Sarah Lummis is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on understanding the structure-function relationships of Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs), which are critical for neurotransmission and targets for pharmaceuticals. Her work addresses how structural features of these receptors influence their function and drug interactions. Research interests include ion channel biology, molecular pharmacology, and structural biology. Key publications investigate residues affecting receptor activity in 5-HT3 receptors, glycine receptors, and the prokaryotic channel ELIC. Her studies contribute to drug development for neurological disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Contact: sl120sec@bioc.cam.ac.uk | Group accepts interns, students, and researchers. Located at the Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Cambridge.
Dr. Zoë Bell is a Research Fellow at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Nutritional Sciences within the School of Life Course and Population Sciences. Her work focuses on maternal health, food insecurity during pregnancy, and public health interventions. Currently, she holds a 12-month Economic and Social Research Council fellowship, collaborating with Lambeth Council’s Health Determinants Research Centre (HEART) to address perinatal food insecurity through qualitative methodologies and co-design workshops. Her research interests include maternal and child nutrition, behavioral determinants of food choices, and systemic drivers of health disparities such as racism and environmental pollution. She has supervised students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels and previously led the BSc/MSc Clinical Nutrition module. Recent articles highlight her contributions to understanding gestational diabetes intervention acceptability, food insecurity’s impact on pregnancy outcomes, and elite athletes’ perceptions of pregnancy. Her work has been recognized with the 2025 Outreach and Engagement Prize, awarded for collaborative health policy initiatives. Zoë also serves on the Association for the Study of Obesity’s events committee and actively engages in policy translation, bridging academic research with practical health solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates biomedical, nutritional, and social science methodologies to inform equitable healthcare practices.
Kuo-Ching Mei is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmaceutics in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah. His laboratory pioneers lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based gene delivery platforms that span cancer immunotherapy, immune tolerance induction, and programmable nanomedicine. Education B.Sc., Taipei Medical University Ph.D., University of London Dr. Mei’s research integrates molecular pharmaceutics, immunoengineering, and translational pharmaceutical sciences to advance precision immunotherapies. Core themes include mRNA-LNP systems for both immunostimulatory (anti-cancer vaccines) and immunomodulatory (tolerogenic) applications, the influence of immunometabolic cues (IFN-γ, amino-acid deprivation) on RNA translation, and the development of next-generation lipid chemistries for organ- and cell-specific delivery. Across his recent publications, a clear trend emerges toward refining LNP composition and architecture to enhance RNA delivery specificity, minimize toxicity, and modulate innate and adaptive immunity. Studies range from fundamental formulation science to pre-clinical evaluation in syngeneic tumor models and assessments of anti-vector immune responses. Research Support & Collaborations While specific grant numbers are not listed, the breadth and continuity of projects—from programmable lipid synthesis to high-throughput in vivo screening—indicate robust funding and active interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of Utah’s bioscience ecosystem. Laboratory & Team Dr. Mei leads a dynamic lab that employs chemical synthesis, formulation development, high-throughput screening, and integrated in vitro/in vivo disease models to translate discoveries into clinically viable RNA therapeutics and immunoengineering solutions.
Eric W. Schmidt is a Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Utah, with adjunct appointments in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. His research focuses on natural products chemistry, biosynthesis, synthetic biology, and pharmaceutical applications of marine animal microbiomes. University of California, San Diego (BS, PhD) Research areas include: Biosynthesis in animals and their microbiomes Synthetic biology approaches to chemical engineering Drug design from marine natural products Metagenomic analysis of symbiotic relationships Neuroactive compound discovery Antibiotic development against resistant pathogens His lab has pioneered methods for: Biosynthetic gene cluster identification Heterologous expression in E. coli Enzymatic modification of peptides Chemical analysis of marine invertebrates Recent publications highlight discoveries in: Marine animal chemical defense mechanisms Evolution of biosynthetic pathways Antibiotic resistance profiling Ionic channel-targeting compounds Peptide macrocyclization techniques Lipid-polyketide biosynthesis continuum Email: ews1@utah.edu Honors include: Distinguished Professor recognition
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
Patrick M. Gillevet is a Professor and Director of the Microbiome Analysis Center at George Mason University, with a primary appointment in the Biology Department and affiliate faculty status in the School of Systems Biology. His career focuses on integrating genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular ecology to study microbiome interactions in human health and environmental systems, including the development of multitag sequencing for high-throughput microbial analysis. Education: Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Manitoba (1982) B.S., Microbiology, University of Toronto (1976) His research explores dysbiosis in the human microbiome (gut, mouth, urogenital, respiratory tracts) and its role in diseases, cognitive function, and social behavior. He pioneered the concept of the "metabiome" to describe host-microbiome interactions in systems biology. Key projects include analyzing multitag sequencing for evolutionary studies and microbial community characterization in ecosystems. Recent publications highlight collaborations on gut microbiome trends in cirrhosis, alcohol use disorder, and antibiotic resistance, with a focus on cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. His work spans clinical trials (e.g., griffithsin gel), dietary interventions, and environmental microbiome studies.
