Clément CABRIEL is a CNRS Researcher affiliated with the Institut Langevin (ESPCI Paris / PSL University). He specializes in Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) and its applications across bioimaging , nanophotonics , and microfabrication . Key Collaborations: Works with Ignacio Izeddin (Institut Langevin) and international teams on interdisciplinary projects. Research Focus: Develops 3D super-resolution techniques, event-based sensors for high spatio-temporal imaging, and microstructured substrates for cellular modeling and axial calibration. Achievements: Pioneered SMLM calibration tools using fractal-like substrates (2025), explored M2d macrophage differentiation via 3D topographies (2024), and advanced event-based sensor technology for dense single-molecule imaging (2023). His work bridges optics , materials science , and cell biology . Community Engagement: Co-organizes the Young Scientist Network GDR Imabio to foster European bioimaging collaboration and career development for early-career researchers.
Willem Annaert serves as a full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, where he leads the Laboratory for Membrane Transport (VIB-KU Leuven). He is also a member of both the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain Research and the KU Leuven Brain Institute. His institutional roles include membership on the Faculty Council of Medicine, Departmental Council of Neurosciences, and Department Board of Neuroscience. Annaert's research focuses on the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. His work investigates membrane transport processes, lysosomal biology, organelle communication, and lipid homeostasis in neuronal cells. He examines how dysfunction in these cellular processes contributes to neurodegeneration, with particular attention to amyloid precursor protein processing, presenilin function, and organelle contact sites. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on endolysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, mitochondrial impairment in neurodegeneration, and the role of membrane contact sites between organelles. The research employs advanced imaging techniques including super-resolution and cryo-electron microscopy to study subcellular dynamics at the nanoscale. Annaert leads multiple significant research projects including 'Impact of genetic risk factors and aging on neuronal organelle and lipid homeostasis in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease - GRAN'PA' (2025-2029) and '3D SUper-Resolutie tot cryo-ElectronenMIcroscopie voor de studie van nanoschaal subcellulaire dynamiek en structuur die verandert in Neurodegeneratieve ziekten - 3SURE MIND' (2022-2026). He actively supervises PhD students including S. Gutiérrez Fernández, A. Perdok, and Z.P. Van Acker, and contributes to teaching courses such as 'Advanced Biology of the Cell/Neuron' and 'Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases.'
Yeran Bai is an Assistant Professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, where he directs the Biomedical Applied Imaging Lab. His appointment began in 2025. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Santa Barbara (2021–2024) and Boston University (2019–2021). Research Focus: Dr. Bai specializes in developing cutting-edge optical imaging technologies for biomedical applications. His group innovates in mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, spectroscopic molecular analysis, and metabolic imaging at single-cell resolution. Key research areas include: Advanced instrumentation for infrared photothermal imaging Molecular and metabolic process mapping in cellular systems Applications addressing infectious diseases and neurodegeneration Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2020–2024) demonstrate consistent focus on high-resolution, label-free imaging techniques. Dominant themes include photothermal microscopy advancements, single-cell metabolic analysis, bond-selective chemical imaging, and high-throughput biomedical diagnostics. Methodological innovations in noise suppression, speed enhancement, and multimodal integration are prominent across his work. Laboratory: Leads the Biomedical Applied Imaging Lab at the University of Arizona, developing novel optical tools for fundamental biological research and clinical applications.
Marko Vendelin is a Tenured Full Professor at Tallinn University of Technology's School of Science, Department of Cybernetics, where he also leads the Laboratory of Systems Biology. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous appointments at Tallinn University of Technology since 1997, including prestigious fellowships from Wellcome Trust and EU Marie Curie programs. His educational background includes a Doctor's Degree (2001) and Research Master's Degree (1997), both from Tallinn University of Technology under supervision of Jüri Engelbrecht, focusing on cardiac mechanoenergetics and electrical activation modeling. His research interests center on heart muscle biophysics, bioenergetics, and biomechanics, with particular emphasis on energy transfer systems in cardiomyocytes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong focus on cardiac metabolism, sex-specific differences in heart structure, and advanced imaging techniques. His work frequently examines creatine kinase systems, calcium handling mechanisms, and metabolic compartmentalization in cardiac cells. The publications span high-impact journals including American Journal of Physiology, PLoS Computational Biology, and FEBS Letters. Awarded the National Science Award in 2008 and recognized as Tallinn University of Technology's Young Investigator of the Year in 2007, his scientific contributions have been widely recognized. His editorial service includes roles at American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology and numerous manuscript reviews for leading journals. Prof. Vendelin has supervised two postdoctoral researchers and served as external reviewer for PhD theses at multiple European institutions. His administrative roles include leadership positions in COST Actions CA16225 and CA15203, and chairing joint meetings of major physiological societies across Europe.
