Jian Peng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on computational biology, machine learning, and their applications to protein structure prediction, drug design, and molecular modeling. He has contributed to advancements in antibody engineering, protein-ligand docking, and generative models for biological systems. Key research areas include: Machine Learning for Molecular Modeling Protein Structure Prediction Antibody and Peptide Design Genomics and Single-Cell Analysis Structure-Based Drug Discovery His work emphasizes integrating deep learning techniques with biological datasets to address challenges in precision medicine, drug development, and systems biology. Notable achievements include developing the FastFold system to accelerate AlphaFold training and pioneering flow-based methods for antibody design. Awards include the Overton Prize (2020), recognizing contributions to computational biology. His research has been published in top journals and conferences, spanning topics from protein mutation prediction to geodesic-based immune complex modeling.
Maria Hondele is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, where she leads a research group dedicated to understanding the formation, regulation, and function of membraneless organelles, particularly those associated with RNA processing. Her interdisciplinary work bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to dissect how RNA-protein condensates influence gene expression. Her research focuses on liquid-liquid phase separation and the role of DEAD-box ATPases as master regulators of biomolecular condensates. She investigates how these dynamic structures control RNA flux, processing, and localization within cells. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach including biochemical reconstitution, biophysical measurements, high-throughput screening, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying condensate formation and function. The recent publications of her group reveal a strong thematic focus on RNA-protein interactions, phase separation, stress granules, and the enzymatic regulation of condensates by ATPases. These studies span model systems from synthetic coacervates to human cells, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to understand both fundamental principles and biological implications of membraneless organelles. ERC Starting Grant (2020) SNSF Eccellenza Professorship (2019) HFSP Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2018) ETH and EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) PhD Prize, University of Munich (2014) Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship (2008–2011) Dr. Hondele advises a vibrant team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students, indicating an active and expanding research program. She has secured competitive grants and leads a productive research group contributing significantly to the field of RNA biology and cellular organization. She is also an Associate Member of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) RNA & Disease, reflecting her integration into major national research initiatives. Her research group is embedded within the Biozentrum, a leading interdisciplinary research center at the University of Basel, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks in molecular and cellular biology.
Prof. Susanne Kassube is an SNSF Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Zurich, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of Fe-S protein biogenesis and DNA repair enzymes, employing structural biology techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography alongside biochemical and biophysical methods. She holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley (2013), and completed postdoctoral training at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Basel (2014–2020). Education: Diploma (M.Sc.) in Biology, University of Heidelberg, Germany (2008) Ph.D. in Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley, USA (2013) Research Interests: Fe-S cluster assembly and dysfunction in human diseases Mechanisms of DNA repair proteins Structural biology of large macromolecular machines Her work integrates structural and functional studies to elucidate how Fe-S clusters regulate cellular processes like DNA repair and oxidative stress response. Awards: SNSF PRIMA Grant (2021) EMBO Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship (2010) Advising & Grants: Advises PhD students (Roberta Cadei, Keshav Goyal, Steffen Winkler) and a Master’s student (Anna von Wyss). Recipient of the SNSF PRIMA Grant supporting her research into Fe-S protein biogenesis. Labs/Teams: The Kassube Group at the University of Zurich focuses on structural and biochemical studies of Fe-S proteins and DNA repair mechanisms. Team members include lab technicians and technical staff.
Dr. Dieter Kressler is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Biology , Faculty of Science and Medicine , University of Fribourg. Holding a PhD and serving as head of the proteomics platform , his work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. Email: dieter.kressler@unifr.ch ORCID: 0000-0003-4855-3563 Contact: +41 26 300 8645 Location: PER 05 building, Fribourg Research Interests include: Dedicated chaperones for ribosomal proteins Co-translational regulation of ribosomal protein expression Ubiquitin signaling in ribosome assembly RNA helicase roles in pre-ribosomal particles Structural dynamics of ribosome maturation Stress response coupling to translational control His 15 most recent publications (2025-2016) reveal a consistent focus on ribosome biogenesis, with key articles in eLife , Nature Communications , and Nucleic Acids Research . Research spans from thermal avoidance circuits in C. elegans to ubiquitin fusion mechanisms in yeast ribosomes , integrating structural biology, genetics, and biochemical approaches.
