Dr. David Sumpton serves as an Honorary Senior Lecturer within the School of Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow. His research bridges cancer biology, metabolism, and therapeutic development, with particular focus on mitochondrial function in malignancies. His research interests center on cancer metabolism , especially mitochondrial pathways driving tumor progression and metastasis. Key areas include nucleotide metabolism (uridine phosphorylase), folate cycle regulation in leukemia, lipid signaling in metastatic niches, and immunometabolism interactions. His work demonstrates how metabolic rewiring enables immune evasion, metastatic colonization, and therapeutic resistance across prostate cancer, leukemia, and solid tumors. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals strong emphasis on metabolic vulnerabilities for therapeutic targeting, including drug repurposing (lomerizine for CML), mitochondrial DNA mutations enhancing immunotherapy response, and nutrient transporter dependencies (SLC7A5). His team frequently employs multi-omics approaches to stratify cancer subtypes and identify biomarker-driven treatments. While no formal advising or grant information is publicly documented, his collaborative publications across Nature journals, Science Translational Medicine, and Cell Biology indicate extensive institutional partnerships. His lab appears focused on translating metabolic discoveries into preclinical therapeutic strategies, particularly for treatment-resistant cancers. Dr. Sumpton maintains active research in tumor microenvironment dynamics, with recent work on extracellular vesicle-mediated metastatic niche formation and senescence-induced multi-organ dysfunction. His team utilizes physiological cell culture models to improve metabolic fidelity in cancer research.
Professor Daniel Murphy is a Professor of Lung Cancer & Mesothelioma at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Cancer Sciences, based at the CRUK Beatson Institute. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer and mesothelioma, with particular emphasis on genetically engineered mouse models and kinase signaling pathways. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications to develop new therapeutic approaches. Professor Murphy's research interests span multiple areas of cancer biology, with a strong focus on lung cancer and mesothelioma pathogenesis. His laboratory investigates how oncogenes like MYC drive tumor development and progression, with particular attention to metabolic reprogramming, kinase signaling networks, and the role of environmental factors like asbestos in mesothelioma. He has made significant contributions to understanding NUAK1 kinase signaling in cancer, centrosome regulation in pancreatic cancer, and mitochondrial dysfunction in tumor progression. His work often employs sophisticated genetically engineered mouse models to study cancer biology in physiologically relevant contexts. Analysis of Professor Murphy's recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on molecular mechanisms of cancer development, with particular emphasis on kinase signaling pathways (especially NUAK1), metabolic reprogramming in tumors, and the molecular basis of mesothelioma. His research increasingly incorporates advanced computational approaches, as evidenced by publications on histomorphological atlases using self-supervised learning. The work spans basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with several studies identifying potential therapeutic targets in liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and myeloproliferative disorders. Pharmacological inhibition of MYC in lung cancer (Beatson Cancer Charity, 2025-2026) Dactinomycin has an immunopotentiation effect by inducing MHC-I expression of cancer cells (University of Oxford, 2024-2025) REMIT: REconstruction of disease evolution in Mesothelioma for Improved Therapy (Cancer Research UK, 2023-2028) Using complex state of the art mouse models of cancer to improve the understanding and treatment of human cancer (Medical Research Council, 2022-2027) PREDICT-Meso: PRE-malignant Drivers Combined with Target-Drug validation in Mesothelioma (Cancer Research UK, 2020-2025) Professor Murphy leads a research group focused on oncogene-induced vulnerabilities, particularly studying how MYC and related pathways drive cancer development. His laboratory utilizes advanced genetically engineered mouse models to investigate lung cancer and mesothelioma pathogenesis, with recent work increasingly incorporating computational approaches to analyze complex histopathological data. The research has significant translational potential, with several recent studies identifying novel therapeutic targets across multiple cancer types.
Dr. Becky Foster is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton's School of Health Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Psychosocial Research in Cancer (CentRIC+). Her work focuses on cancer survivorship and interventions supporting individuals living with and beyond cancer. She collaborates extensively with patients, clinicians, and international stakeholders to develop evidence-based decision support tools like the Lynch Choices website for Lynch syndrome patients. Her research explores topics such as genetic cancer risk communication, implementation science, and the psychosocial impacts of cancer diagnosis. Key projects include evaluating the Breast Cancer Choices decision aid and contributing to the HORIZONS study examining post-treatment quality of life. She has published in journals like Psycho-Oncology and PLoS ONE , emphasizing patient-centered approaches and clinical translation. Dr. Foster actively engages with patient reference panels and multidisciplinary stakeholder groups to ensure interventions are accessible and impactful. Her work addresses systemic challenges in genetic care pathways and aims to bridge gaps between research evidence and real-world healthcare practice.
