Robert Konrat is a full-time Professor at the Department of Structural and Computational Biology within the Max Perutz Laboratories at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on advanced NMR spectroscopy techniques for studying intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), protein dynamics, and molecular interactions, with a particular emphasis on phosphotyrosine interactome analysis and isotope labeling methods. Key Research Areas: NMR spectroscopy, IDP dynamics, osteopontin structure-function relationships, selective isotope labeling, and molecular interaction mapping. Projects: Ongoing work includes "NMR spectroscopy of intrinsically disordered proteins" (2025-2028) and "NMR studies of IDP dynamics" (2022-2025), alongside completed projects on osteopontin's role in bone material. Recent publications highlight innovations in NMR methodology for studying protein-ligand interactions, Tau protein posttranslational modifications, and IDP structural heterogeneity. Collaborations span Austria and international institutions, with activities including poster presentations at scientific conferences since 2022. His work contributes to fundamental understanding in structural biology and has methodological implications for biochemical research, though specific SDG contributions remain unspecified in the provided data.
Marc Baumann serves as a Docent (equivalent to Associate Professor) at the University of Helsinki within the Medicum faculty and Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology. He acts as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and the Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind, demonstrating his active role in graduate education and research mentorship at one of Europe's leading research universities. Dr. Baumann's research spans multiple critical areas of biomedical science, with primary focus on proteomics, mass spectrometry applications, and biochemical mechanisms underlying disease processes. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular disease. He has established himself as a specialist in advanced proteomic techniques for analyzing protein modifications and interactions. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong emphasis on developing and applying cutting-edge proteomic methodologies. His recent work demonstrates expertise in thermal proteome profiling, MALDI-MS applications, and analysis of posttranslational modifications. The research consistently connects molecular mechanisms to disease pathology, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-β studies) and atherosclerosis. His collaborative approach is evident through numerous co-authorships across multiple institutions. Dr. Baumann actively participates in significant research projects, including the CIHR-funded LALOWSKI project (2023-2026) where he serves as Principal Investigator. He has also contributed to the Digital Leap project focused on e-assessment in medical education and the CADASIL disease research in Finland. His work has received media attention, particularly regarding mass spectrometry equipment and research on menopause, estrogen, and muscle function. His laboratory work appears centered around advanced mass spectrometry techniques, with specific mention of SIM/MRM mass spectrometry equipment. The research group likely focuses on proteomic analysis of biological samples, with applications in neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular pathology, and drug mechanism studies. His collaborations with researchers like Lalowski, Soliymani, and others suggest an interdisciplinary team approach to complex biomedical questions.
Dr. Mark Murphy is a Research Fellow in the Department of Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), working under Prof. Gerry McElvaney. His research focuses on mechanisms of lung disease progression in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF). He holds a PhD from the Institute of Technology Tallaght (2014) and completed postdoctoral training at Teagasc (2015–2017). Research interests include neutrophil biology, protease-antiprotease imbalance, elastin degradation, and cellular stress pathways in pulmonary diseases. Recent work has explored posttranslational modifications like citrullination in COPD, vaccine safety in AATD, and therapeutic efficacy of ETI triple therapy in CF. He has secured grants from the Health Research Board (HRB), Alpha-1 Foundation, and industry partners, focusing on linking cellular stress, senescence, and accelerated aging in AATD. His work informs novel treatment strategies targeting lung immune cell dysfunction and disease mechanisms. Teaching activities include serving as an Associate Lecturer in Industrial Bioprocessing (2014–2015). He collaborates widely with clinical and research teams globally, contributing to multinational registry analyses and translational studies.
