جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

• Synthetic Biology
• Origins of Life
• Systems Chemistry
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Pasquale Stano is an Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry (CHIM/06) at the University of Salento, where he has been employed since November 1, 2016. He is affiliated with the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, working at the Ecotekne Center in Lecce, Italy. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Stano's research interests focus on Synthetic Biology , Origins of Life , Systems Chemistry , and Artificial Life , with particular emphasis on developing chemical approaches to artificial intelligence. His work explores how synthetic cells can serve as platforms for wetware computing and how biological principles can inform new paradigms in AI. He investigates molecular communication, self-organization processes, and the construction of artificial cells with cognitive capabilities. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating synthetic biology with artificial intelligence, particularly through the development of chemical neural networks within synthetic cells. His research shows how bottom-up approaches to creating artificial cells can lead to systems capable of information processing, environmental sensing, and even rudimentary cognition. This work bridges traditionally separate fields, creating new interdisciplinary connections between chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering. Winner of the 2021 Cozzarelli Prize (National Academy of Science, USA) in Class I (Physical and Mathematical Sciences) Dr. Stano leads the Org(SB-EAI) project (PRIN 2022), which focuses on an organizational approach to synthetic modeling of cognition based on synthetic biology and embodied AI. He has organized multiple satellite workshops at ALIFE conferences on topics including molecular communication approaches for wetware artificial life and synthetic biology's contributions to artificial intelligence. His research group actively collaborates across disciplinary boundaries, connecting chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers to explore the frontiers of wetware computing and artificial life. Based at the Ecotekne Center, Dr. Stano's research group operates at the intersection of chemistry and biology, with a particular focus on creating synthetic cellular systems that can process information in ways analogous to biological cognition. His laboratory investigates how chemical systems can exhibit computational properties and how these properties might be harnessed for novel computing paradigms.

Carolina Ramirez-Figueroaمشاهده پروفایل

مربی ارشد

• Architecture
• Biodesign
• Synthetic Biology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Carolina Ramirez-Figueroa is a Senior Tutor in Information Experience Design at the Royal College of Art's School of Communication. Her interdisciplinary work bridges architecture, living systems, and critical technologies through creative methodologies that challenge conventional design paradigms. Institution: Royal College of Art School: School of Communication Research Focus: Living systems integration, more-than-human ethics, microbial temporality Carolina's research interrogates: Material agency through dust as a microbial archive Post-anthropocentric design frameworks XR/AI synergy for climate futures Probiotic architectural materials Temporal design through biological systems Ethical dimensions of bio-augmented design Recent projects include: The Materialised Temporality of Dust (Ars Electronica 2024) Reverse Alchemy (XR/AI collaboration) Post-Anthropocentric Design Lab (with Shenkar College) NOTBAD (Probiotic Architecture research) Scientific Recognition: AHRC PhD Studentship (2012) Latin America Scholarship (2011) ITESM Excellency Award (2004)

Anna Wangمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Astrobiology
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Anna Wang is an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) , based in the School of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science . Her interdisciplinary research bridges physics, chemistry, materials science, and astrobiology to explore the behavior of soft matter and the origins of cellular life . Dr. Wang holds a BSc (Advanced Hons I) from the University of Sydney (2009) , followed by an SM (2013) and PhD (2016) in Applied Physics from Harvard University . She was a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow in Astrobiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (2016–2018). Her research focuses on understanding how simple physical and chemical systems can give rise to life-like behaviors. Key research themes include: Self-assembly of lipid membranes and protocells Holographic microscopy for 3D tracking of soft matter Biophysical principles of membrane stability and dynamics Origins of cellular life and prebiotic chemistry Colloidal interactions and phase-separated systems Dr. Wang’s lab uses advanced imaging techniques such as digital holographic microscopy to study the 3D motion and interactions of colloidal particles, vesicles, and protocells. Her work has been published in high-impact journals including PNAS , Nature Communications , ACS Nano , and Soft Matter . Grants & Funding: Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Collaborative Research Grant (2020–2023) Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award (2021–2023) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation “Matter to Life” Grant (2023–2027) Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Grant (2023–2027) Teaching & Supervision: Dr. Wang teaches courses such as CHEM2921 (Food Chemistry) , CHEM3061 (Chemistry of Materials) , and CDEV3000 (Practice of Work) . She actively supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students interested in soft matter and origins of life research. Public Engagement: Dr. Wang has contributed to science communication through appearances on PBS Nova , ABC Catalyst , Vox Unexplainable , and public seminars. Her lab website is https://www.annawanglab.com .