Antti Sakari Rannikko is a Professor at the University of Helsinki's Department of Surgery, specializing in urology. He holds the title of Clinicum Professor and serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programmes in Integrative Life Science and Clinical Research at HUS Abdominal Center. His academic roles include overseeing doctoral theses in urological research and clinical oncology. He earned a PhD in Physiology from the University of Turku (1997) and a Medical Doctorate (1995), with specialist credentials in Urology and Surgery from the University of Helsinki. He became an Associate Professor in Experimental Urology (2006) and Urology (2012). Rannikko's research focuses on prostate cancer diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) advancements, active surveillance protocols, and biomarker development. His work integrates artificial intelligence and robotics in medical applications, alongside biobank utilization and common data models like OMOP. He also explores the impact of treatments like Enzalutamide on patient outcomes. Recent publications (2025) address prostate cancer mortality prediction, immunotherapy combinations in renal cell carcinoma, and global active surveillance trends. His projects include collaborations with AstraZeneca and Movember Foundation grants. Rannikko has supervised multiple doctoral theses on urological topics, including MRI diagnostics and infection reduction strategies. His grants total over €400,000 from corporate and foundation funding. He contributes to multidisciplinary teams like the DEDUCER initiative for urological cancer diagnostics and treatment development.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Dr. Stephen Frye is the Fred Eshelman Distinguished Professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he co-founded and previously directed the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (CICBDD). He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UNC Chapel Hill (1987) and a B.S. from North Carolina State University (1983). Before academia, he served as Vice President of Discovery Medicinal Chemistry at GlaxoSmithKline, overseeing global drug discovery programs that produced FDA-approved oncology drugs like Avodart, Tykerb, and Pazopanib. His research focuses on chromatin regulation mediated by methyl-lysine modifications, developing chemical probes for epigenetic reader domains, and targeting TAM receptors (e.g., MERTK) in cancer immunotherapy. Key projects include inhibitors for cancer resistance pathways and synergistic combinations with existing therapies. Recent work explores FERM domain inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease and combinatorial strategies to overcome EGFR-mutant lung cancer resistance. Dr. Frye’s lab has advanced 130+ publications in chemical and medicinal chemistry, and his CICBDD collaborative projects have advanced clinical candidates into human trials. His scientific achievements include the 2021 AAAS Fellowship for oncology drug discovery contributions.
Shakil Ahmed Polash is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at RMIT University's School of Science, specializing in nanotechnology, biomedicine, and materials science. His research focuses on developing advanced materials for biomedical applications, including non-viral gene delivery and antimicrobial treatments. He holds a PhD in Applied Biology and Biotechnology from RMIT, where he has fostered global collaborations in Australia, Europe, and Asia. Polash's work bridges nanotechnology and healthcare, with recent projects involving smart nanomaterials for Group B Streptococcus sensing and point-of-care diagnostics. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and received awards such as the 2023 RMIT Best Scientific Image and 2021 Beautiful Science Competition recognition. His teaching contributions span biosciences, nanotechnology, and applied chemistry, with a focus on connecting theory to real-world applications. He actively supervises Honours and Master’s students, emphasizing hands-on learning and translational research. Polash also holds non-academic roles at RMIT’s Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility and the Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry. Key research areas include nanomedicine, hybrid materials, and targeted drug delivery systems. His grants include the EMBL Australia Symposium Travel Grant (2022) and the Australian Synchrotron Beamline Grant (2021). Polash’s lab collaborations and industry partnerships aim to translate innovations into clinical solutions for infectious diseases.
