Massimo Vassalli is a Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment. He holds a Physics degree from the University of Florence (1999) and a cross-disciplinary PhD in Physics, Engineering, and Biology from the same institution. Previously, he worked at the Institute of Biophysics (National Research Council, Genoa) and has extensive experience in industry-academia collaboration. His research focuses on mechanotransduction, mechanobiology, and developing advanced microscopy/spectroscopy tools. Key areas include studying how physical forces influence biological processes (e.g., cancer, aging) and engineering nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. He leads the MEchanosensing and Cellular Biomechanics Lab and has pioneered techniques like Brillouin microscopy and acoustic fluidic devices for cellular stiffness analysis. Recent work emphasizes high-throughput biophysical assays, correlative microscopy approaches, and nanoengineering for mechanosensitive systems. His contributions span over 140 publications, with recent trends in hydrogel mechanics, nuclear mechanics, and neurodegeneration diagnostics via optical methods. Awards: Not explicitly listed in the text. Lab/Teams: MEchanosensing and Cellular Biomechanics Lab. Collaborations include Prof. Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez and Prof. Matthew Dalby at Glasgow, and international networks in biophysics and materials science.
Professor Dani S. Bassett is the J. Peter Skirkanich Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science, holding primary and secondary appointments across multiple departments including Bioengineering, Physics & Astronomy, Neurology, and Psychology. She leads the Complex Systems Lab, focusing on network science applied to brain systems and physical materials. Education: B.S. in Physics (Penn State, 2004); Ph.D. in Physics (University of Cambridge, 2009) as a Churchill Scholar and NIH Health Sciences Scholar. Postdoctoral work at UC Santa Barbara and Sage Center for the Study of the Mind. Research integrates network theory, statistical mechanics, and applied mathematics to study brain networks and granular materials. Key areas include neuroplasticity, cognitive dynamics, disease mechanisms (Alzheimer's, schizophrenia), and network control theory. Her work bridges physical systems (e.g., granular matter dynamics) and biological systems (e.g., brain connectivity development). Awarded over 300 publications (33,000+ citations), major honors include the MacArthur 'Genius' Fellowship and Sloan Research Fellowship. Supported by NSF, NIH, DoD, and private foundations. Co-authored Curious Minds (MIT Press, 2022) exploring curiosity through network science and philosophy. Labs/Teams: Complex Systems Lab at UPenn, collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers. Current projects investigate dynamic network properties in brain disorders, developmental connectivity, and network-based interventions.
Professor Helen Walden is Professor of Structural Biology and Head of School (Molecular Biosciences) at the University of Glasgow, where she leads a research group focused on ubiquitin signaling mechanisms. Her laboratory investigates the structural basis of protein modification pathways with direct relevance to human diseases including Fanconi Anemia and Parkinson's disease. University of Bath (BSc Biochemistry, 1998) University of St Andrews (PhD, structural basis of protein hyperthermostability) St Jude's Children's Research Hospital (Postdoc, 2001-2005) CRUK London Research Institute (Group Leader, 2005-2013) University of Dundee (MRC Unit, 2013-2017) University of Glasgow (Professor, 2017-present) Professor Walden's research centers on understanding how specific ubiquitin signals are produced and how the right targets are selected for modification at the right site, time, and pathway. Her team employs X-ray crystallography and other structural techniques to study two key model systems: the highly specific FANCL E3 ligase (mutated in Fanconi Anemia patients) and the broad-spectrum Parkin ligase (mutated in early onset Parkinsonism). Her work has defined molecular mechanisms of E2 selection, Parkin regulation through autoinhibition, and the basis for activation in these critical pathways. Current research aims to develop small molecules targeting these pathways and to define the structural basis for target selection. Analysis of Professor Walden's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the structural and mechanistic aspects of ubiquitin signaling. Her work spans DNA repair pathways (particularly Fanconi Anemia), neurodegenerative disease mechanisms (especially Parkinson's), and the fundamental biochemistry of ubiquitin transfer. The research combines structural biology approaches with biochemical and cellular assays to elucidate molecular mechanisms, with increasing emphasis on therapeutic applications including inhibitor development for USP1 and other targets in the ubiquitin pathway. Colworth medal from the Biochemical Society (2015) ERC Consolidator award (2016) EMBO Young Investigator Programme member (2011-2014) Professor Walden supervises doctoral students including Dickson-Murray, Eleanor (studying palmitoylation and cardiac transient outward current regulation) and Rivers, Eilidh (CVR MRC PhD Programme). Her research is supported by substantial funding from major organizations including BBSRC, MRC, European Commission, and Wellcome Trust, totaling multiple concurrent grants from 2016 through 2030. Current major projects include investigations into S-acylation dynamics, palmitoylation targeting chimaeras, mono-ubiquitin signals in DNA, and the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway. As Head of School for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow, Professor Walden leads a substantial academic unit while maintaining an active research laboratory focused on the Protein Structure & Regulation research group. Her team combines structural, biochemical, and cellular approaches to investigate fundamental mechanisms of protein modification with direct relevance to human disease pathways.