• Synthetic Biology
• Artificial Cell Synthesis
• Origin of Life
• +۱۳ مورد دیگر

Prof. Dr. Tsing-Young Dora Tang is a Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany. She leads the Tang Lab, an interdisciplinary research group focused on building minimal synthetic cellular systems through bottom-up synthetic biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. Her work addresses fundamental questions in the origin of life and artificial cell synthesis. Research Interests: Her lab investigates the role of compartmentalization in regulating biochemical reactions, strategies to establish and sustain out-of-equilibrium behavior in synthetic cells, and engineering communication networks for robustness in synthetic cellular systems. The research bridges disciplines to unravel physico-chemical principles of biological systems and engineer 'Life 2.0'. Recent Research Trends: Analysis of her recent publications (2022–2025) reveals a strong focus on coacervates and protocells as models for early life, exploring how physical and chemical properties (like charge density, fluidization, and environmental conditions) affect catalytic activity (e.g., ribozymes) and system dynamics. There is a consistent theme of integrating microfluidics , cell-free expression , and gene circuits to build and control synthetic cellular systems with emergent functionalities. Scientific Awards: No specific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students and grant details are not listed, Prof. Tang leads an active research team and collaborates widely, as evidenced by her extensive publication record with numerous co-authors. Her lab utilizes advanced instrumentation, suggesting successful funding acquisition. She is a corresponding author on many high-impact papers, indicating leadership in significant research projects. Labs and Teams: The Tang Lab is an interdisciplinary team using a synthetic cell toolkit that includes cell-free expression, microfluidics, gene circuits, optical microscopy, and various biochemical and biophysical methods. The team works with diverse synthetic cellular chassis like coacervates, liposomes, and proteinosomes.

Irep Gözenمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Bionanotechnology
• Membrane Systems
• Protocells
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Irep Gözen is a Professor and Head of the Irep Gözen Group focusing on Bionanotechnology and Membrane Systems at the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMBM), University of Oslo. Her research spans protocell formation, lipid membrane dynamics, and biomimetic systems. Key interests include artificial cells, membrane nanotube networks, and prebiotic compartmentalization. Research highlights include studies on protocell colonies, lipid vesicle engineering, and nanotube-mediated transport. Recent work explores how solid surfaces may have facilitated early life origins. Collaborative projects involve microfluidics, soft matter physics, and interdisciplinary approaches to synthetic biology. Publications (2021–2024) emphasize protocell evolution, membrane interactions with surfaces, and self-organizing systems. No specific grants or awards are listed, but her group actively publishes in top journals like ACS Nano and Small . Her lab develops experimental models to simulate early Earth conditions for studying life's emergence.

Greg Watsonمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس ارشد

• Nanotechnology
• Biomimetics
• Surface Science
• +۲ مورد دیگر

Dr. Greg Watson is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of the Sunshine Coast with over 30 years of multi-disciplinary research experience. His work integrates biology, physics, and engineering to study nano/micro-structured surfaces in nature, particularly insect wings, for applications in self-cleaning materials, medical devices, and environmental technologies. His research spans: Biomimetic nano/micro-structured surfaces Anti-bacterial and self-cleaning technologies Functional insect morphology and ecology Material interfaces in biomedical contexts Nanoscale properties of biological systems Dr. Watson's publications demonstrate consistent innovation in translating biological structures into engineering solutions, with recent work exploring biomimetic materials and educational demonstrations. His research has been featured internationally in media outlets including National Geographic and Scientific American. He has secured multiple grants including ARC Discovery and LIEF awards, and developed over 30 student research projects spanning surface analysis, environmental responses in organisms, and material characterization.

George Foxمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Ribosome Evolution
• RNA Biology
• Microbial Ecology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. George Fox is the Moores Professor of Biology and Biochemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. He holds dual appointments in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Department of Biology and Biochemistry. His research focuses on ribosome evolution, RNA structure, microbial ecology, and the effects of microgravity on microbial systems. He earned his Ph.D. and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University. Dr. Fox's work explores the origins and evolution of the ribosome, with particular emphasis on RNA's role in primordial life forms. He has conducted extensive studies on the International Space Station (ISS), analyzing microbial communities and antibiotic resistance under space conditions. His research also delves into the structural differences between bacterial and archaeal ribosomes, using network analysis and cryo-electron microscopy. His recent articles highlight advancements in understanding ribosomal RNA connectivity, protoribosome formation, and the impact of prebiotic peptides on RNA evolution. Collaborations include studies on halophilic archaea and Asgard archaea, revealing insights into protein cluster organization and halotolerance mechanisms. No specific awards or grants are listed here, though his contributions to astrobiology and microbial genomics are widely recognized. His lab focuses on engineering recombinant RNAs for therapeutic and environmental applications, leveraging insights from both Earth-based and space-derived microbial systems.

Jitka Čejkováمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Artificial life
• Droplet dynamics
• Unconventional robotics
• +۶ مورد دیگر

Jitka Čejková is an Associate Professor at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering. She holds an MSc (2006) and PhD (2010) in Chemical Engineering from the same institution, with her doctoral research focusing on structured particles for chemical robots under Prof. František Štěpánek. Her research explores artificial life systems through droplet dynamics, chemobrionics, and unconventional robotics. Key interests include: Protocell development and liquid robots exhibiting life-like behaviors Non-linear pattern formation in surfactant systems Chemotactic mechanisms in biological and artificial systems Applications in drug delivery and biomedical engineering Her publications consistently demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining chemical engineering, materials science, and biological principles. Major scientific recognitions include the ISAL Distinguished Early-Career Investigator Award (2021), multiple L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science finalist positions, and best paper/poster awards at international conferences. She has secured significant funding including a Junior Research Grant from the Czech Science Foundation and participates in EU projects like EVOBLISS and COST Actions. She leads the Chemical Robotics Laboratory, mentors bachelor/master students, and organizes major scientific events including ALIFE 2027. Her extensive science communication activities include documentary films, popular articles, and YouTube content with over 340k views.

• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Electronics
• Nanomechanics
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Emanuel Lörtscher is a Senior Research Scientist in the Physical Information group at IBM Research Europe - Zurich's Science of Quantum and Information Technology (SQIT) department. His work spans nanotechnology, molecular electronics, and chemical computing, with a focus on nanoscale electronics, chemistry, and mechanics. 2006 PhD in Physics (summa cum laude), University of Basel 2008-Current: Research Staff Member at IBM Research Interests Specializing in Nanotechnology , he develops noise-free labs at the Binnig & Rohrer Nanotechnology Center for advanced fabrication. His work includes: Plasmonic sensing (SNF grant 152944) Solid-state molecular reaction compartments (NCCR MSE collaboration) Implants for on-demand hormone production (ETHZ D-BSSE collaboration) Chemical computing via complex reaction networks (EU CoreNet project) Notable Awards The prestigious Swiss Physical Society Award for Applied Physics (Oerlikon Prize) and Faculty Prize of the University of Basel in 2007, along with multiple internal IBM awards for technical achievements in nanowire engineering and molecular junctions. Key Collaborations Works with ETHZ (Prof. L. Novotny), University of Zurich (Dr. K. Venkatesan), University of Basel (Prof. M. Mayor, Prof. C. Sparr), and ETHZ D-BSSE (Prof. M. Fussenegger).