Shawn Wettig is a Professor at the University of Waterloo, cross-appointed in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering, and a member of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. His research focuses on biophysical chemistry and nanotechnology, particularly the design of surfactants for drug delivery, gene therapy, and lipid membrane characterization. He holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry (2000, University of Saskatchewan) and a BSc in Chemistry & Physics (1995, University of Lethbridge). Research interests include novel cationic lipid DNA complexes for genetic therapies, amino acid derivatives for transdermal drug delivery, and fluorescent surfactants for mechanistic studies. His work bridges physical chemistry and nanotechnology, emphasizing self-assembling systems for biomedical applications. Recent studies explore gold nanoparticles in cancer therapy and theranostic materials. Teaching includes PHARM 605 (Physical Chemistry and Surfactants) and PHARM 617 (Formulations), taught in 2022 and 2024. Awards include the 2017 University of Waterloo Outstanding Performance Award. Key contributions include patents on lipoplexed DNA delivery systems and advancements in non-viral gene delivery vectors. His lab investigates surfactant-based systems, nanomedicine, and molecular genetics, with a focus on translational applications in healthcare.
Gregory S. Fischer is the William Smith Dean's Professor of Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), with appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical & Computer Engineering. He leads the Automation and Interventional Medicine (AIM) Robotics Research Laboratory and directs the PracticePoint R&D Center for healthcare cyber-physical systems. His research focuses on medical robotics, MRI-compatible systems, and computer-integrated surgery. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2008. Key contributions include MRI-guided robotic systems for prostate biopsy, wearable exoskeletons for rehabilitation, and sensor-actuator technologies for closed-loop surgical interventions. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2008), Johns Hopkins University MSE in Electrical Engineering (2003), Johns Hopkins University BS in Mechanical Engineering & BS in Electrical Engineering (2002), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Research Interests: Fischer’s work spans medical robotics, MRI-compatible mechatronics, image-guided surgery, and wearable assistive devices. His AIM Lab develops technologies to integrate real-time medical imaging with surgical procedures, emphasizing closed-loop systems. Notable projects include robotic systems for MRI-guided prostate biopsy and ultrasonic actuator designs for MRI environments. Publications: Recent work includes advancements in needle deflection compensation, markerless pose tracking for suturing, and clinical evaluation of robotic biopsy systems. His research often bridges robotics and clinical applications, with a focus on improving surgical accuracy and patient outcomes. Awards & Honors: William Smith Dean’s Professor (2017) Senior Member of National Academy of Inventors (2019) Grants & Labs: Fischer directs the AIM Lab and PracticePoint, involving collaborations with hospitals and industry. His labs focus on translational research, with projects funded by NIH, NSF, and industry partnerships. Current efforts include MRI-compatible robotics, robotic-assisted thermal therapy, and neurosurgical navigation systems.
Sheree May Plinz-Saßmannshausen is a research associate at Faculty III (IT for an ageing society) at the University of Siegen. She leads the BMBF-funded PAIRADS project, which develops AI-driven tools for prostate cancer diagnosis in radiology, and previously led the EU-funded Creactive Citizen project focused on digital citizen participation in urban development using augmented reality. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, AI, and societal applications in healthcare and governance. She holds an M.Sc. in Media Informatics from TH Köln, where she specialized in Human-Computer Interaction. Her research interests include Human-Centered AI, UX Design, participatory design, and augmented reality applications in healthcare and urban planning. She has extensive experience in user-centered design processes and interdisciplinary collaboration with industry and medical institutions. Her recent publications, primarily in top HCI venues like CHI and DIS, focus on integrating AI into clinical workflows, enhancing citizen engagement through AR, and improving stakeholder training in participatory health research. The articles reflect a strong trend toward human-centered technologies in sensitive domains such as medical diagnostics and democratic participation, emphasizing usability, trust, and collaboration. She has collaborated with researchers across Europe and institutions such as Philips and university hospitals. Her projects are funded by major agencies including BMBF and EU (EFRE). She actively contributes to workshops and interdisciplinary dialogues on AI ethics and participatory design. Sheree has supervised development projects in interactive systems and taught modules in human-computer interaction and web-based applications during her tenure at TH Köln from 2013 to 2019. She continues to advance research at the intersection of technology and society, with a focus on real-world impact in healthcare and urban development.
