Professor Tracey Newman is a leading interdisciplinary researcher at the University of Southampton , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine . Her work bridges neuroscience , audiology , and nanomedicine , with a focus on age-related conditions and global health equity. Director of the Faculty of Medicine Graduate School (2022–) Key research collaborations: Prof Nick Evans (Medicine), Prof Hywel Morgan (Electronics), Prof Ying Cheong (University of Malaya) Over 60 publications in multidisciplinary journals Her research interests span: Cellular mechanisms of hearing loss and dementia Application of data science to cochlear implant management Nanomedicine for drug delivery across biological barriers Patient and public involvement (PPIE) in research Addressing health disparities in marginalized communities Scientific engagement includes: NC3R membership and chairmanship Review roles for Advance HE and Journal of Clinical Medicine Speaker at international conferences (2017–2022) As Director of the Faculty Graduate School , she enhances postgraduate research training and education, while supervising PhD students in Medical Science , Chemistry , and Engineering .
Benjamin W Held is a Researcher in Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center. With 66 research outputs spanning from 1998 to 2025, he has established a significant research presence in fungal ecology and plant pathology. His research expertise encompasses: Fungal taxonomy and systematics Wood-decaying fungi and degradation mechanisms Invasive fungal species and biosecurity Forest pathology and disease ecology Dr. Held's recent work analyzes exotic fungi introduced through decorative wood in aquariums, entomopathogenic fungi effects on forest pests like Emerald Ash Borer, and emergent fungal diseases in North American forests. His research spans diverse geographical locations including Antarctica, the Ecuadorian Amazon, and the southeastern United States, demonstrating a global perspective on fungal ecosystems. His scholarly contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. Media coverage from November 2020 highlighted his expertise in developing Dutch elm disease-resistant trees, indicating public impact of his research. Dr. Held maintains active research collaborations, particularly with R.A. Blanchette and other colleagues across multiple institutions, reflecting strong integration within the plant pathology research community.
Dr. Timothy Durrett is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics at Kansas State University. His research focuses on the biochemistry of triacylglycerol biosynthesis, structure and function of membrane-bound acyltransferases, and genetic modification of seed oils for industrial and biofuel applications. Education A.B. 1999, Harvard University Ph.D. 2006, University of Missouri–Columbia Dr. Durrett's laboratory investigates the synthesis of triacylglycerols in seeds, particularly characterizing the enzyme EaDAcT (Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase) to understand its substrate specificity and potential for industrial applications. His work bridges plant biochemistry with lipid metabolism and cancer-related signaling pathways through studies of membrane-bound O-acyltransferases (MBOATs). Recent publications highlight his contributions to metabolic engineering of seed oils, acyltransferase activity characterization, and plant-based production of industrial materials. Dr. Durrett employs biochemical, genomic, and transgenic approaches to explore lipid biosynthesis and its applications in biofuels and biotechnology. Contact Office: 174 Chalmers Hall Phone: 785-532-3139 Email: tdurrett@ksu.edu
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Weigend is a Professor of Plant Biodiversity and Director of the Botanical Gardens at the University of Bonn, where he leads the Plant Biodiversity Working Group within the Bonn Institute for Organismic Biology. His academic career spans over two decades, with significant contributions to plant systematics, taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and functional morphology. He maintains close collaboration with the Botanical Gardens of the University of Bonn and has established international research partnerships, particularly in South America. Weigend completed his biology studies at the University of Regensburg (1989-1991) followed by botanical studies at the University of Natal/Pietermaritzburg in South Africa (1992-1993). He earned his doctorate at Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (1993-1997), conducted postdoctoral research at the New York Botanical Gardens (1999-2000) and Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (1998-1999), and completed his habilitation in botany at the Free University of Berlin in 2004. Prof. Weigend's research focuses on plant diversity and evolution, with particular emphasis on the Boraginales, Asparagales, Loasaceae, and Urticaceae plant groups. His work integrates systematics, taxonomy, morphology, biogeography, and ecology to understand plant evolution and biodiversity patterns. He investigates both fundamental aspects of plant evolution and applied aspects related to regional nature conservation and the impacts of anthropogenic environmental and climate change on crops. His fieldwork spans diverse ecosystems, particularly in the Andes of South America, where he has made significant contributions to understanding regional flora and discovering new species. Analysis of Prof. Weigend's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant systematics and taxonomy, particularly of South American flora. His work frequently addresses the classification and evolutionary relationships of plant groups like Boraginales, Loasaceae, and Asparagaceae. Recent research has increasingly incorporated molecular techniques alongside traditional morphological approaches, reflecting the evolving nature of botanical science. His publications demonstrate consistent interest in plant biodiversity patterns, species discovery, and the impacts of environmental change on plant distributions. Goldmedal of the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Peru (2004) - for contributions to the investigation of the Peruvian Flora and the Organization of the Symposium on relic forests in northern Peru Goldmedal of the Colegio de Biólogos del Peru (2004) - for contributions