Natalie Grima is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Genomics and Bioinformatics Team at Macquarie University's Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre. She holds a PhD from Macquarie University (2025) and a BSc (Advanced) (Honours I) from the University of Sydney (2017). Her research focuses on the molecular basis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leveraging genomic and transcriptomic techniques. Current projects include characterizing the MND brain transcriptome via RNA sequencing and investigating genetic variants associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Education: PhD in Genomics (Macquarie University, 2025), BSc Advanced (Biochemistry/Immunology, University of Sydney, 2017). External positions include a 3-month Research Residency at the University of Graz (2023). Research interests span ALS pathogenesis, transcriptomic profiling, and neurodegenerative biomarker discovery. Her work has led to insights into RNA alterations in ALS, molecular subtypes via peripheral blood analysis, and genetic landscape mapping through over 1,000 variants. Key projects include FightMND-funded initiatives on gene therapies, TDP-43 regulation, and genomic/transcriptomic features of sporadic MND. Notable awards include the 2024 ISMND Travel Fellowship and Society for Neuroscience Professional Development Award. She has been principal or co-investigator on grants totaling $1.2M+, including FightMND and MNDRA scholarships. Labs/teams: Genomics and Bioinformatics Team (MND Research Centre), collaborating with international groups on ALS-Frontotemporal Dementia links and neurodegenerative biomarkers. Active in biobank development and omics methodology innovations.
Dr. Vladimir Volkov is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. His research focuses on molecular and mechanical mechanisms of microtubule-driven forces in cellular processes, particularly during cell division and chromosome segregation. He leads the Volkov Lab, which employs biochemical reconstitution, quantitative microscopy, and structural biology approaches. Research Interests: Microtubule dynamics and force generation Kinetochore-microtubule interactions Cytoskeletal mechanics and multivalency Cryo-ET and microscopy-based structural analysis Recent Research Trends: Recent articles highlight studies on microtubule end stabilization, phase separation on microtubules, and protein complexes like Ska/Ndc80 that mediate force transmission. The lab also explores bacterial microtubules and amyloid-β structural pathology. Awards: Wellcome Trust Career Development Award (2024-2032) to study force effects at kinetochore-microtubule interfaces. Lab Activities: Current projects include Lauren Stokes (MBio Biochemistry) focusing on kinetochore proteins. The lab seeks a postdoc to join Wellcome-funded research on force-coupling mechanisms. The lab’s website ( volkovlab.com ) provides further details.