Dr. Kevin Ni is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer in the School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), based at the St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses. He leads the translational uro-oncology research portfolio in Radiation Oncology at Cancer Services St George Hospital and serves as a founding member and St George local lead for the EMPCAR Network. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 30, Dr. Ni has made substantial contributions to cancer research, particularly in prostate, breast, and bladder cancers. Dr. Ni holds a BA and MBBS/MD degrees from China and a PhD from UNSW Sydney. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary research spanning basic science and clinical applications: Bachelor of Arts from China Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from China Doctor of Medicine from China Doctor of Philosophy from UNSW Sydney Dr. Ni's research encompasses the full translational spectrum of oncology, with a focus on molecular biomarker discovery, liquid biopsy and extracellular vesicles, transcriptomics, chemo-/radio-resistance, radiation biology, cancer stem cells, and imaging in prostate, breast, and bladder cancers. His work integrates basic science and clinical studies to drive the discovery of new knowledge for cancer control across the continuum of early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. He has extensive experience in preparing and reviewing complex human research ethics applications and promoting good clinical practice in clinical trials across diverse health disciplines. Dr. Ni's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on biomarker discovery for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring, particularly through liquid biopsy approaches using exosomes and microRNAs. His research has increasingly emphasized the role of cancer stem cells and specific molecular pathways like PI3K/Akt/mTOR in therapeutic resistance, with applications spanning prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. This work has significant implications for developing more personalized and effective cancer treatments. Dr. Ni has received numerous awards and recognitions for his research contributions: National Scholarship of Excellence (2008) Outstanding Graduate (2011) Prostate and Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarships (2012-2015) Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad Award of China (2013) Best oral presentation in Basic Science, 2nd Prize, St George and Sutherland Medical Research Symposium (2016) Travel grant award, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia 2017 Congress (2017) Service Excellence Award, AACBS (2018) As an academic supervisor, Dr. Ni has successfully guided multiple Honours and HDR students to completion, including PhD students Dr. Xupeng Bai (2017-2021, with Dean's award) and Dr. Bairen Pang (2017-2022). He currently supervises two PhD students and one Honours student, and is available to supervise additional PhD and ILP/Honours students in areas related to liquid biopsy, tumor biology, molecular biology, biomarker discovery, radiation oncology, prostate cancer, cancer stem cells, and radio-/chemo-resistance. His research is supported by multiple grants, including: CIA: A novel liquid biopsy assay of blood exosomal microRNA profiles to improve prostate cancer diagnosis (St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation, A$46,000, 2021-2022) AI: Combining nanoplasmonic profiling with machine learning for non-invasive early detection of ovarian cancer using plasma exosomes (Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, A$134,026, 2020-2021) CIC: Validation of extracellular vesicle protein biomarkers in blood for the personalised treatment decision of prostate cancer patients (SSMRF-St George Cancer Care Foundation Award, A$50,000, 2022-2023) Multiple other grants totaling over A$300,000 in research funding Dr. Ni is actively involved in several research networks and teams, including the Innovation and Industry Platform of SPHERE (Maridulu Budyari Gumal), which transforms healthcare innovation by accelerating technology implementation to address unmet healthcare needs. He also serves as an Executive Member of the Human Research Ethics Committee at SESLHD and is a Contracted Scientific Reviewer for the Research Directorate. His collaborative efforts extend both within and beyond UNSW, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that drive innovative cancer research forward.
Dr. Pei Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), part of the Schmidthorst College of Business. Previously, he held an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Statistics at Miami University. He earned his Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Kentucky (2016–2021), following an M.S. in Statistics (University of Texas at El Paso, 2014–2016) and a B.S. in Information & Computing Science (Zhejiang University of Technology, 2009–2013). His research focuses on high-dimensional data analysis, including variable selection and dimension reduction techniques, as well as cognitive data analysis to study dementia progression and risk assessment. He applies these methods to real-world challenges, such as analyzing genomic data and public health trends. Recent work includes studies on lifestyle risk factors linked to suicidal behaviors in adolescents, statistical methods for genomic data analysis (e.g., 2dGBH procedure), and causal inference in cancer research using Mendelian randomization. His contributions bridge theoretical statistics with practical applications in health and genomics.
LaMonica Stewart, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College. Her research focuses on prostate cancer biology, particularly the interplay between androgen receptor signaling and PPARγ pathways. She leads projects funded by NIH, including the Meharry Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Cancer Program (R25CA21422001). Key Research Themes: Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Intracellular Signaling Pathways Current Projects: Investigating novel therapeutic targets via PPARγ modulation and androgen receptor regulation Her work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with translational oncology, emphasizing drug discovery and understanding therapy resistance in prostate cancer. Recent studies explore troglitazone’s non-canonical signaling effects and c-Myc regulation in cancer cells. Awards: None explicitly listed in text Advising: Supervises graduate students including Emuejevoke Olokpa and Patrice E Moss. Active in training programs for undergraduate researchers.