Dr. Mladena Glavaš is a Researcher at the NMR Centre of the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, specializing in organic synthesis and biochemical applications. Her work integrates advanced spectroscopic techniques with molecular design to develop novel compounds for biological and medical research. Her research focuses on Organic Chemistry with emphasis on Peptide Chemistry and Fluorescent Dye Development . Key areas include synthesizing modified amino acids for peptide engineering, designing BODIPY-based fluorescent sensors for cellular imaging, and creating photochemically reactive compounds for DNA interaction studies. Her work bridges synthetic organic chemistry with biochemical applications, particularly in developing tools for intracellular visualization and molecular recognition. Analysis of her 2017-2025 publications reveals consistent innovation in fluorescent probe design—especially BODIPY derivatives for pH sensing and organelle staining—and peptide modification techniques. Her research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between synthetic chemistry, photochemistry, and biomedical applications, with increasing focus on practical tools for cellular imaging and molecular diagnostics. Dr. Glavaš serves as academic supervisor, having directed Antonija Karakaš's 2023 master's thesis on oligopeptide photophysics at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology in Zagreb. Her collaborative work spans international institutions including Polish and Israeli research groups, reflecting strong cross-border scientific engagement.
Tatjana Mijošek Pavin is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Laboratory for the biological effects of metals within the Institute for Marine and Environmental Research at Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia. She holds a PhD in Biological responses in indicator organisms to wastewater exposure in Dinaric and Pannonian rivers from the Faculty of Science, Zagreb (2021), and a Master's degree in Morphological and genetic diversity of populations of the invasive crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus from the same institution (2015). Her educational background includes doctoral research at the University of Zagreb focusing on biomarker responses in aquatic organisms exposed to wastewater in Croatian river systems. Her Master's thesis examined genetic diversity of invasive crayfish populations, establishing her early interest in aquatic ecology and anthropogenic impacts on freshwater systems. Dr. Mijošek Pavin's research program centers on environmental toxicology with emphasis on metal bioaccumulation in aquatic food webs. She investigates how wastewater discharges affect metal(loid) distribution in karst river ecosystems, particularly the Krka River in Croatia. Her innovative work explores acanthocephalan parasites as sensitive bioindicators of environmental pollution, examining molecular mechanisms through transcriptomics and advanced imaging techniques. She has developed expertise in electrochemical determination of metallothioneins, metal distribution in fish calcified structures, and multi-biomarker approaches to assess ecological risks. Analysis of her publication record reveals a sophisticated evolution from basic ecotoxicology to integrated molecular approaches. Her recent work combines traditional biomonitoring with cutting-edge techniques like NanoSIMS imaging and CiteSpace literature analysis. A consistent theme is the examination of parasite-host systems as environmental sentinels, with particular attention to spatial and temporal patterns of pollution in karst hydrological systems. While specific awards are not documented in the available information, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Scientific Reports, Environmental Pollution, and Science of the Total Environment indicates significant recognition within the environmental toxicology community. Dr. Mijošek Pavin actively participates in collaborative research networks, frequently co-authoring with Vlatka Filipović Marijić, Zrinka Dragun, and Sara Šariri. Her work appears to be supported by institutional research programs at Rudjer Boskovic Institute focused on environmental monitoring and pollution assessment in Croatian aquatic ecosystems. Within the Laboratory for the biological effects of metals, she contributes to multidisciplinary teams investigating metal speciation, bioavailability, and toxic effects in freshwater systems. Her research integrates field studies in contaminated river sites with laboratory analyses of biomarkers, metal distribution, and molecular responses across multiple trophic levels.