to the investigation of the Peruvian Flora Honorary citizenship of the city of Cajamarca, Peru (1998) - for contributions to the investigation of the Peruvian Flora Anton-de-Bary Prize of the Regensburg Botanical Society (1998) As Director of the Botanical Gardens of the University of Bonn since 2011 and President of the Association of Botanical Gardens from 2014-2022, Prof. Weigend has overseen significant research infrastructure and educational programs. His leadership extends to the BION-Network (Biodiversity in Bonn) which he coordinated from 2014-2019. He has secured funding for numerous research projects examining plant diversity patterns, particularly in the Andes, and has supervised numerous students who have contributed to taxonomic revisions and biodiversity assessments. His work with the Advisory and Coordination Committee for Genetic Resources of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops since 2016 demonstrates his commitment to applied plant science. Prof. Weigend leads a comprehensive research team within the Plant Biodiversity Department that includes senior researchers, postdocs, and PhD students working on various aspects of plant systematics, taxonomy, and evolution. The team maintains close collaboration with the Botanical Gardens of the University of Bonn, which serves as both a research facility and educational resource. Current research projects focus on resolving phylogenetic relationships within key plant groups, documenting biodiversity in threatened ecosystems, and understanding the impacts of climate change on plant distributions. The group's work integrates field studies, molecular techniques, morphological analyses, and biogeographical modeling to address fundamental questions in plant evolution and biodiversity.
Mark J F Brown is Professor in Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation at the Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on three interconnected strands using bees as model systems: evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions, conservation biology of insects, and general biology of social insects. With over 174 research outputs and leadership of 16 projects (4 active), he maintains a prominent research program addressing critical pollinator health issues. Professor Brown's research interests span evolutionary ecology, particularly host-parasite dynamics in bee systems, where he investigates virulence expression, multi-host parasite systems, and transcriptomic responses. His conservation work examines global pollinator declines, focusing on bees as essential pollinators, and explores DNA barcoding for solitary bee identification. His social insect research covers foraging behavior, mating biology, and colony founding. His work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong trends in pollinator-parasite interactions at landscape scales, with increasing focus on molecular mechanisms, chemical ecology, and conservation applications. His work bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with urgent conservation needs, particularly regarding pesticide impacts, disease spillover between managed and wild pollinators, and climate change effects on host-parasite systems. His scientific recognition includes two major awards in 2023: the Outstanding Doctoral Supervision Award from Royal Holloway University of London and the Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards. His work has received significant attention with coverage across 92+ news outlets, 20+ Facebook pages, and incorporation into policy documents. Professor Brown leads several major research initiatives including Callunene (funded by NERC), WILDPOSH (European Commission), and the Global Assessment of Pollinator Dependence of Medicinal Plants. His research group supervises numerous students and has produced extensive scholarly output across journals like Nature, Nature Ecology & Evolution, and Proceedings of the Royal Society B. His lab webpage (www.markjfbrown.com) provides further details on ongoing projects and team members. The Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour at Royal Holloway provides the institutional home for his research, which integrates field and laboratory approaches to address fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology with direct conservation applications. His collaborative network spans multiple countries and disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern pollinator research.
Prof. Petr Pyšek is a leading plant ecologist and Professor at the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , where he heads the Department of Invasion Ecology . He also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Ecology at Charles University’s Faculty of Science . His career spans over three decades, with visiting fellowships at Oxford University and leadership roles in international research projects. Education: MSc , Department of Botany, Charles University, Prague (1982) PhD , Institute of Applied Ecology, Kostelec nad Černými lesy (1992) Research Interests: Prof. Pyšek’s research focuses on invasion ecology , particularly the mechanisms behind plant naturalization and invasiveness . He investigates biogeographic patterns , plant traits , ecosystem impacts , and management strategies related to alien plant species. His work integrates macroecology , community ecology , and genomic approaches to understand how alien plants establish, spread, and affect native ecosystems. Recent Publications: His most recent work includes studies on global fungal pathogen flows , plant naturalization drivers , and insect conservation challenges posed by biological invasions. His research increasingly addresses policy-relevant issues , such as risk assessment tools and global conservation frameworks. Grants & Projects: ALARM (EU 6FP, 2004–2008) DAISIE (EU 6FP, 2005–2007) Giant Hogweed (EU 5FP, 2002–2005) National grants on Central European flora , invasive Reynoutria , and succession in human-made habitats Editorial & Leadership Roles: Editor-in-Chief , Preslia Editorial board member of Biological Invasions , Diversity and Distributions , Folia Geobotanica , and Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Teaching & Mentorship: He has taught courses on plant invasions and vegetation of human-made habitats at multiple Czech universities including Charles University and Masaryk University.
