Dr. Giulia Biancon is an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She holds a PhD from the University of Milan (2019) and is a member of the Halene Lab, focusing on RNA biology and hematologic malignancies. Her research combines high-throughput methodologies to study RNA mechanisms in diseases like myeloid leukemias and splicing factor mutations. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Milan (2019). Research Interests: RNA splicing, stress granules in cancer, epitranscriptomics, clonal hematopoiesis, and the interplay between genetic mutations and cellular pathways in blood cancers. Awards: 2024 Eclipse Award, 2022 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, and 2022 RNA Society Best Poster Award. Her work has been published in journals like Cell Reports , Blood , and Molecular Cell . Labs/Teams: Principal member of the Halene Lab and coordinator at the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Collaborates with institutions like the SeroNet network for immunology studies.
Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
Dr Thomas Maguire is a Visiting Fellow with the King's Intelligence and Security Group in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, and Assistant Professor of Intelligence and Security at Leiden University. His research focuses on intelligence-propaganda interactions and international security cooperation, particularly in Cold War Southeast Asia and counter-terrorism contexts. Education: PhD in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) MPhil in International Relations (POLIS, University of Cambridge) BA (Hons) in History (Durham University) Maguire's research examines the intersection of intelligence operations and propaganda dissemination in foreign policy contexts, with specialized focus on British and American covert action in Southeast Asia. He also investigates post-colonial security relationships and international counter-terrorism cooperation frameworks. His work spans historical analysis and contemporary security challenges. Maguire's publications demonstrate interdisciplinary research across public health, virology, and immunology, particularly addressing COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccine development, and immune responses. This reflects methodological versatility in addressing complex global security and health challenges through both historical analysis and biomedical research. Scientific Awards: Lisa Smirl Prize for best thesis (University of Cambridge) Maguire leads the Dutch Government-funded 'Sharing Secrets' project investigating intelligence disclosure decision-making. He teaches intelligence studies courses and co-convenes the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar. At Leiden, he coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Intelligence Studies and Crisis Management. Maguire previously served as Research Fellow at Darwin College and the Department of Politics and International Studies (University of Cambridge), and as John Garnett Visiting Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute focusing on East African security challenges.
Moira Whyte serves as Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head of Edinburgh Medical School at the University of Edinburgh, while directing the MRC University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research. Her leadership spans clinical academia and major research initiatives focused on respiratory pathophysiology. Her educational background includes a 1st Class B.Sc. (1981), M.B., B.S. (1984), and Ph.D. (1993) from the University of London, complemented by professional qualifications: M.R.C.P. (1987), F.R.C.P. (1998), and F.Med.Sci. (2005) from the Academy of Medical Sciences. Whyte's research centers on neutrophil biology, macrophage function, and hypoxia signaling pathways in respiratory diseases. Her work explores how oxygen-sensing mechanisms like HIF pathways regulate immune cell function in COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and bacterial infections, with particular focus on cellular metabolism and inflammation resolution. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on neutrophil and macrophage biology within respiratory diseases, with growing emphasis on metabolic regulation of immune responses. Her work bridges basic science (using zebrafish models) with clinical applications, particularly in COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Her scientific recognition includes: 2014 OBE for Services to Respiratory Medicine 2014 Foundation Fellow of the European Respiratory Society 2005 Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences 2002 Tudor Edwards Lecturer of the Royal College of Physicians 1994 Wellcome Trust Advanced Fellowship 1989 MRC Clinical Training Fellowship Whyte directs substantial research funding, including a £6.4M Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme (ECAT-Plus) and multiple grants investigating macrophage function in COPD, hypoxia pathways in pulmonary fibrosis, and neutrophilic inflammation regulation. Her collaborative approach is evident in multi-institutional projects like the EME-TIPAC study on pulmonary fibrosis. As Director of the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, she leads a multidisciplinary team investigating fundamental mechanisms of inflammation across multiple disease contexts, with particular strength in respiratory immunology and translational applications.
Balázs Rada is an Associate Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on mechanisms of respiratory innate immunity, particularly in cystic fibrosis lung disease and host-pathogen interactions involving pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and influenza virus. Key projects include investigating neutrophil biology, reactive oxygen species in airway defenses, and therapeutic modulation of innate immunity. His lab, the Rada Laboratory, is based in Athens, Georgia, and emphasizes translational research in respiratory disease pathogenesis. Research interests span cystic fibrosis airway inflammation, antimicrobial therapies, and the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in lung diseases. Collaborative efforts aim to develop novel treatments targeting innate immune dysfunction.