Israh Akhtar, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. She serves as Director of the Cytopathology Fellowship, Director of Anatomical Pathology, and Director of Surgical Pathology, demonstrating leadership in both clinical and academic domains. Her work is centered at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Education: MD, Medical School, University of Kashmir, Government Medical College, India Fellowship, Cytopathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS Residency, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY Residency, Pathology, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY Dr. Akhtar is board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology. Her research and clinical interests focus on cytopathology, surgical pathology, diagnostic cytology, immunohistochemistry, and quality management in pathology. She has contributed extensively to the literature on fine-needle aspiration, rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), and rare tumor diagnosis, particularly in head and neck, renal, and retroperitoneal pathologies. Her recent publications (2017–2019) reflect a strong emphasis on diagnostic accuracy, cyto-histological correlation, and the application of molecular markers in cancer diagnosis. Themes include p16 immunostaining in oropharyngeal cancer, ROSE in spine lesions, and the role of cytology in lung metastases. These works highlight her expertise in integrating clinical, morphological, and molecular data for improved patient outcomes. Dr. Akhtar has no listed scientific awards in the provided text. She has mentored or collaborated with multiple researchers and clinicians, though no formal advisees or students are listed. Her work involves interdisciplinary collaboration, especially in improving clinician-pathologist communication and diagnostic workflows. She has not received any grants mentioned in the text. Dr. Akhtar is involved in the Cytopathology Fellowship program, which she directs, indicating active participation in training the next generation of pathologists. Her work in quality management and diagnostic protocols suggests strong engagement with laboratory operations and patient safety initiatives.
Otis Brawley, MD , is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health . He also serves as Vice Chair for IDARE (Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity) in the same department, reflecting his leadership in advancing equity in cancer research and public health. Dr. Brawley earned his BS and MD from the University of Chicago in 1981 and 1985, respectively. His academic journey has positioned him as a leading voice in cancer epidemiology and public health policy. His research is centered on cancer epidemiology , with a strong emphasis on cancer screening , racial disparities in cancer outcomes , prostate and breast cancer , and the design and infrastructure of clinical trials . His work bridges clinical medicine and population health, aiming to improve cancer prevention and equity in healthcare delivery. The recent publications (2024–2025) highlight his engagement with pressing issues in oncology, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer trends , the need for a robust national clinical trial infrastructure , and the use of remote monitoring in decentralized trials . A recurring theme is the examination of race and health disparities , particularly in prostate cancer, underscoring his commitment to health equity. While specific scientific awards are not listed in the provided text, his editorial contributions to major journals such as Cancer , JAMA Health Forum , and JAMA Network Open reflect recognition as a thought leader in the field. Dr. Brawley is actively involved in advising and research collaboration, as evidenced by his co-authorship on numerous peer-reviewed articles. Although specific grants or funding sources are not detailed, his role in shaping national clinical trial policy suggests significant influence on research funding and priorities. He is also engaged in academic teaching, as indicated by his involvement in the Cancer Epidemiology Prevention and Control Seminars at Johns Hopkins. His work is highly collaborative, involving partnerships across institutions and disciplines, particularly in efforts to increase minority enrollment in clinical trials and improve data collection methods. These collaborations reflect a team-based approach to addressing complex public health challenges in oncology.
Lisa Martin is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, where she leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on chemical biology and inorganic chemistry. Her work bridges fundamental chemical principles with biomedical applications, particularly in membrane biochemistry and peptide interactions. Her research interests include: Use of lipid membranes as biomimetic systems Redox-active membrane proteins and their assembly Peptide-membrane interactions involving antimicrobial, carrier, and neurodegenerative peptides Application of physicochemical and synthetic techniques to biomedical problems Development of novel methodologies for challenging research questions Recent publications highlight her group's work in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, redox catalysis, nanomaterial-based therapeutics, and peptide behavior in biological contexts. Her research spans chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, with strong national and international collaborations. She is actively involved in multiple funded research projects, including those supported by NHMRC and ARC. Her scientific contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Lisa Martin mentors researchers and collaborates extensively, though specific student names are not listed. She has secured significant research grants, including those for equipment and prostate cancer research, and leads innovative projects in molecular and nanoscale materials.