Christoph Krafft serves as Group Leader ( Arbeitsgruppenleiter ) at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany, where he leads the Raman and IR Spectroscopic Analytics research group within the Spectroscopy/Imaging Research Department. His research program bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedical applications through advanced optical technologies. Dr. Krafft's expertise centers on vibrational spectroscopy techniques, particularly Raman and infrared methods. His research spans biomedical diagnostics (cancer detection, cellular analysis, infection mechanisms) and environmental applications (microplastic detection). He has developed innovative instrumentation including specialized Raman imaging systems, 1064 nm fiber probe spectrometers, and high-throughput screening platforms that address fluorescence interference challenges in biological samples. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strategic focus on clinical translation of spectroscopic technologies. His recent work demonstrates progression from fundamental methodology development toward practical diagnostic applications, particularly in intraoperative settings. The consistent collaboration with Jürgen Popp and international research teams across multiple disciplines highlights his position within a robust scientific network focused on advancing optical technologies for real-world challenges. Dr. Krafft actively participates in large-scale collaborative efforts, including international interlaboratory comparisons for microplastic detection standardization. His laboratory at Leibniz-IPHT maintains a dual focus on pushing technical boundaries in spectroscopic instrumentation while ensuring practical applicability in medical and environmental contexts.
Morten Schak Nielsen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. He serves as head of the Gap Junction Group and has maintained a continuous academic career at the university since 1999, progressing from Assistant research professor to his current position. His educational background includes: 1994: Cand.scient. (M.Sc.) in biology 1999: Ph.D. Scient. Dr. Nielsen's primary research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology and cellular communication mechanisms in the heart. His work centers on understanding the role of gap junctions and pannexin channels in cardiac conduction and arrhythmogenesis. He investigates how conductance disturbances associated with ischemia, metabolic syndrome and diabetes contribute to cardiac dysfunction. His research employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging techniques to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. The Gap Junction Group he leads has established important connections between cellular communication structures and clinical cardiac conditions. Analysis of Dr. Nielsen's publication record reveals consistent contributions to understanding cardiac conduction mechanisms. His work spans fundamental channel physiology to clinical implications, with particular emphasis on how intercellular communication structures like gap junctions and pannexin channels function under pathological conditions. Recent publications demonstrate growing interest in mitochondrial pannexin channels and their role in ischemia-reperfusion injury, as well as detailed investigations of the intercalated disc as a critical structure for cardiac function. His research bridges basic science with potential clinical applications in cardiac arrhythmia treatment. Dr. Nielsen serves as a dedicated educator and PhD supervisor with extensive teaching experience across multiple levels: Pregraduate: Course in Excitable Cells, Course in Heart and Lungs, Human Anatomy and Systems Physiology, Cardiac Physiology Postgraduate: Cardiac Physiology, Cardiovascular Summer School, Cardiac arrhythmias: Pathophysiological mechanisms and interventions He has held significant administrative roles including Chairman of the Danish Cardiovascular Research Academy (2011-2018) and Chairman of the cardiovascular graduate program under the PhD school of Health Sciences. Dr. Nielsen maintains active roles in the scientific community as a reviewer for journals including Heart Rhythm, Pflügers Archiv, and Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, and has participated in organizing major international conferences on gap junctions and cardiovascular physiology.