Som G Nanjappa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Illinois. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009). He specializes in T cell biology, fungal infections, and vaccine development, with a focus on CD8+ T cells, Tc17 cells, and their roles in combating fungal pathogens like Blastomyces dermatitidis and Cryptococcus neoformans. His research explores mechanisms of vaccine-induced immunity, particularly in immunocompromised hosts, and investigates how T cell responses contribute to protection against fungal pneumonia. Recent work highlights the role of GM-CSF+ Tc17 cells in vaccine efficacy and the importance of molecules like sialophorin in CD8+ T cell activation. Collaborations span immunology, oncology, and microbiology, with studies on 27-hydroxycholesterol’s impact on breast cancer progression and T cell dysfunction. Publications emphasize fungal vaccine strategies, immune memory persistence, and the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. His findings have been featured in journals like Cell Reports, PLoS Pathogens, and Frontiers in Immunology, with impactful contributions to understanding antifungal immunity and T cell plasticity.
Paul Klenerman is a Professor at the Nuffield Department of Medicine within the Medical Sciences Division , University of Oxford. His research focuses on immune responses to infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B/C, and SARS-CoV-2, with emphasis on T-cell biology, vaccine development, and host-pathogen dynamics. Email: paul.klenerman@medawar.ox.ac.uk Collaborators: Ellie Barnes (Oxford), Adrian Hill (Oxford), Georg Lauer (Harvard), Robert Thimme (Freiburg), and others across 12 institutions. Key research themes include: CD161++/MAIT cell biology (bacterial/viral defense, liver immunology), HCV immune defense (vaccine trials using adenoviral vectors), and memory inflation (persistent immune responses post-viral infections). Recent publications (2024-2025) span vaccine immunology (hybrid immunity, bivalent boosters), liver immunobiology (MAIT cell repair mechanisms), infectious disease dynamics (HCV persistence, dengue progression), and single-cell analysis of gut/lung pathologies.
Simon Arthur is a Professor of Immune Signalling at the University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences, within the Department of Cell Signalling and Immunology. His research focuses on understanding inflammatory processes, particularly the role of innate immune cells in coordinating inflammation and resolving immune responses. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford (1995) and a BSc from Durham University (1990). Arthur is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2015) and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biological Chemistry . His teaching includes courses on Genetics, Cell Signalling, Immunology, and advanced topics in immunology and cell signalling. He supervises PhD projects on microglial phenotypes in brain ageing and immunomodulatory factors in helminth-host interactions. Arthur leads research projects funded by the Medical Research Council and other agencies, including studies on liver fibrosis, bile acid diarrhoea, and pulmonary fibrosis. Key research themes include cytokine regulation, macrophage function, and the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation. His work spans from fundamental biology to translational research, aiming to develop therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Arthur collaborates internationally and has over 180 publications in high-impact journals.
Professor Kim Midwood serves as Professor of Matrix Biology and Kennedy Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Oxford's Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, leading research on extracellular matrix dynamics in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Her academic foundation includes: BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh (1995) PhD in Pathology from the University of Edinburgh (1999), investigating extracellular matrix changes in arthritis Her research centers on matrix immunology, particularly tenascin-C's role in rheumatoid arthritis, tumor microenvironments, and fibrosis. She examines how tissue-specific matrix composition dictates immune cell behavior through toll-like receptor signaling and chemokine networks, revealing novel therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory conditions. Publications from 2013-2025 demonstrate evolving focus from arthritis mechanisms to broader applications in cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, consistently highlighting matrix molecules as central regulators of disease progression. Her accolades include: MRC New Investigators Award (2007) Arthritis Research UK Senior Fellowship (2012) She directs the Matrix Immunology research group (established 2004 at Imperial College London, relocated to Oxford in 2011) and founded biotech company Nascient Ltd (2012) to translate matrix-targeting discoveries into clinical therapies.