Dr. Alexandre Marques is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. His expertise spans Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, with a focus on vaccine development against parasitic infections like Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Malaria. He holds a PhD from the Universidade de São Paulo (2007) and teaches courses such as Gen Microbiology and Microorg Hth Di at the university. His research integrates immunological, clinical, and molecular approaches to understand parasitic disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Notable areas include α-Gal immunization strategies, transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer, and vaccine design against Leishmania. He has also explored applications in aquaculture nutrition and cosmetic safety assessments. Dr. Marques’ work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including veterinary medicine, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and antimicrobial stewardship in pediatrics. His contributions to animal models for Chagas disease and canine visceral leishmaniasis highlight translational research impact. Key themes in his publications include immune response modulation, pathogen-host interactions, and biomarker discovery in chronic infections. He has published over 50 articles across microbiology, immunology, and biomedical engineering since 2007.
Associate Professor Nikolas Fokialakis is affiliated with the Department of Pharmacy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specifically within the Section of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products. His academic journey includes a PhD in Pharmacognosy, postdoctoral research at the USDA, and advanced degrees in Pharmacognosy and Pharmacy. His research focuses on natural products from plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms, with emphasis on anti-aging compounds, cosmeceuticals, and bioactive molecule discovery. Notable awards include the Arthur Neish Award (2010) and the ASP Award (2006). He holds editorial roles in international societies and has contributed to over 150 publications. His work integrates biotechnology for sustainable production of bioactive agents and explores microbial biodiversity for drug leads. Teaching responsibilities include courses in Pharmacognosy, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceutical Analysis. Education Highlights: PhD in Pharmacognosy (University of Athens, 2004) Postdoc at USDA Natural Products Lab Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacognosy (2000) Pharmacy Degree (University of Athens, 1998) Research Interests: Isolation of bioactive small molecules from terrestrial and marine sources Anti-aging mechanisms targeting proteostasis Cosmeceutical development using microbial metabolites Phytochemical analysis of Mediterranean plants Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes marine microbiota for anti-aging agents, pyrrolizidine alkaloid profiling, and sustainable bioengineering of microbes for industrial metabolites. Over 150 indexed articles demonstrate cross-disciplinary impact in natural products research. Awards: 2011-2019: Board Member, Society for Medicinal Plant Research ANR Research Committee (2015-2018) OECD Scholarship (2005-2006) Advising & Grants: Active in mentoring graduate students in natural products and biotechnology projects. Leads EU-funded initiatives on microbial diversity exploitation. Collaborates internationally on marine invertebrate chemistry and cosmeceutical development. Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry lab at University of Athens, focusing on metabolomics and bioactive compound discovery pipelines.
Jouni Hirvonen is a Professor in the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Pharmacy. He serves as Supervisor for doctoral programmes in both the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research and the Doctoral Programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences. With an extensive publication record spanning over three decades, Hirvonen has contributed 384 research outputs and participated in 3 major research projects. His research interests focus on pharmaceutical technology, particularly in drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, and drug dissolution and absorption. His work bridges pharmaceutical chemistry with cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, developing innovative delivery systems for therapeutic agents. His research spans from fundamental pharmaceutical sciences to translational applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and cardiovascular pharmacology. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced drug delivery platforms, particularly utilizing nanoparticles, lipid-based systems, and biomaterials for targeted delivery. His work increasingly integrates microfluidic technology for precise nanoparticle preparation, with applications spanning cancer immunotherapy, cardiovascular repair, tendon regeneration, and inflammatory disease treatment. The trend shows a growing emphasis on combination therapies, RNA delivery, and cell-mediated drug delivery approaches. Hirvonen has received several prestigious awards throughout his career: CRS/Eurand Grand Prize Award on Innovations in Oral Drug Delivery Technologies (2007) Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun Ritarikunnan I luokan ritarimerkki (2013) The Young Scientist in the University of Kuopio (1993) University of Helsinki Quality Teaching Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy (2005) Visiting Professor award (2015) With 25 instances of supervising doctoral theses and numerous academic activities including conference organization, committee memberships, and editorial work, Hirvonen has made significant contributions to academic mentorship and institutional development. His research has been supported by projects including Generation Green, 3i REGENERATION, and IVIVRe. His work appears to involve collaboration with multiple research teams focusing on drug delivery applications across various therapeutic areas.