Monica Gotta is a Professor in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism at the University of Geneva. Her research focuses on asymmetric cell division, mitosis regulation, and biophysical mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. She leads a dynamic research group exploring cellular asymmetries through experimental and computational approaches. Research Interests: Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics Key Topics: Mitosis, Stress Granules, Cell Polarity, Protein Kinase Regulation, Reaction-Diffusion Mechanisms Labs & Teams: The Gotta Lab investigates molecular and biophysical mechanisms of asymmetric division, with former members contributing to studies on stress granules, spindle orientation, and embryonic patterning.
Professor Susan Mango is a leading researcher in developmental biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, where she serves as Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology since 2019. Her laboratory investigates fundamental questions about how complex organs develop from embryonic cells, with a focus on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. She has made significant contributions to understanding transcriptional regulation, chromatin organization, and epigenetic inheritance during development. PhD, Princeton University (1984-1990) Undergraduate Researcher, MIT (1982-1983) Post-doctoral Fellow, University of Wisconsin (1990-1995) Professor Mango's research spans several interconnected areas of developmental biology. Her laboratory examines how chromosomes are organized in 3D within the cell nucleus and how this organization affects development, with particular focus on heterochromatin formation during embryogenesis. She has pioneered work on pioneer transcription factors, especially PHA-4/FoxA, which determines cell identity in the developing gut. Her research also investigates how environmental conditions experienced by parents can influence embryonic development in subsequent generations, exploring mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. Her laboratory employs molecular genetics, live imaging, genomics, and innovative chromosome tracing techniques to address these fundamental questions. Professor Mango's publications reveal a consistent focus on nuclear architecture, transcriptional regulation, and developmental mechanisms using C. elegans . Her recent work has advanced chromosome tracing methodologies, explored translational control of mRNA localization, and investigated how neurons can modulate signaling to offspring. Her research shows a progression from foundational studies on organ development to more complex investigations of nuclear organization and transgenerational inheritance. Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Basel and Credit Suisse (2021) Elected to the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2019) NIH NIGMS MERIT Award (2011-2020) MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (2009-2013) Harland Winfield Mossman Developmental Biologists' Award (2005) Professor Mango has led a productive research group investigating fundamental developmental processes for over two decades. Her laboratory has been supported by prestigious funding including the MacArthur Fellowship and NIH MERIT Award. She has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish independent research careers. Her collaborative approach is evident in her extensive publication record spanning multiple disciplines within developmental biology. Professor Mango leads the Mango Research Group at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, where her team employs advanced imaging techniques including Chromosome Tracing and multiplex FISH to study nuclear organization during embryogenesis. Her laboratory investigates multiple projects simultaneously including Chromosomes in 3D, Epigenetic Inheritance, Pioneer transcription factors, and The Skin I Live in (focusing on epidermal development).
Prof. Dr. sc. nat. Philippe Krebs is a Group Leader at the Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology , affiliated with the University of Bern . His research focuses on immunology, cancer biology, and infectious diseases, particularly the role of innate immune cells in tumor microenvironments and inflammatory conditions. Key Research Areas: Innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), IL-33 signaling, tumor immunology (colorectal and prostate cancer), bone marrow interactomics, and organ-on-chip models. Recent Trends: Utilizing AI for immune cell quantification in cancer, developing lipid-based gels for ulcerative colitis, and engineering nanoparticles to mimic natural killer cell functions for leukemia therapy. Techniques: Single-cell transcriptomics, organ-on-chip systems, and molecular regulation studies of immune checkpoints.
Andreas Wagner is a Full Professor at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland. He has held academic positions since 1991, including Director of his department (2016–2020) and fellowships at institutions such as the Santa Fe Institute and Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. His research focuses on evolutionary innovation, genetic robustness, and systems biology, particularly in genes, genomes, and molecular networks. He explores how organisms adapt through mechanisms like gene duplication, cryptic variation, and transposable elements. Wagner's educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Yale University (1991–1995), and an M.Sc. from the University of Vienna (1990). His work combines experimental evolution, comparative genomics, and computational modeling to study genotype-phenotype relationships and the origins of evolutionary innovations. His research interests span molecular networks, regulatory circuits, and metabolic systems, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding how genetic changes translate into phenotypic adaptations. Notable themes include the role of mobile DNA in gene regulation, the evolutionary impact of transposable elements, and the interplay between robustness and evolvability. Wagner leads a research group at the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and collaborates with institutions like the Santa Fe Institute. His publications emphasize adaptive landscapes, evolutionary rescue, and the mechanistic basis of innovation in biological systems.