Yibing Qyang is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) at Yale University School of Medicine (YSM), affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine. He serves as Director of the Yale Stem Cell Research Forum since 2010. His expertise spans stem cell biology, cardiovascular disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. Qyang holds a B.S. from Nanjing University, an M.S. from Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He completed postdoctoral training at UC San Diego and Harvard Medical School. Research Interests: The Qyang Lab focuses on engineering vascular tissues using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), elucidating cardiovascular disease mechanisms, and developing therapeutic strategies. Key areas include: Vascular tissue engineering for graft development Stem cell-derived models of diseases like supravalvular aortic stenosis Cardiac progenitor cell therapies for heart repair Biomechanical signaling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Preclinical porcine models for translational research Key Achievements: Developed immunocompatible 'universal donor' vascular grafts using CRISPR-engineered iPSCs Pioneered iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells for tissue engineering Identified elastin-based therapies for supravalvular aortic stenosis Grants & Awards: Connecticut Stem Cell Program Established Investigator Awards (2011, 2015) ISSCR Membership (2007–Present) Highlighted in Yale News for groundbreaking discoveries in heart disease and vascular grafts Lab Team & Collaborations: The lab includes researchers and students from institutions worldwide, with collaborations at Harvard, UCSD, and Yale’s Cardiovascular Research Center. Projects span iPSC differentiation, biomechanical modeling, and preclinical trials. Future Directions: Expanding studies on universal donor grafts, cardiac tissue engineering, and clinical translation of iPSC-derived therapies.
Raphaël Borie is a Clinical Professor at Paris Cité University (formerly Paris Diderot - Paris 7), serving as a Hospital Practitioner in the Pulmonology Department at Bichat Hospital. His dual appointment reflects the French academic medical system where clinicians maintain active patient care responsibilities while contributing to medical education and research. He is specifically affiliated with the Competence Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, where he applies his expertise to complex cases requiring specialized knowledge. Dr. Borie completed his medical education with a medical thesis in 2004 and a doctoral thesis in genetics in 2017, demonstrating his commitment to bridging clinical practice with genetic research. His academic journey shows a deliberate integration of clinical medicine with molecular genetics, creating a specialized niche in understanding pulmonary conditions with genetic components. His research focuses on the intersection of pulmonology and genetics, particularly investigating rare pulmonary diseases with genetic underpinnings. Dr. Borie has made significant contributions to understanding pulmonary manifestations in primary biliary cirrhosis and the genetic basis of familial pulmonary fibrosis in adults. His scholarly work demonstrates a progression from studying pulmonary complications of systemic diseases to investigating the genetic foundations of primary pulmonary disorders. As a Clinical Professor, Dr. Borie serves as an examiner at Paris Cité University and supervises doctoral candidates, including Quentin Philippot's 2023 thesis on IL-23R deficiency. His work at the Competence Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases positions him at the forefront of diagnosing and managing challenging pulmonary cases that require multidisciplinary approaches. Dr. Borie maintains professional recognition through identifiers including ORCID (0000-0002-9906-0024), SCOPUS ID (23974151600), and ISNI Identifier (000000035763519X), documenting his scholarly contributions across medical and genetic disciplines.
Craig Morrell is a Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , with joint appointments in the Departments of Medicine , Microbiology and Immunology , and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine . He serves as Associate Director of the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute . Education: Sc.B. in Biology, Brown University (1995) D.V.M. , Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (2000) Ph.D. in Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University (2005) His research examines the interface between platelets, vascular biology, and immune cells , focusing on platelet roles in thrombosis, inflammation, and immune regulation. Using advanced mouse models , his lab investigates platelet-derived mediators like β2M and PF4 in diseases such as malaria, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Article trends highlight platelets' dual roles in thrombosis and immune modulation , with recurring themes in vascular inflammation , ERK5 signaling , and age-related immune dysfunction . Scientific Awards: Kenneth M. Brinkous Young Investigators Prize (2008) Deans Gift research award (2006) Multiple travel scholarships and fellowships (2003-2005) Pathology Award-Excellence in Pathology (2000) Mentoring and Teaching : He has mentored 8 doctoral students , 7 undergraduates , and 6 postdoctoral fellows , with a focus on diversity. He serves on thesis committees and the URMC MSTP (MD/PhD) admissions committee . Labs and Collaborations : Leads the Morrell Lab at the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, collaborating with institutions like Johns Hopkins and Medical College of Wisconsin.