Christos Tapeinos is a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Manchester, specializing in pharmaceutical nanotechnology for treating brain diseases (e.g., glioblastoma, neuroinflammation) and pancreatic cancer. His research focuses on developing smart nanomedicines, advanced in vitro models (e.g., fluidic systems mimicking brain environments), and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials to overcome biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier. He leads the development of skin-mimicking models for subcutaneous drug delivery as a Co-Investigator in the HALo program. Education: Docent in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (2022) PhD in Materials Science (2013) MSc in Materials Science (2010) BSc in Materials Science (2006) Research Interests: Drug delivery systems, nanoparticle engineering, in vitro disease models, biomimetic materials, and translational nanomedicine. He integrates nanotechnology with precision medicine to address complex diseases. Recent Articles Trends: Focus on nanoparticle-cell interactions, phototherapy systems, graphene-cerium oxide hydrogels, and targeted theranostics. Highlights include ROS-scavenging systems and multi-stage nanovectors for CNS pathologies. Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship. Grants/Projects: Supported by EPSRC, The Royal Society, and Translation Manchester. Active in the Hub for Long-Acting Technologies (2024–2030). Labs/Teams: Leads research groups developing fluidic BBB models, skin-mimicking drug diffusion systems, and nanomaterial-based therapies.
Shutao Ma is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Shandong University's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, serving as Director of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry since 2009. He has received the Special Government Allowance from China's State Council since 2002 and the seventh youth award of Shandong province for his contributions to medicinal chemistry. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University (2004-2007) M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong Medical University (1988-1991) B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong Medical University (1981-1986) Professor Ma's research pioneers innovative strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria through three interconnected pillars: 1) Designing FtsZ/AcrB-targeted small molecules to disrupt bacterial cell division and efflux mechanisms; 2) Structural optimization of macrolides, glycopeptides, and lipopeptides to overcome resistance; 3) Total synthesis and mechanistic studies of marine-derived antibacterial natural products. His work bridges synthetic chemistry with microbiological validation to develop next-generation antimicrobials. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2014-2016) reveals a dominant focus on antibacterial drug discovery (87% of works), particularly FtsZ inhibitors (33%) and macrolide derivatives (27%). Emerging themes include quorum sensing modulation (7%) and antiviral/anticancer applications (13%), demonstrating strategic expansion while maintaining core expertise in resistance mechanisms. His scientific recognition includes: First prize of Shandong science and technology progress award (2000) Special government allowance from the State Council (2002) The seventh youth awards of Shandong province (2002) As a Doctoral Supervisor, Professor Ma mentors the next generation of medicinal chemists while directing a robust research program funded by 12 major grants. His National Natural Science Foundation portfolio (2004-2020) spans antibacterial discovery, while Shandong Provincial grants (2006-2017) and China-Australia collaborations (2014-2017) support translational development of resistance-breaking agents. Leading the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, he oversees a multidisciplinary team integrating synthetic chemistry, microbiology, and computational modeling to advance antibacterial drug candidates from concept to preclinical validation, with particular emphasis on FtsZ-targeted therapeutics and macrolide engineering.
Anne Berit C. Samuelsen serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, where she also holds the position of Head of Education. Her academic foundation includes a Cand.pharm. degree and Dr.scient. doctorate, establishing her expertise in pharmaceutical sciences. Her research centers on polysaccharides from natural sources—particularly higher plants, cereals, and fungi (Basidiomycota)—with specialized focus on β-glucans. Key interests include carbohydrate chemistry, pharmacognosy, and the development of biopolymer-based pharmaceutical applications. Her work bridges fundamental structural characterization with practical drug delivery solutions, notably through liposome coating technologies and immunomodulatory compound development. Recent publications reveal a strong trajectory in fungal polysaccharide research, particularly with Pleurotus eryngii and Albatrellus ovinus species. Her team employs advanced techniques like diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy to analyze polysaccharide structures while investigating biological activities related to immune receptor binding (Dectin-1, Toll-like receptors) and therapeutic applications. This work demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals including Carbohydrate Polymers and ACS Applied Bio Materials . She actively contributes to academic instruction through courses such as FARM1150 (Pharmaceutically Oriented Biochemistry), FARM3100 (Pharmacognosy), and FARM5200 (Use of Biopolymers in Pharmaceuticals). Her leadership extends to the Bioactive Natural Substances and Health Effects (BioNatH) research group and the Glyconor Consortium, where she investigates natural product applications for health improvement.