Michelle Colgrave is Deputy Director (Impact) at CSIRO Agriculture and Food, based in Brisbane, Australia. Her expertise lies in proteomics and mass spectrometry applied to agriculture and food science, focusing on proteins related to food intolerance, allergy, and bioactive health benefits. She leads initiatives such as the Future Protein Mission and contributes to global research in peptide evolution and structure. A Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, her work bridges molecular biology with practical applications. Education: PhD in Science (2002), University of Wollongong Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons I) (1999), University of Wollongong Research Interests: Proteomics in food systems, allergen detection, gluten-free cereal development, and bioactive peptide discovery. Her research emphasizes translational science, ensuring high-impact publications in journals like Nature and PNAS . Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing gluten quantification, insect protein safety, and crop improvement through omics approaches. Her methodologies, such as LC-MS/MS-based allergen tracking, set industry standards. Awards & Recognition: 2022: Fellow of ATSE 2020: ICM Agrifood Award 2016: CSIRO Chairman's Medal 2012: John Philip Award Leadership & Community: Serves on boards like the Asia Oceania Agricultural Proteomics Organization and organizes international mass spectrometry conferences. Editorial roles include Peptidomics and Journal of Integrated Omics .
Dr. Joe Roberts is a Reader in Integrated Pest Management at Harper Adams University, UK. His research focuses on chemical ecology, plant-insect interactions, and sustainable agricultural practices. He holds a PhD from Harper Adams University and is a Fellow of both the Royal Entomological Society (FRES) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His work aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides through innovative pest management tools. Education: BSc (Hons), PgC, MSc, PhD in entomology and related fields. Professional affiliations include membership in the Royal Entomological Society, Association of Applied Biologists, and Advance HE. He chairs the Royal Entomological Society's Education and Training Committee and serves on the Integrated Pest Management specialist interest group. Research interests include developing AI-driven crop pest monitoring, studying insect behavior, and promoting agroecology. Key achievements include advancing metrics to quantify insecticide compatibility with sustainable agriculture. His research publications explore topics like pest life cycles, aphid resistance, and vine weevil control strategies. Scientific Awards: FRES, FHEA Labs/Teams: Entomology Group, Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems Grants: Funded projects on chemical ecology and pest management Contact: Office located in the Jean Jackson Entomology Building. Active on Twitter (@Dr_Joe_Roberts) and professional networks like ORCID.
Christopher H Dietrich is a Researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , affiliated with the Department of Entomology and the Illinois Natural History Survey . His work focuses on the systematics, evolution, and conservation of leafhoppers and related Hemiptera insects. PhD in Entomology, North Carolina State University (1990) BS in Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh (1984) Research Interests : Dietrich investigates insect biodiversity, phylogenomics of Membracoidea, development of identification tools for leafhoppers, and the conservation of grassland insect biotas. His studies also explore leafhopper-associated plant pathogens and their ecological impacts. Publication Trends : Recent articles emphasize Hemiptera systematics, symbiosis in treehoppers, phytoplasma disease dynamics, and hybridisation in leafhopper evolution. Methodologies include phylogenomic analysis, metagenomics, and anchored hybrid enrichment techniques. Affiliations : Section Leader, Illinois Natural History Survey Entomology Affiliate Affiliate, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Dr. Gavin Flematti is an Associate Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA), with a joint appointment in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on the isolation and identification of bioactive natural products, particularly their roles in antibacterial, anticancer, and chemical communication mechanisms. He holds a PhD from UWA and has been awarded a prestigious Australian Future Fellowship. His teaching includes courses in analytical methods, organic chemistry, and molecular sciences research. Key research areas include natural product chemistry, chemical ecology, and plant-microbe interactions. He employs advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy. His lab has contributed to drug discovery from WA flora and marine organisms, including anti-COVID-19 compounds. Major grants include ARC Linkage Projects on kangaroo paws and orchid pollination, and equipment grants for mass spectrometers. Scientific achievements include discovering semiochemicals in orchids and antimicrobial compounds from actinobacteria. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable agriculture, health, and biodiversity. Current projects span marine pharmacology, plant defense mechanisms, and sustainable materials like self-healing dental composites.