Hans Jakob Charles Schweizerمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

• Synthetic Biology
• Biophysics
• Self-organizing systems
• +۹ مورد دیگر

Dr. Hans Jakob Charles Schweizer is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, specializing in Synthetic Biology, Biophysics, and self-organizing systems. His career spans research and management roles at institutions including TU Dresden, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, and Oxford University. PhD in Synthetic Biology (TU Dresden) Current focus: Sustainable process engineering, science-society interfaces, and the Max Planck Sustainability Network His research explores protein dynamics, chemical waves, and interdisciplinary applications of Synthetic Biology, with recent work on reaction-diffusion systems and sustainability networks. Publications bridge biophysics, microbiology, and computational modeling. He actively promotes science communication, bioethics dialogue, and sustainability in research, including initiatives like Science Watch Parties and the Max Planck Sustainability Network.

Albert Fahrenbachمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس ارشد

• Prebiotic Chemistry
• Origins of Life
• Synthetic Chemistry
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Albert Fahrenbach is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemistry , University of New South Wales. He received his BS in Chemistry from Indiana University (2008), working with Professor Amar Flood on synthetic and supramolecular chemistry, and his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University (2013) under Nobel laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, focusing on molecular switches and machines. Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Indiana University PhD (Organic Chemistry), Northwestern University Postdoctoral Research, Harvard University & Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) His research bridges prebiotic chemistry and synthetic chemistry , with a focus on molecular self-assembly, nonenzymatic RNA replication, and carbon fixation mechanisms. Recent work explores iron sulfide catalysis for CO2 reduction and radical-driven reaction networks. Key publications in Chemical Communications and Nature Communications highlight his contributions to prebiotic reaction environments and molecular machinery. Collaborations with Nobel laureates (Szostak, Stoddart) and institutions like Harvard and ELSI underscore his interdisciplinary impact.

Neha Kamatمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Biological Membranes
• Synthetic Biology
• Cell-Free Systems
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Neha Kamat is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and (by courtesy) Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on synthetic biology and biomaterials engineering to design artificial cells and membrane-based systems. She leads the Kamat Lab, which explores membrane biophysics, cell-free systems, and synthetic biology applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Education: B.S., Bioengineering, Rice University Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital Research Interests: The Kamat Lab investigates biological membranes as biomaterial platforms. Key areas include: Membrane protein folding mechanisms Engineering synthetic cells and vesicles for therapeutics Cell-free systems for biomanufacturing Membrane mechanobiology Biosensing via synthetic membranes Their work bridges synthetic biology and materials science to create cell-like structures with sensing, communication, and manufacturing capabilities. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2022) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship Advising & Collaborations: Active in mentoring graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates. Collaborates with Northwestern's Center for Synthetic Biology on NSF-funded projects involving synthetic cell design and bacterial microcompartments. Recent lab moves to Mudd Hall facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. Labs/Teams: The Kamat Lab is part of the McCormick School of Engineering and the Center of Synthetic Biology. Current research projects include: Designing synthetic cells with programmable functions Optimizing cell-free expression systems in synthetic vesicles Membrane mechanobiology studies using micropipette aspiration and microfluidics