Dr Luan Luu is an early career post-doctoral research fellow at the Motor Neuron Disease Research Centre within Macquarie Medical School, Department of Biomedical Science at Macquarie University. His research focuses on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 and ALS/FTD. Completed PhD at The University of Melbourne studying Amyloid Precursor Protein in Alzheimer's Disease Joined Angela Laird's lab at Macquarie University post-PhD Currently working on multiple active research projects related to TDP-43 pathology and neurodegeneration Dr Luu's research centers on enhancing macroautophagy processes to degrade pathogenic misfolded proteins and restore cellular homeostasis. His work has significant implications for multiple neurodegenerative conditions involving protein misfolding, including Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3, Huntington's disease, and other polyglutamine disorders. He has developed cellular models for screening potential therapeutics that could be trialed in animal models of these diseases. His publication record shows consistent productivity with 17 research outputs since 2019, including articles in high-impact journals like iScience and Neurobiology of Disease, as well as multiple patents. His work demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental protein pathology to therapeutic development, with recent focus on TDP-43 phase separation and Cyclin F-mediated protein degradation pathways. Active participant in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences EnCouRage Research Symposium (2017) Contributor to multiple collaborative research projects Research has been picked up by news outlets and shared across academic networks Dr Luu's research program represents a significant contribution to understanding protein aggregation mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches for currently untreatable neurodegenerative conditions. His collaborative approach across multiple projects demonstrates strong integration within the neurodegenerative disease research community.
Christine Vande Velde is a Full Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Université de Montréal, affiliated with the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM). Her work focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly the roles of RNA-binding proteins (e.g., TDP-43, hnRNP A1, G3BP1) and mitochondrial dysfunction in motor neuron degeneration. She employs transgenic mouse models, cell culture systems, and patient-derived samples to investigate stress granules, protein aggregation, and molecular pathways. Research interests include SOD1 misfolding, TDP-43 regulation of stress granules, and the interplay between RNA biology and neurodegeneration. Her lab contributes to the CAPTURE ALS initiative, a patient-centered observational study enhancing ALS understanding and treatment development. She holds grants from the ALS Society of Canada and Brain Canada, totaling over $1.4 million for collaborative projects. Awards: Not explicitly listed, but her work has secured significant funding through competitive grants. Grants include a $125K award (2022) to study G3BP1 restoration and a $300K partnership with McGill University exploring axon protection strategies. Collaborations: Partnerships include Marlene Oeffinger (IRCM) and Gary Armstrong (McGill University). She is a member of the Central Nervous System Research Group and Genetics and Applied Medicine Network. Labs: The Vande Velde Lab at CRCHUM investigates ALS pathogenesis with a focus on RNA biology and mitochondrial dysfunction. Their work integrates biochemistry, proteomics, and imaging techniques.
Wen Jiang is the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Structural Biology and Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Penn State University. He leads the Jiang Lab, specializing in cryo-EM structural biology, biophysics computing, and in situ structural techniques like CLEM and electron tomography. His research focuses on amyloids, viruses, and protein complexes, alongside methodological advancements in cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis. Education: B.S. in Physics (Peking University), M.S. in Biophysics (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Ph.D. and postdoc in Cryo-EM (Baylor College of Medicine under Prof. Wah Chiu). Research interests include structural studies of neurodegenerative disease-related amyloids, viral structures, and the development of computational tools for cryo-EM (e.g., Helicon, CryoVR). The lab collaborates across disciplines, welcoming candidates in biology, physics, engineering, and computer science. Prominent software contributions include MotionCorr enhancements, jspr for image processing, and web apps like map2seq and ProCart. Alumni have transitioned to roles at institutions like NIH, HHMI Janelia, and industry positions in biotechnology. Key lab activities include cryo-EM methodology, viral vaccine design using pseudoviruses, and structural studies of bacterial enzymes and viral capsids. Collaborations focus on applying cryo-EM to biomedical challenges like neurodegeneration and infectious diseases.
Prof. Jérôme Crassous is a Junior Professor at RWTH Aachen University's Department of Physical Chemistry of Soft Matter. His research focuses on microgel systems, soft matter physics, and responsive materials. Key interests include colloidal self-assembly, anisotropic particle design, and applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering. His work bridges experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to study microgel behavior under varying conditions, such as temperature, electric fields, and magnetic actuation. Recent studies highlight programmable microgel actuators, interfacial assembly at air-water interfaces, and biocompatible encapsulation techniques. Publications emphasize structural control of microgels (e.g., core-shell, hollow, rod-shaped geometries), phase transitions, and interactions with lipid membranes. Applications span drug delivery, smart materials, and fluid dynamics control. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His research group explores advanced fabrication methods like microfluidics and cryo-TEM for material characterization.