Horst A. von Recum, PhD, is the Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He is also a member of the Cancer Imaging Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on developing novel platforms for molecular and cellular delivery, including affinity-based systems for controlled drug release and directed stem cell differentiation. Key applications include HIV therapies, wound healing, ocular disease treatments, and tissue engineering. His work emphasizes improving drug delivery precision through molecular interactions and enhancing stem cell viability for therapeutic use. Dr. von Recum’s research interests span drug delivery systems, biomaterials science, and regenerative medicine. His lab explores cyclodextrin polymers for sustained antibiotic release, affinity-driven drug refilling mechanisms, and engineering biocompatible materials to combat implant-related infections. Recently, his team has investigated microbiome interactions with neural implants and developed polymer-based solutions for localized chemotherapy. Notable contributions include advancements in PMMA bone cement composites for drug refillable depots, cyclodextrin hydrogels for controlled release, and affinity-based systems for anti-fibrotic treatments. His work bridges materials science with clinical applications, addressing challenges in orthopedic infections, neural interfaces, and cardiovascular regeneration. Scientific achievements include over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Research funding has supported projects on antimicrobial coatings, drug delivery mechanics, and stem cell differentiation. Dr. von Recum collaborates across disciplines to translate biomaterial innovations into clinical solutions.
Elaine O'Reilly is an Associate Professor and Vice-Principal for Research & Innovation at the School of Chemistry, University College Dublin . She holds a PhD in organic chemistry from UCD (2010) and has held academic positions at the University of Manchester (Postdoctoral 2010-2014), Manchester Metropolitan University (Lecturer 2014-2015), and University of Nottingham (Assistant Professor 2015-2019, promoted to Associate Professor 2018). Expertise in biocatalyst development and application Specialization in transaminase and cytochrome P450 engineering Focus on sustainable pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis Research Interests center on creating biocatalytic cascades for synthesizing complex molecules like chiral amines and iminosugars. She pioneered transaminase-triggered aza-Michael reactions for alkaloid synthesis and developed smart amine donors to overcome equilibrium limitations in biotransformations. Scientific Awards include the RSC Harrison-Meldola Prize (2017) Grants from EPSRC, BBSRC, and SFI support her work on continuous transaminase processes, heterogeneous biocatalysts, and sustainable chemistry collaborations with the University of Nottingham. Teaching Activities include coordinating the Aspects of MedChem and ChemBio module since 2019 and supervising PhD/BSc theses on biocatalysis and chemical biology.
Tatiana Segura is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, where she also serves as Co-director of the Center for Biotechnology and Tissue Engineering and MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. Her research focuses on designing biomaterials to promote endogenous repair through geometry design and delivery of genes, proteins, and drugs. She has made significant contributions to the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels and other biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration. B.S. in Bioengineering from University of California, Berkeley (1999) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University (2004) Professor Segura's research centers on biomaterials engineering for tissue repair and regeneration. Her lab designs innovative biomaterial interventions that promote brain plasticity after stroke, enable scarless healing in skin wounds, induce tolerance of transplanted skin, and promote constructive immune responses after biomaterial implantation. She pioneered the development of microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels that have become widely adopted in regenerative medicine research. Her work uniquely bridges immunology, materials science, and clinical applications to create therapeutic biomaterials that harness the body's own healing capabilities. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on spatial control of biomaterial properties, with emphasis on void space analysis, immune cell recruitment, and vascularization. The research shows a progression from fundamental biomaterial characterization to increasingly sophisticated therapeutic applications, particularly in stroke recovery and wound healing. Her work integrates proteomics, lipidomics, and advanced imaging to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying biomaterial-mediated tissue regeneration. Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2023) Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal (2021) Clemson Award for Contributions to Literature (2024) 15 d/e Plenary Award from AICHE Food, Pharmaceutical, and Bioengineering Division (2018) Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineers (2016) Professor Segura actively mentors the next generation of scientists, currently supervising 12 graduate students, 4 postdoctoral scholars, 2 master's students, 16 undergraduates, and other trainees. Her laboratory has been continuously funded since 2008 with multiple NIH grants, including her current role as MPI of the T32 Biotechnology Training grant. She has received substantial support from the NSF (including a CAREER award), American Heart Association, and American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Her Segura Lab operates as a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers, biologists, and clinicians working together to translate biomaterial discoveries into clinical applications. The lab's 'MAP' technology platform has enabled numerous collaborations across Duke and other institutions, focusing on brain repair after stroke, scarless skin healing, and immune-modulating biomaterials. The lab maintains strong industry partnerships to accelerate the translation of their biomaterial technologies into clinical use.
