel processes, and genomic analyses of model organisms such as Ulva and Ectocarpus. His work frequently employs molecular techniques like NMR spectroscopy and genetic engineering. Current supervisees include Jessie Lauze and Reyna Garcia-Gonzalez. Research has been applied to understanding ecological interactions (e.g., coastal upwelling effects) and developing biotechnological methods for algal biomass utilization.
Professor Wendy Russell is a Personal Chair in the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen. She is based at the Rowett Institute where she leads research on the complex relationship between diet and human health, with a strong focus on gut microbiota, nutritional science, and sustainable food systems. Her work spans from fundamental research on plant bioactives to applied studies addressing food security challenges. Professor Russell's educational background includes: BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Bristol (1992-1994) PhD in Natural Product Chemistry (1994-1997) Her research focuses on understanding how dietary components impact human health, particularly through the gut microbiome. She investigates the metabolic phenotypes defining population groups and the functional role of gut microbiota in disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Her work also addresses food system resilience, including biodiversity maintenance, sustainable protein provision, food waste valorization, and emerging technologies in crop breeding. Russell employs a truly transdisciplinary approach, collaborating with stakeholders across the food supply chain and working with industry partners on product development. Professor Russell's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on sustainable food systems, with particular attention to underutilized crops like hemp, buckwheat, and fava bean as sources of nutrition and bioactive compounds. Her research demonstrates how these foods and their by-products can support gut health through microbial fermentation, produce beneficial metabolites like butyrate, and provide sustainable alternatives to conventional food sources. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications for food security and human health, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate change and resource constraints. Her notable recognition includes: FDF 'Scientist of the Year' 2017 Professor Russell actively supervises numerous PhD students working on diverse aspects of nutrition science, from pasture-associated laminitis to underutilized plant protein sources. She has secured substantial research funding from multiple sources including the Scottish Government, BBSRC Global Challenges Research Fund, National Institutes of Health (US), MRC, Wellcome Trust, and various industry partnerships. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like the James Hutton Institute, Scotland's Rural College, and international partners in Malawi and Zimbabwe. As leader of the Gut Health Research Team at the Rowett Institute, Professor Russell collaborates with experts including Dr. Charles Bestwick, Dr. Sylvia Duncan, Emeritus Professor Harry Flint, Dr. Silvia Gratz, Dr. Petra Louis, Dr. Madalina Neacsu, Dr. Karen Scott, Dr. Alan Walker, and Emeritus Professor John Wallace. Together, they investigate the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and human health, with particular emphasis on microbial metabolites and their role in disease prevention.
Maher Abou Hachem is Professor at the Technical University of Denmark's Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, specializing in carbohydrate-active enzymes and proteins. His research focuses on glycoside hydrolases, carbohydrate binding modules, and enzymatic processing of biomass polysaccharides with applications in gut microbiota studies and biotechnology. Education includes: PhD in Biotechnology from Lund University MSc in Chemical Engineering from Lund University Research interests encompass enzymology of carbohydrate-active proteins from probiotic bacteria, microbial glycan utilization pathways, and enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides. His work integrates protein biochemistry with microbiome science to develop novel biotechnological applications. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in enzyme engineering, structural biology of glycosidases, and applications in blood group conversion technology. Articles highlight enzyme mechanism studies and biocatalytic processes for glycoconjugate modification. International collaborations include research visits to Hokkaido University through a JSPS fellowship and keynote lectures at international conferences. Research partnerships span Japan, Netherlands, Norway and the United States. Leads research on ATP-binding cassette transporter-mediated glycan uptake in probiotic bacteria. His team develops expression systems in bacterial and yeast platforms for recombinant enzyme production.
Dr. Shrestha Sinha Ray is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Ohio Dominican University. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and completed postdoctoral training at Nationwide Children's Hospital, focusing on gene therapy and neurological disease modeling. Her research bridges cell/molecular biology and neuroscience, emphasizing in vitro models for rare neurological disorders and drug development. Education: Ph.D. Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida B.Tech. Biotechnology, VIT University Postdoctoral Training: Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Interests: Dr. Ray's work focuses on developing cell culture models for diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and exploring gene therapy vectors. She also investigates Vibrio cholerae biofilm dynamics and bacterial genetics. Her interdisciplinary approach spans neurology, microbiology, and translational medicine. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles highlight her contributions to neurodegenerative disease modeling, AAV gene therapy efficacy, and microbial pathogenesis. Recent work includes promising in vitro/in vivo results for PGAP3-CDG syndrome and insights into ER stress mechanisms in ALS/FTD. Labs/Teams: Her lab at Ohio Dominican University focuses on translating in vitro models into therapeutic strategies for rare neurological conditions.