• Theoretical evolutionary biology
• Major transitions in evolution
• Origin of life
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Eörs Szathmáry is a Professor at the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Ecology , Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. He serves as Director of the Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science and has been a Guest Professor at LMU Munich since 2011. He is a Vice Chairman of the COST CM0703 Action (Systems Chemistry) and a member of the Academia Europaea and Hungarian Academy of Sciences . Education: Specific details not provided, but his career spans prestigious institutions including the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (1992–1993) and National Institute for Medical Research, London (1991–1992). Research Interests focus on theoretical evolutionary biology , particularly the common principles of major evolutionary transitions such as the origin of life, cells, animal societies, and human language . His work integrates mathematical modeling, metabolic control theory, and genetic code analysis to explore evolutionary optimality and information integration in biological systems. Scientific Awards include the New Europe Prize (1996) , D.Sc. from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (1997) , and Prize of the Hungarian Academy (1999) . He has been a member of Academia Europaea (2001) and invited to institutions like the College de France (2004) . Publications emphasize evolutionary transitions , with seminal works on the genetic code, RNA world, and protocell models . His 2008 papers address catalytic propensity of amino acids, computational evolutionary models, and language origins . Labs and Teams include the Parmenides Foundation (core team member), the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research (board member), and leadership in the COST Systems Chemistry Action .

Reshma Banoمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

• Biophysics
• Biomaterials
• Membrane Biology
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Reshma Bano is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Physics at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the School of Mathematics and Physics. She earned her PhD in Biosciences from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, under the supervision of Dr. Mohd Mohsin, where she developed FRET-based genetically encoded nanosensors for biological sensing applications. Her research lies at the intersection of biophysics, biomaterials, and membrane biology, with a strong emphasis on synthetic membrane systems such as Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs). She investigates lipid membrane dynamics, protein-lipid interactions, and their applications in modeling cellular processes and developing minimal synthetic cells. Her current project focuses on Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology Originated Protocells (NANOPCs), involving the encapsulation of RNA transcription machinery in DNA-functionalized liposomes—a pioneering approach in synthetic biology and nanomedicine. Reshma has developed expertise in fluorescence microscopy, inverted emulsion techniques for GUV preparation, and lipid-based assay development. Her broader goals include advancing membrane-based platforms for drug delivery, biosensing, and artificial exosome development. She aims to integrate microfluidic technologies and molecular probes to study membrane mechanics and synthetic cell communication in physiologically relevant environments. Her recent publications (2021–2024) reflect a strong trend in biosensor development, particularly using FRET technology for detecting selenium, silver ions, and cancer-related exosomes. She has also contributed significantly to the understanding of extracellular vesicles, their isolation, and diagnostic applications in cancer and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Her work bridges molecular engineering, biophysics, and clinical translation, with high potential for biomedical innovation. Recent Innovations in Sensing Techniques to Detect SARS-CoV-2 (2024) Fluorescence-Based Nanosensors for Detection and Quantification of Nanovesicles (2024) FRET-based nanosensor for A549 exosomes (2023) Selenium monitoring in living cells (2023) Staphylococcus aureus enolase-plasminogen interaction (2022) Isolation of extracellular vesicles (2021) FRET sensor for silver ions (2021) Reshma Bano has not listed any formal advisees or students, and no information about grants or funding sources is provided. However, her research trajectory suggests active involvement in interdisciplinary projects with potential for future grant support and mentorship roles. She is actively contributing to the development of artificial cell systems and biosensing platforms, working within a research environment that supports innovation in synthetic biology and nanotechnology. While no specific lab or team name is mentioned, her work appears to be part of a larger collaborative effort in biophysics and bioengineering at the University of Surrey.

Shikha Dhimanمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Materials Chemistry
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Shikha Dhiman is a Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), specializing in supramolecular chemistry and adaptive materials. Her research focuses on controlled self-assembly processes, charge-transfer systems, and bioinspired polymerization strategies. Current affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, JGU Email: shikha.dhiman@uni-mainz.de Personal website: www.dhimanlab.com The Supramolecular Chemistry field dominates her work, with key subtopics including: Temporal control of self-assembly Redox-responsive materials Enzymatic reaction networks Charge-transfer gel systems Living supramolecular polymerization Phase separation-driven assembly Article trends show increasing emphasis on dynamic materials (2022-2025) and bioinspired systems (2019-2024), with recent work exploring antibody-recruiting surfaces and enzymatic control of coacervation.