Jakob Körbelin is a Principal Investigator at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic. His research focuses on vascular biology, gene therapy, and neurological disorders, particularly targeting the blood-brain barrier using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. He leads studies on pulmonary hypertension, neurovascular interactions, and genetic diseases like Niemann-Pick type C2. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, emphasizing AAV engineering and therapeutic applications. Key research interests include endothelial cell biology, neuroinflammation, and the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Notably, he received the UCCH Hubertus Wald Young Investigator Award 2013 for his contributions. His lab explores mechanisms of vascular dysfunction, gene delivery optimization, and the impact of viral vectors in treating rare diseases. Collaborations span molecular neurobiology, immunology, and translational oncology. Publications highlight breakthroughs in AAV-mediated therapies, such as reversing neurodegeneration in NPC2 models and identifying novel targets for pulmonary hypertension. Ongoing projects address microvascular brain pathology in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of transcription factors in vascular diseases.
Christopher Grainge is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health, and a Staff Specialist in Respiratory and General Medicine at John Hunter Hospital. Previously, he served as a Consultant Physician and Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton. His extensive clinical background includes service in the Royal Navy, specializing in diving and remote medicine, and deployments to Antarctica and Southern Iraq. Dr. Grainge maintains active research collaborations with institutions worldwide, focusing on respiratory medicine. Dr. Grainge completed his undergraduate training at Imperial College, University of London, with an intercalated BSc. He earned his PhD from the University of Southampton in 2011, with research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. His thesis examined the effect of repeated bronchoconstriction on airways in asthma. He also holds membership in the Royal College of Physicians and was awarded the Diploma in the Medical Care of Catastrophes, specializing in remote and refugee medicine. Dr. Grainge's research focuses on the role of mechanical forces in asthma pathophysiology, environmental dusts in lung disease development, and platelet antagonists' effects on allergen challenge. His work demonstrates that mechanical forces play a crucial role in determining long-term changes in human airways. He leads investigations into how environmental exposure to inhaled particles leads to conditions like constrictive bronchiolitis, and explores novel therapeutic pathways for asthma through platelet activation inhibition. His research has significant clinical implications for difficult asthma and interstitial lung disease management. Dr. Grainge's recent publications reflect strong trends in interstitial lung disease research, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma mechanisms. His work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence for disease stratification and deep learning for predicting disease progression. Collaborative research with international teams examines biomarkers for disease progression and novel treatment approaches for fibrotic lung diseases, with a particular focus on quantitative CT analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. Leatherdale Prize for Clinical Teaching: Finalist (2013) Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards Winner (2011) University of Southampton Translational Medicine Research Prize (2011) Michael Arthur Clinical Research Prize (2014) British Lung Foundation Travel Fellowship (2011) Gilbert Blane Medal (2010) Colt Foundation Prize: Finalist (2010) Asthma UK Travel Fellowship (2009) Dr. Grainge has received significant research funding from the British Lung Foundation, the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, the Institute for Life Sciences, and the Gerald Kerkut Foundation. His projects investigate the effects of physical and environmental stress on lung disease, mechanisms underlying lung disease development following environmental particle exposure, and potential therapies. He has collaborated extensively with research teams across Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, and South Africa, contributing to the training of numerous students and junior researchers through his supervision and mentorship roles. Dr. Grainge collaborates extensively with the Respiratory Research group at the University of Southampton, the Asthma and COPD Research Group at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the Microbiome group at the South Australia Medical Research Institute. His current work at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) focuses on mechanical forces within airways and their impact on acute and long-term lung changes in patients with airway diseases. He is also involved in the Australian IPF Registry, contributing to multicenter studies on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progression and treatment outcomes.
John Hanrahan is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at McGill University, leading the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Function Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding epithelial chloride transport mechanisms, particularly the CFTR protein’s role in cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He employs electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology techniques to study CFTR structure-function relationships and develop therapeutic correctors for CFTR mutations. Education: BSc(Hon) from Dalhousie University, PhD from University of British Columbia, and postdoctoral training at Yale University. Research emphasizes: 1) CFTR clustering dynamics and lipid membrane interactions, 2) CFTR corrector drug development (e.g., MCG1516A, LAU-7b), 3) CFTR’s role in mucus production and host defense, and 4) pharmacological modulation of cyclic nucleotide pathways. Recent work explores combinations of CFTR modulators and lipid metabolism interventions to address CF pathophysiology. Key findings include demonstrating lipid-driven CFTR clustering defects in CF and identifying novel compounds that restore CFTR trafficking. His studies also reveal CFTR’s interplay with bitter taste receptors (T2R14) and PDE enzymes in immune responses.