Ezgi Hacisuleyman serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Florida, where she leads the Hacisuleyman Lab focused on RNA-centric mechanisms in neuronal communication and cellular adaptation. Her research bridges molecular biology, neuroscience, and virology with significant contributions to understanding RNA localization, translation dynamics, and viral pathogenesis. Education Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Harvard University (2010-2015) Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, MIT (2006-2010) Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics, MIT (2006-2010) Dr. Hacisuleyman's research centers on RNA biology in neuronal contexts , particularly how localized translation regulates synaptic plasticity. Her lab pioneered proximity-based ribosome profiling to map dendritic translation mechanisms, revealing how eIF4G2-uORF interactions rapidly reprogram protein synthesis in response to neuronal activity. Additional work explores lncRNA-mediated genome organization and viral-host interactions, notably SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and vaccine efficacy. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular techniques with computational analysis to uncover fundamental principles of RNA regulation in health and disease. Her publication portfolio shows consistent focus on RNA-centric mechanisms across cancer biology, neurodevelopment, and virology. Early work established foundational knowledge of lncRNA functions in genome architecture (Firre locus) and adipogenesis, while recent studies reveal novel cancer dependencies (EXOSC2) and neuronal translation control. The SARS-CoV-2 research during 2021 represents a strategic pivot to address urgent pandemic challenges, demonstrating methodological versatility. Scientific Awards Kavli Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2023) Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship (2016-2019) Dr. Hacisuleyman mentors graduate students including Madison Jones (neurological disorders focus) and Ulas Kaplan (5'UTR peptide research), while previously supervising SURF undergraduates. Her active NIH/NIGMS-funded grant "Decoding RNA Localization and Local Translation" supports investigations into cellular adaptation mechanisms. The lab maintains collaborations with Rockefeller University and UCSF, building on her postdoctoral work with Darnell and Weissman. The Hacisuleyman Lab comprises graduate students, research technicians (including Alexander Valera studying synaptic transmission and Alperen Baran exploring immune-neural connections), and administrative support. Current projects examine small peptide functions in neurons and RNA dysregulation in aging-related pathologies, with infrastructure for advanced molecular profiling and neuronal imaging.
Professor Veit Hornung is Chair of Immunobiochemistry at the Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry within the Faculty of Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. His laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of innate immune recognition, particularly in the context of nucleic acid sensing and inflammasome biology. Hornung leads a large research group investigating how the immune system distinguishes between self and non-self, with implications for infectious diseases, autoinflammatory disorders, and cancer immunotherapy. Hornung's research spans three primary areas: nucleic acid sensors, inflammasomes, and genome engineering. His work on nucleic acid sensors has elucidated how Toll-like receptors (particularly TLR7 and TLR8) recognize RNA degradation products within endolysosomes, and how the cGAS-STING pathway detects cytosolic DNA. In inflammasome research, his laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRP1 activation mechanisms. His group has also pioneered CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches, developing techniques like SPARCS for spatial cellular phenotype screening. Professor Hornung has received numerous prestigious awards including the Louis-Jeantet Prize (2025), ERC Advanced Grant (2021), William B. Coley Award (2020), Liliane Bettencourt Prize (2018), and the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2018). He is an EMBO Member and Leopoldina Member, and has been consistently recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher in Immunology. Hornung currently leads multiple major research projects including the ERC Advanced Grant 'ENGINES' focusing on molecular and functional characterization of emerging inflammasomes, and several Collaborative Research Centers including TRR 338 'Lymphocyte Engineering for Therapeutic Synthetic Immunity', TRR 237 'Nucleic Acid Immunity', and SFB 1054 'Control and Plasticity of Cell-Fate Decisions in the Immune System'. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations with other research groups at LMU and internationally.
Douglas Houston is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, where he also serves as Director of the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB). He holds a PhD from the University of Miami. His research investigates vertebrate developmental mechanisms, with a focus on maternal signaling pathways, RNA localization, and cytoskeletal dynamics in Xenopus models. Key areas include cortical rotation, Wnt signaling activation, and the role of asymmetrically localized mRNAs in embryonic axis formation. His work spans Cell and Developmental Biology and Neurobiology , emphasizing molecular regulation of early embryogenesis. Research integrates genetic, biochemical, and imaging approaches to dissect mechanisms of dorsal axis specification and neural development. Recent studies explore antibody validation protocols to enhance biomedical research reproducibility. Houston directs the DSHB, a core facility supporting antibody-based research globally. The lab employs Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis for functional genomics, including CRISPR-based editing and maternal mRNA manipulation techniques.
Elias Puchner is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on the intersection of physics and biology, specifically studying cellular signaling processes using advanced microscopy techniques. He is based in the Physics and Nanotechnology Building at the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus. Dr. Puchner's research investigates how cells sense environmental signals such as physical forces or small molecules, and how these signals are processed by intracellular signaling networks. His work spans multiple length scales - from mesoscopic structures like protein complexes and organelles to nanoscopic protein conformational changes. He employs quantitative super-resolution microscopy to resolve cellular structures below the optical diffraction limit and uses atomic-force microscopy based single molecule force spectroscopy to study protein dynamics. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy techniques applied to diverse biological questions including protein dynamics, autophagy initiation, chromatin structure, and lipid metabolism. His work consistently develops novel imaging approaches that push the boundaries of what can be visualized in living cells. Dr. Puchner has secured significant research funding including an active NIH grant studying lipid droplets and subcellular metabolism (2023-2027) as Co-Investigator, and a previously completed NIH grant developing diffusion-contrast super-resolution microscopy (2018-2021) as Principal Investigator. He actively mentors students through his laboratory research and participates in the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs, demonstrating commitment to scientific education and outreach. The Puchner Lab (http://puchnerlab.umn.edu) combines synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and molecular biology with their specialty in quantitative single-molecule super-resolution microscopy to investigate the biophysical principles of cellular signaling networks, connecting single molecule behavior to whole cell responses.