Aaron T. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on metalloprotein structure and function. His laboratory investigates crucial biological processes including protein translation, peptide posttranslational modification, nutrient uptake, and protein regulation, with particular emphasis on bacterial iron metabolism and eukaryotic protein modification pathways. Dr. Smith received his B.A. from Boston University in 2007, followed by his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin—Madison in 2012. He completed postdoctoral training at Northwestern University in 2016 before joining UMBC's faculty. His educational background bridges chemistry and biology, providing the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to metalloprotein research. Smith's research program centers on three major projects: (1) The Mechanism and Regulation of Post-Translational Arginylation, investigating how arginyltransferase 1 (ATE1) regulates cellular homeostasis through protein modification; (2) Pathogenic Ferrous Iron Uptake and Delivery, studying bacterial iron acquisition systems as potential antibiotic targets; and (3) Bacterial Ferrous Iron Sensing and Generation, exploring how pathogens sense and generate ferrous iron for virulence. His lab employs techniques spanning molecular biology, protein expression/purification, structural biology, spectroscopy, and anaerobic biochemistry. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on metalloprotein structure-function relationships, particularly concerning iron metabolism in pathogens and post-translational modifications in eukaryotes. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with potential therapeutic applications, especially in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms and cellular stress responses. Dr. Smith has received numerous prestigious awards including an NSF CAREER Award (2019), an American Heart Association Career Development Grant (2019), and the Carl S. Weber Teaching Award (2023). He currently serves as Director of the T32 Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Training Grant at UMBC (2022-present) and is an HHMI Gilliam Mentor (2022-2025). As an advisor, Smith has mentored multiple Ph.D. students to completion including Verna Van (2022) and Misti Cartwright (2025), along with numerous master's students and undergraduates. His lab has secured significant grant funding including an R35 MIRA from NIH-NIGMS. The Smith Lab maintains active collaborations with researchers at institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Temple University, and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. The Smith Lab at UMBC is an interdisciplinary group comprising chemists, biochemists, structural biologists, and spectroscopists working collaboratively at the chemistry-biology interface. The lab maintains strong connections with the broader scientific community through participation in national conferences, hosting visiting scholars, and contributing to symposia such as the Mid-Atlantic Frontiers in Metals and Medicine Symposium.
Maria Rezcallah is a Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases, particularly COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. She investigates proteins like tristetraprolin (TTP) and tropomyosin 2.1, exploring their roles in inflammation regulation, fibroblast behavior, and extracellular matrix dynamics. Her recent work examines how TTP modulates inflammatory responses in COPD and how tropomyosin interacts with fibronectin to drive fibrosis via TGF-β signaling. She also studies phosphorylation events in TTP that impact its functional roles in disease contexts. No scientific awards or grants are listed here. Maria collaborates within interdisciplinary teams at UTS and is reachable via Maria.Rezcallah@uts.edu.au.
Katherine Albanese is an Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University's Department of Chemistry. She leads the Albanese Lab, focusing on epigenetic pathways and developing novel therapeutic targets through protein design, chemical biology, and synthetic biology approaches. Her research integrates computational protein design, histone posttranslational modification (PTM) analysis, and synthetic cell systems to study gene regulation and epigenetic mechanisms. Education: BS in Chemistry (2016, Wake Forest University); PhD in Chemistry (2021, UNC Chapel Hill); Postdoctoral Researcher (2021-2024, University of Bristol, UK). Research Interests: Histone PTM dynamics, de novo protein design, synthetic cell models, oncogenic histone mutations, and combinatorial histone codes. Her lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach combining biochemistry, computational modeling, and synthetic biology to address fundamental questions in epigenetics. Key Research Areas: (1) New histone PTM discovery, (2) Aberrant histone mutations in cancer, (3) Synthetic cell platforms for epigenetic hypothesis testing. Recent work highlights engineered reader proteins, charge-agnostic binding mechanisms, and α-helical barrel design for therapeutic applications. Lab Website: albaneselab.com
Dr. Dominic Winter is a Researcher at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn. His research focuses on lysosome biology using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and biochemical approaches. He investigates lysosomal composition, signaling pathways, and their roles in health and disease. Research interests include lysosomal protein dynamics, disease mechanisms involving lysosomal dysfunction, and development of novel proteomics methods. His work addresses cell type-specific lysosomal variations, transcriptional regulation, and pathological effects on lysosomal signaling. Key techniques: relative/absolute protein quantification, protein-protein interaction analysis, and structural characterization of lysosomal proteins. The Winter Lab (winter-lab.org) applies these methods to understand lysosomal roles in cellular processes and disease pathogenesis.