Dr. Rachel Edgar is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on how cellular homeostasis and circadian rhythms influence viral infection outcomes. She leads a team investigating osmotic balance, protein homeostasis, and biomolecular condensates in antiviral immunity, with particular attention to respiratory pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Key affiliations include the Immuno-Pathology Network and Section of Virology. Education: PhD in herpesvirus biology from the University of Cambridge (2012) Postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Science and MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Research Interests: Dr. Edgar's lab explores how circadian clocks, cellular stress responses, and environmental factors modulate infection susceptibility. Her work reveals time-of-day-dependent viral replication rates and identifies mechanisms where cellular clocks are hijacked by viruses. Recent studies highlight propylene glycol's efficacy in inactivating airborne viruses and the role of CRYPTOCHROME proteins in protein homeostasis. Scientific Achievements: Holder of the Royal Society - Wellcome Sir Henry Dale Fellowship. Her group's discoveries on circadian rhythms' impact on antiviral defenses have advanced understanding of infection dynamics. Collaborations include developing novel infection prevention strategies targeting cellular timekeeping mechanisms. Supervised students: Dr Christine Styles, Dr Aiwei Zeng Labs/Teams: Focus on primary cell models and natural host-pathogen systems Grants & Future Work: Ongoing projects investigate circadian-based interventions to reduce viral transmission and explore osmotic stress pathways in antiviral immunity. Her lab aims to translate fundamental discoveries into clinical applications against emerging pathogens.
David A. Weitz is the Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Systems Biology and directing the Harvard Materials Research Science & Engineering Center. He also co-directs the Harvard Kavli Institute for Bionano Science & Technology and the BASF Advanced Research Initiative. His research focuses on soft condensed matter, biophysics, and microfluidics, with applications in materials science, drug delivery, and high-throughput screening. Weitz earned his B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo (1973), and A.M. and Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard (1975, 1978). After roles at Exxon Research and the University of Pennsylvania, he joined Harvard in 1999. Affiliations: Harvard University (Primary), TUM-IAS (Former Hans Fischer Senior Fellow, 2008). Key Appointments: Director of Harvard Materials Research Science & Engineering Center, Co-director of Harvard Kavli Institute. Research interests span colloidal systems, biomaterial mechanics, and microfluidic engineering for encapsulation and diagnostics. His lab pioneered microfluidic droplet techniques for creating designer emulsions and high-throughput assays. Current projects include biocompatible nanocapsule design, CO₂ mineralization, and studying biomolecular condensates in cells. Publications highlight advances in colloidal glasses, liquid crystal defects, and droplet deformation physics. Awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society, Optical Society, and Biophysical Society, alongside prestigious lectureships (e.g., Jean Perrin Lecture). Grant activities include collaborations with industry and initiatives like The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability. His lab supports interdisciplinary training, with recent milestones including PhD defenses and microfluidics-based sustainability projects.
Dominique Maes is a Professor in the Department of Structural Biology within the Department of Bio-engineering Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. With an academic career spanning from 1987 to present, Maes has established significant expertise in protein crystallization, structural biology, and microfluidics. Their research focuses on fundamental mechanisms of protein crystallization, nucleation phenomena, and more recently, phase separation processes related to neurodegenerative diseases. Maes' research interests center on the physical principles governing protein behavior, particularly in crystallization and phase separation processes. Their work bridges fundamental biophysics with practical applications in biomanufacturing and disease mechanisms. The research utilizes advanced microfluidic platforms for precise control of protein solutions, enabling detailed studies of crystallization pathways, aggregation behavior, and phase separation dynamics under controlled conditions. Analysis of Maes' publication record reveals a clear evolution from fundamental crystallization studies toward applications in neurodegenerative disease research. Recent publications (2023-2025) show a strong focus on ALS-related protein phase separation, protein aggregation in microfluidic environments, and advanced particle tracking methods for microfluidic systems. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration between structural biology, microfluidics, and neuroscience. IMT Microfluidics on Glass Poster Award (2019) Poster Prize (2018) European Space Agency Team Achievement Award (2007) Maes actively supervises doctoral research and serves on multiple PhD committees, particularly in the Department of Bio-engineering Sciences. They lead several major research projects including PROCRYSTAL (Crystallisation towards efficient and sustainable biomanufacturing), SRP97 (Microfluidic cell handling for subcellular dynamics), and FWOTM1122 (Characterizing mutations in hnRNPA2 for degenerative disorders). Their laboratory appears to focus on structural biology with strong connections to microfluidics research groups. Maes has established significant collaborations with researchers across Europe, particularly in microfluidics and protein science. The research group maintains active partnerships with multiple institutions for joint PhD programs and collaborative projects in structural biology and biomanufacturing applications.