Karl Schaller is a Professor at the University of Geneva's Department of Clinical Neuroscience within the Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on neuro-glia-vascular physiology in normal and pathological brains, particularly in stroke and trauma contexts. He leads a multidisciplinary lab with four specialized teams: Dr. Bijlenga’s team studying intracellular calcium in ischemia, Dr. Badaut’s group on astrocyte homeostasis, Dr. da Silva’s team analyzing L-arginine pathways, and Dr. Schatlo’s molecular mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm. His clinical work spans SMA syndrome risk analysis, mixed reality neurosurgery, and intraoperative MRI applications. 2025: Multicenter STORMM trial on MMA embolization for chronic subdural hematomas 2025: Double-center study on SMA tumor resection outcomes 2024: Single-cell brain vasculature atlas 2024: PTPRZ1-targeting CAR T cells in glioblastoma 2023: Comparative analysis of radiation oncology and surgical approaches for brain metastases His translational research connects neurovascular interactions with clinical trial design, emphasizing improved patient outcomes through advanced surgical monitoring and innovative therapies.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Yang Lin is a doctoral assistant at the AQUA Lab within the School of Engineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He works on integrating single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) with artificial and spiking neural networks for biological and medical imaging applications, particularly fluorescence lifetime imaging. Ph.D. in Computational and Quantitative Biology (expected 2025), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne B.Eng. in Automation (2020), Shanghai Jiao Tong University His research focuses on developing intelligent image sensors by combining SPAD technology with neural networks, including ASIC SPAD sensors, FPGA-based processing units, and optical setups for biomedical applications. He is exploring spiking neural networks (SNNs) for energy-efficient, real-time imaging with SPADs. Yang's recent publications highlight advancements in quantum ghost imaging, SPAD sensor integration with neural networks, and fluorescence lifetime imaging. He has presented at conferences like WACV 2024 and received recognition for his work at BMPN 2022. Best Talk of a Young Researcher, BMPN 2022 He designs hardware-software co-systems for biomedical imaging and is open to research or engineering roles post-2025.
Prof. Dr. Olivier Voinnet is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology and Head of the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on RNA silencing mechanisms in plants, particularly their roles in antiviral defense, developmental regulation, and epigenetic processes. Key areas include small RNA biogenesis, mobility, and functional interactions with viral pathogens. His work explores how plants utilize small RNAs (siRNAs, miRNAs) to combat viral infections, regulate gene expression, and maintain genome integrity. Notable contributions include studies on the suppression of RNA silencing by viral proteins and the systemic spread of small RNAs via phloem and plasmodesmata. Voinnet’s research integrates molecular genetics, biochemistry, and computational approaches to dissect RNA silencing pathways. His findings bridge basic biology with applications in agriculture and biotechnology, such as enhancing crop resistance to pathogens. Leading the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, fostering interdisciplinary plant science research. Teaching courses in Plant Biology and Molecular Genetics at ETH Zürich. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding small RNA dynamics, including their roles in meristem activity, transposon silencing, and cross-kingdom RNA communication. His work underscores the importance of RNA-based regulatory networks in plant immunity and development.
Prof. Christoph Ringli is a Professor at the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying plant cell wall integrity sensing, particularly involving LRX proteins, RALF peptides, and FERONIA signaling. He investigates how these components regulate cell growth, cell wall formation, and stress responses. His work also explores the role of flavonols in cell shape determination and auxin transport regulation. Key research areas include: cell wall dynamics, plant hormone signaling (e.g., RALF peptides), genetic regulation of cell morphology, and epigenetic mechanisms influencing developmental processes. His lab has identified suppressor mutants (rol and sune) that shed light on interactions between cell wall signaling and TOR pathway components. His research is supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, SystemsX/MechanX programs, and a Syngenta Fellowship. He teaches courses in plant biology at the University of Zurich and supervises research internships in plant biology. Notable achievements include discovering LRX proteins' role in cell wall compaction, elucidating flavonol glycosylation effects on cell shape, and identifying novel components of the LRX/RALF/FER signaling network.