Christina DiFonzo is a Professor and Field Crops Entomologist at Michigan State University (MSU), primarily affiliated with the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center. She holds adjunct faculty positions at the University of Guelph and The Ohio State University. Her academic focus combines teaching (20%), research (15%), and extension activities (65%) in field crop entomology. DiFonzo earned her BS in Biology from Mercyhurst College (1987), followed by MS (1993) and PhD (1995) in Entomology from the University of Minnesota, with a focus on aphid-vectored viruses in potatoes. Postdoctoral work at Israel’s Volcani Center expanded her expertise in plant-virus-aphid interactions. Her research addresses pest management in corn, soybean, dry beans, small grains, forage crops, sugar beets, and hemp. Key areas include soybean aphid biology, Bt resistance in corn, and neonicotinoid seed treatments. She maintains the influential Handy Bt Trait Table for U.S. corn production. Recent projects target Asiatic garden beetles, western bean cutworms, and stink bugs. DiFonzo teaches ENT 404: Fundamentals of Entomology and ENT 477: Pesticides in Management Systems , while advising ~15-20 graduate students annually across agronomy, weed science, and related fields. Her extension efforts emphasize practical pest management strategies, including scouting protocols and resistance mitigation. Notable contributions include documenting soybean aphid emergence in North America (2002) and identifying aphid threats to industrial hemp. DiFonzo’s work bridges applied research, education, and agricultural extension, earning her the nickname “Aphid Queen.”
Sebastiaan Luyssaert is an Associate Professor in the Systems Ecology department at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research focuses on land surface processes, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and carbon cycle modeling. He specializes in integrating ecological data into land surface models like ORCHIDEE, with emphasis on forest dynamics, soil hydrology, and disturbance effects. Key research interests include: Climate-vegetation interactions Forest management and carbon sequestration Soil hydraulic properties and vadose zone hydrology Disturbance ecology (fire, insects, windthrow) Model development for global environmental change Recent work highlights innovative modeling approaches for: Radiative transfer in canopy systems Boreal shrub dynamics under warming Forest pest outbreak impacts Fire size climatic feedbacks He teaches graduate courses in 'Ecosystem Modelling' and contributes to interdisciplinary projects addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable ecosystems. Supervision includes one PhD thesis on forest carbon dynamics.
Paul Battlay is a Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University. His research focuses on genomic studies of invasive species, plant adaptation mechanisms, and structural variation in evolutionary processes. He has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing genomic tools for studying biological invasions and the role of haploblocks in rapid adaptation. His studies often involve collaborations on global invasion dynamics and the genetic basis of parallel adaptation in plants like Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Trifolium repens. Research interests include genome assembly methodologies, stress response genomics in plants, and structural variation's role in rapid evolutionary changes. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection. Notable contributions include the 2023 Nature Communications paper on haploblocks in invasive ragweed and the 2024 review on genomic tools in invasion biology. His research integrates advanced genomic techniques with ecological insights to address pressing questions in invasion biology and evolutionary genomics.
Dr. Bianca Wassmann is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, Switzerland. Her research focuses on consumer behavior related to novel food technologies, sustainable nutrition, and environmental decision-making. She explores topics such as acceptance of cultured meat, plant-based alternatives, and insect-based proteins, alongside the role of eco-labels and heuristics in environmentally friendly food choices. Her work integrates insights from consumer psychology, food technology, and environmental science to address challenges in sustainable food systems. Recent studies examine Singaporean consumer perceptions of microalgae-based foods and black soldier fly larvae bioconversion, as well as Swiss awareness of sustainable palm oil certification. No academic awards are listed in the provided materials. Research collaborations likely involve interdisciplinary teams given the focus on food systems and sustainability. No specific lab affiliations or grant details are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Dr Cal Bryant is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Division of Ecology and Evolution at the Australian National University (ANU). He holds a PhD and specializes in plant physiology, ecology, and climate change biology. His work focuses on plant stress tolerance, hydraulic safety, and adaptation mechanisms in mangroves, tropical rainforests, and other ecosystems. Bryant has led the project 'Death follows - Processes of drought-induced tree mortality' (2020–2021), exploring tree mortality drivers. His research integrates genotypic and environmental factors to understand plant responses to extreme conditions. Key research interests include thermal tolerance acclimation, salinity gradients' effects on mangroves, elevation-dependent dieback patterns, and leaf respiration in wheat. His collaborative studies involve international teams across Mexico, Australia, and beyond. Bryant has published extensively on topics like hydraulic function modulation in tropical rainforests and novel methods for assessing kelp thermal tolerance using chlorophyll fluorometry. He has secured grants for projects investigating drought impacts and contributed to 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2019. Bryant's work bridges plant physiology with ecological resilience, addressing critical challenges in climate change adaptation.