Dr. Louise Stephen is a Research Fellow at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Awarded a BBSRC Discovery Fellowship in 2022, she leads research on tissue mineralisation using advanced imaging techniques in bone and fish scales to investigate subcellular processes since joining the institute in 2019. Her research centers on matrix vesicle biogenesis and its role in skeletal development and mineralisation disorders. She employs transgenic zebrafish models and cell cultures to study how tissues mineralise, with current projects focusing on vesicle composition and regulation in health and disease. This work combines correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM) and live superresolution imaging to visualize mineralisation dynamics. Dr. Stephen's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate consistent output in bone biology, with key themes including matrix vesicle function, renal osteodystrophy mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions for bone loss. Her work appears in high-impact journals such as Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and Kidney International, reflecting strong interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Stephen has received the following scientific recognition: BBSRC Discovery Fellowship (2022) She currently supervises PhD student Charlotte Clews and hosts summer research projects. Her active funding portfolio includes: BBSRC Discovery Fellowship (2023-2026, £506,473) as Principal Investigator Roslin Institute ISP Pump-Priming Grant (2025-2026, £22,158) as Principal Investigator Past grants include collaborations on Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapeutics and skeletal health models. Dr. Stephen leads a research team within the Functional Genetics division that utilizes state-of-the-art imaging to study mineralisation processes, providing critical insights for understanding bone disorders.
Robert M. Hughes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry within East Carolina University's Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. His research develops protein and small molecule reagents for controlling biochemical pathways, with applications in neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic development. Dr. Hughes' educational background includes: Ph.D. in Bio-Organic Chemistry, UNC Chapel Hill (2007) Graduate Study in Physical Chemistry, East Carolina University (2002) B.S./B.A., Washington and Lee University (1998) His primary research integrates optogenetics, protein engineering, and biocatalysis to create novel tools for cellular control. Key projects include CRY-BARs for membrane architecture manipulation, CofActor for modeling cofilin-actin pathology in Alzheimer's disease, OptoBax for light-induced apoptosis, and protaTETHER for optimizing protein fusions. The lab employs advanced techniques including fluorescence microscopy, mammalian cell culture, and enzyme screening to develop reagents that monitor oxidative stress and initiate controlled cell death pathways. Recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate strong interdisciplinary output across biochemistry, neuroscience, and chemical education, with increasing focus on educational applications through ECU's CURE program. His work shows consistent innovation in optogenetic tool development and biocatalysis for sustainable chemistry. Students in the Hughes Lab receive comprehensive training in molecular and cellular techniques while contributing to active research projects. The lab actively participates in the CURE program, providing undergraduate organic chemistry students with authentic research experiences in enzyme screening and green synthesis. The Hughes Lab operates within ECU's Department of Chemistry, maintaining collaborations with UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University. Current projects emphasize translational applications of optogenetic tools for biomedical research and educational innovation in chemical biology.
Darina Malycheva is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Molecular Pathology at Lund University Medical Faculty. Her work focuses on cytoskeletal organization, tumor dynamics, and molecular mechanisms in cancer pathology. Institution : Lund University Medical Faculty Department : Molecular Pathology, Malmö Her research spans Molecular Biology , Cell Biology , and Cancer Pathology , with recent publications exploring: TUBG1's role in RB1-negative tumors (2025) Cytoskeletal meshwork analysis (2025) Mammalian cell solubilization techniques (2024) Key collaborations include international teams in cancer research and cytoskeletal studies. She utilizes advanced biochemical and molecular biology approaches in her investigations.