Dr. Sonja Lorenz is an Independent Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI-NAT) in Göttingen, Germany. Her academic journey includes a Diploma in Biochemistry from the University of Regensburg (2003), a PhD from the University of Oxford (2004–2008), and postdoctoral training at the University of California, Berkeley (2009–2014). She previously led an Emmy Noether Group at the University of Würzburg (2014–2020) before moving to MPI-NAT in 2021. Her research focuses on ubiquitin signaling specificity , particularly the structural and mechanistic basis of ubiquitination enzymes. Key projects investigate HECT-type ubiquitin ligases involved in neurodevelopmental and infectious diseases, leveraging cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and chemical biology approaches. Her lab develops small-molecule inhibitors targeting these enzymes for therapeutic applications. Research Interests: Catalytic mechanisms of ubiquitination machinery Role of ubiquitin ligases in disease Structural biology of protein complexes Drug discovery for ubiquitin-related pathologies Notable awards include the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Career Development Fellowship (2009–2013) and leadership in the Emmy Noether Programme (2014–2020). Her work bridges fundamental biology and translational medicine, with a focus on structural paradigms governing ubiquitin signaling. Lorenz’s lab actively collaborates across disciplines and welcomes motivated PhD/postdoc candidates. They maintain an active presence on Bluesky (@sonjalorenzlab.bsky.social) for updates on research and events.
Dr. Grant Richter is an early career postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for MND Research at Macquarie University's Macquarie Medical School. His research focuses on characterizing pathological MND-related proteins within living cells and developing drugs to treat Motor Neuron Disease. Dr. Richter obtained his PhD from the University of Sydney, where he trained as an electrophysiologist and animal surgeon investigating rodent models of stroke. His dissertation was titled "GABA Drugs for Motor Recovery After Stroke." He also completed master's studies at the Centre for Neuroregeneration at the University of Edinburgh, where he was first exposed to zebrafish models. Dr. Richter's research spans multiple areas of neuroscience with a particular focus on Motor Neuron Disease. His work combines expertise in electrophysiology, live confocal microscopy of zebrafish motor neurons, and advanced computer image analysis. He has made significant contributions to understanding RNA binding proteins, particularly TDP-43, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. His earlier work investigated GABAA receptors and Z-drugs pharmacology. Dr. Richter's publications show a clear progression from his early work on GABAA receptors and stroke recovery to his current focus on MND research, particularly on TDP-43 protein dynamics and biomolecular condensates. His most recent work emphasizes live-cell imaging techniques to characterize protein behavior in living cells. Dr. Richter is actively involved in multiple research projects at Macquarie University, including: MND 24: What's upstream of loss of nuclear TDP-43 function? - The impact of phosphorylation on RNA binding (2025-2026) MNDRA24: Probing molecular drivers of TDP-43 phase transition: the influence of lysine modifications (2024-2025) Characterising the interactome of sequestosome-1/(p62) – the peacemaker between protein homeostasis and dysfunction (2023) Dr. Richter works in the Morsch Lab at Macquarie University, where he applies cutting-edge techniques of live confocal microscopy of zebrafish motor neurons and advanced computer image analysis to study Motor Neuron Disease mechanisms.
PDDr. Sabine Lüthje is a leading researcher at the University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Department of Biology under the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences . Her work focuses on plant redox systems, oxidative stress, and proteomics, particularly in maize roots under hypoxia and nutrient stress. She supervises a research group at the Institute of Plant Sciences and Microbiology and teaches in BSc Biology BSc/BA Biology Teacher Training MSc Biology MSc Molecular Life Science programs. Lüthje’s research investigates Redox components in plant plasma membranes Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification Membrane-bound peroxidases Climate change stress responses Proteomics of nutrient deficiency . Her recent publications highlight hypoxia-responsive proteins in maize and computational analyses of peroxidase structures. Scientific activities include 2023 Session Chair at INPPO Congress Topic editor for Frontiers in Plant Science 2018 PostDoc1st Award Over 20 years of editorial and committee roles She has reviewed for DFG , DAAD , and international journals.
Dr. Chuna Ram Choudhary is a Professor and Group Leader at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen , Denmark. His academic journey includes a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Münster, Germany, 2001–2006) and postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry (2007–2009). He leads a research group focused on protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) —particularly lysine acetylation and ubiquitylation —using quantitative mass spectrometry to map their roles in cell signaling networks and DNA repair . Research interests center on systems-wide analysis of PTMs, emphasizing their dynamic regulation of protein activity, stability, and localization in health and disease. His lab has pioneered methods for site-resolved acetylation stoichiometry and ubiquitylation dynamics , revealing connections between metabolism , transcription , and genome integrity . Collaborations span national and international institutions , including groups at CPR and beyond. Research output trends show a focus on ubiquitin and acetylation signaling , DNA repair mechanisms , and enhancer-promoter compatibility . His work has significant implications for cancer biology , cardiovascular diseases , and developmental processes . Scientific awards include: 2015: ERC Consolidator Grant 2014: Junior Researcher Prize (Danish Cancer Society) 2014: Hallas Møller Investigator Grant (NNF) 2013: EMBO Young Investigator 2012: Sapere Aude Grant (Danish Research Council) 2009: Artur Pappenheim Prize (German Society of Hematology and Oncology) Lab activities involve cutting-edge proteomics and mass spectrometry , with a strong emphasis on translational research and therapeutic target identification .