Brandon Ruotolo is a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Chair for Research at the University of Michigan Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on developing ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) for structural biology, particularly analyzing protein complexes and their interactions. He holds a PhD from Texas A&M University and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Cambridge. Key research areas include biomacromolecular chemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical applications of structural mass spectrometry. His group explores gas-phase protein unfolding (CIU), protein self-assembly, and integrative structural biology. Notable awards include the 2023 Biemann Medal and 2024 Ken Standing Award. Recent work emphasizes IM-MS integration with other techniques, advancing drug discovery and biotherapeutic characterization. The lab actively mentors students (e.g., Iliana Levesque, Carolina Rojas Ramirez), and collaborates on projects like membrane protein analysis and amyloid formation mechanisms. Lab resources include advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation and computational tools. Active grants include NSF support for creativity and Agilent Thought Leadership funding. The group's mission is to bridge analytical and structural chemistry for biomedical applications.
Helen Miranda is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Genetics and Genome Sciences and Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on modeling motor neuron diseases (MNDs) using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), with a focus on spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She develops co-culture systems to study interactions between motor neurons, astrocytes, and skeletal muscles. Dr. Miranda holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of São Paulo and completed postdoctoral training at UC San Diego, where she pioneered iPSC models for neurodegenerative disorders. Her work bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets. Education: BS in Biomedicine (State University of Londrina), MS in Immunopathology (State University of Londrina), PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology (University of São Paulo). Postdoctoral Fellowships: La Spada and Muotri Labs, UC San Diego. Research Interests: iPSC modeling of neuromuscular disorders, cell-autonomous/non-autonomous pathophysiology, drug discovery for neurodegeneration, co-culture systems for disease mechanisms, and translational neuroscience. Publications: Over 26 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Cell Reports, Neuron, and Stem Cells Dev. Recent work focuses on TFEB signaling in neuroinflammation, mitochondrial stress in ALS, and optogenetic neuromuscular junction models. Labs/Teams: Leads a lab at Case Western Reserve University focused on iPSC-based disease modeling and therapeutic screening for motor neuron diseases.
Reza Nejadnik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. His research focuses on protein pharmaceuticals, formulation optimization, and biophysical characterization of therapeutic proteins. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, with postdoctoral experience at institutions including The University of Texas, Northwestern University, and Radboud University Nijmegen. Prior to academia, he led formulation development at Sanofi's Global Biologic Drug Product team in Frankfurt, Germany. His work addresses challenges in protein aggregation, surfactant removal, and stability during manufacturing and delivery processes. Education: PhD: Materials Science and Engineering, University of Groningen (2009) MSc: Biomedical Engineering (Biomaterials), Amirkabir University of Technology BSc: Materials Science and Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology Research Interests: Formulation and delivery of monoclonal antibodies and novel biologics Protein-surface interactions and adsorption mechanisms Stability of protein therapeutics under handling/administration conditions Development of closed-system drug delivery devices Recent Research Trends: Recent studies emphasize formulation challenges in surfactant removal, antibody stability under compounding conditions, and aggregate formation during infusion. His work bridges fundamental biophysical insights with translational drug product development. Labs/Teams: Directs the Nejadnik Laboratory, focusing on advancing protein pharmaceutical formulation and delivery technologies. Collaborates widely with industry partners and academic researchers in Europe and North America.