Yu Pan is a Research Fellow at the University of Zurich (UZH) in the Department of Business Administration, affiliated with the Chair for Services & Operations Management. His research focuses on sports economics, experimental economics, and empirical methods in sports, gender, and psychology. He earned his Ph.D. in Management and Economics from UZH in 2024 and previously worked as a consultant at the World Bank and a research assistant at ETH Zurich. Dr. Pan is actively involved in academic collaborations, including a summer 2025 visit to Osaka University and a conference presentation on Chinese football research at the 16th ESEA Conference in Austria. His publications span diverse fields, from sports economics to immunology and oncology. Notable recent work includes analyzing the 'superstar effect' in professional football and investigating immune mechanisms in canine cancer therapies. Upcoming activities include presenting at international conferences and advancing interdisciplinary research across business and life sciences. Despite no listed awards, his contributions bridge academic and applied domains, with a focus on methodological rigor and real-world impact. He teaches courses such as Business Administration III and AI in Services Industries at the Bachelor level, and doctoral seminars in Services & Operations Management.
Prof. Francesco Bertoni is an Adjunct Professor at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) within the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. He serves as Deputy Director of the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, and heads the Lymphoma Genomics group. His research focuses on developing novel anti-lymphoma therapies, understanding lymphoma genomics, and mechanisms of drug resistance. Bertoni has held roles at institutions in Milan, London, and Ticino before leading his group in Bellinzona since 2003. He is President of the Project Group Lymphoma at the Swiss Cancer Research Group (SAKK) and Editor-in-Chief of Hematological Oncology . He has supervised multiple Master’s and PhD students and contributed over 200 publications. Education: Medical Degree (Magna Cum Laude), State University of Milan (1994) Medical Oncology Specialty, State University of Milan (1998) Research Interests: Prof. Bertoni’s work spans lymphoma biology, targeted therapeutics, and translational oncology. Key areas include identifying therapeutic targets in lymphoma subtypes (e.g., marginal zone lymphoma, follicular lymphoma), overcoming drug resistance, and leveraging genomic technologies. His projects integrate transcriptome analysis, microfluidics for viral detection, and functional genomics of non-coding RNAs. Awards & Leadership: While no specific awards are listed, his editorial roles and leadership in international initiatives (e.g., ICML Local Organizing Committee President) underscore his influence in the field. Grants & Advising: His research is supported by projects on drug resistance mechanisms, novel therapeutic agents, and marine biotechnology. He has advised numerous students and collaborates on transnational initiatives like the European CA18238 platform. Labs & Teams: Based at the IOR, his group works closely with the SAKK and international networks to advance lymphoma research and clinical translation.
Western Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSwitzerland
Wolf Beat is an Associate Professor at the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture, part of the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (HES-SO). He is affiliated with the Institute of Complex Systems (iCoSys) where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of machine learning, bioinformatics, and document analysis. His educational background includes: BA HES-SO in Architecture from Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture MSc HES-SO in Business Administration MSc HES-SO in Engineering PhD in "Reducing the complexity of OMICS data analysis" from University of Würzburg (2017) Dr. Beat's research spans multiple disciplines with a focus on applying machine learning techniques to solve complex problems. His work in bioinformatics has contributed to advancements in DNA sequencing analysis and genomic research, while his more recent work explores time series forecasting, document analysis, and anomaly detection. He has developed innovative approaches for handling historical manuscripts through computer vision techniques and has applied machine learning to geotechnical engineering problems. His research often bridges theoretical machine learning concepts with practical industrial applications. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward foundation models and diffusion models for time series analysis, alongside continued work in bioinformatics and document analysis. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of applying cutting-edge AI techniques to domain-specific problems across diverse fields including healthcare, engineering, and digital humanities. Dr. Beat is actively involved in multiple research projects including ModIA (2024-2025, 15,000 CHF) and as principal investigator for the Foundation model for time series forecasting project (2024-2025, 100,000 CHF). His past projects include Monitoring des Transformateurs de Puissance (2023-2024, 220,000 CHF) and GREENum (2022, 24,700 CHF), demonstrating his ability to secure funding for interdisciplinary research. He collaborates extensively within the HES-SO network and with external partners, often serving as a co-researcher or principal investigator on projects that combine expertise from engineering, computer science, and domain-specific applications. His research team at iCoSys Institute includes multiple researchers working on AI and complex systems, and he has been involved in numerous projects with colleagues including Montet Frédéric, Pasquier Benjamin, Von Barnekow Alec, and Maillard Philippe. His work demonstrates a consistent commitment to developing practical AI solutions that address real-world challenges across multiple domains.