Dr. Paul Watt is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Western Australia. With an h-index of 16 and 1,169 citations, his research has made significant contributions to immunology, cancer research, and molecular biology. His research interests span several key areas including: T Cell Immunology and Microbiology Peptide-based therapeutics and vaccine development Oncogene and tumor suppressor pathways (particularly MYC and FOXO3a) Small molecule drug discovery Cell-penetrating peptides for drug delivery Regulatory element analysis Dr. Watt's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on translational research with applications in cancer treatment and infectious disease diagnostics. His recent work shows a clear trajectory toward developing novel therapeutic strategies, particularly in targeting tumor suppressor pathways and improving cancer vaccine efficacy. The diversity of his research is evident in both his biomedical work and his editorial contribution to musicology with 'The Oxford Handbook of Music and Intellectual Culture in the 19th Century'. Notable scientific contributions include: Research on MYC inhibition for triple-negative breast cancer (68 citations) Development of peptide libraries for small-molecule discovery in tumor-suppressor pathways Studies on cross-presentation mechanisms to improve peptide-based cancer vaccines Innovative work on SARS-CoV-2 detection methods during the pandemic Dr. Watt has secured substantial research funding from major organizations including the NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Council WA, and the ARC Linkage Infrastructure Equipment Facilities. His collaborative approach is evident in his work across multiple institutions and research domains, contributing significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.
Prof. Dr. Inga Zerr heads the Cooperation Unit at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen and holds a professorship at the University of Göttingen. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms in prion diseases, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease through advanced genomic and proteomic approaches. Her work integrates genomics, proteomics, and interactomics to investigate posttranslational modifications and molecular pathways in neurodegeneration. Key projects examine epigenetic mechanisms in prion pathogenesis, neuroinflammatory responses in dementia, RT-QuIC-based detection of misfolded proteins (PrPSc, Aß, tau, α-synuclein), and proteome signatures for disease stratification using SWATH mass spectrometry techniques. She leads an interdisciplinary team including Dr. Saima Zafar (neuroproteomics biomarker research) and Dr. Matthias Schmitz (RT-QuIC assay development and transgenic modeling), driving translational initiatives for early diagnostics and therapeutic target identification in rapidly progressive dementias.
Peter Sander is a Full Professor at the University of Zurich , leading the Institute of Medical Microbiology 's research group focused on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium abscessus . His research spans virulence mechanisms, lipoprotein biogenesis, vaccine innovation, and antibiotic resistance. Key research areas include Posttranslational modification of mycobacterial lipoproteins Drug susceptibility and resistance mechanisms RNA metabolism as antibiotic target Recent publications highlight advancements in 3',6'-disubstituted spectinomycins for efflux resistance, Fidaxomicin derivatives with enhanced activity, and Mycobacterium abscessus resistance gene characterization. Collaborations span institutions in Switzerland, France, Italy, and the U.S. Scientific honors include the Young Investigator Award from the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (2002). Supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, European Commission, and industry partners. Students mentored include Ph.D. candidates at the University of Zurich. His lab investigates lipoprotein synthesis pathways and host immunity interactions , with implications for tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria therapies.
Anthony Ross Jr is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Bridgeport's College of Science & Society, with over 25 years of academic experience. He previously served as Associate Dean and faculty member in the Naturopathic College at UB (1999-2019), and began his career in the Chiropractic College (1996-1999). Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University (1987) Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University (1988-1991) Instructor, University of Massachusetts Medical School (1991-1996) Dr. Ross's research focuses on industrial toxins and their effects on cellular viability, particularly examining substances like glyphosate, amphotericin B, and chromate. His work spans neuroscience , cell biology , and molecular physiology , with a strong emphasis on understanding how toxins affect bacteria, protozoa, and eukaryotic cells at the molecular level. His publications over 35+ years reveal a consistent focus on acetylcholine receptor mechanisms , signal transduction pathways , and RNA localization processes , with recent work expanding into toxicological impacts on protozoan pathogens .
