Prof. Katrin Willig is a Professor of Cellular and Molecular Imaging in Anatomy at the Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg. Her research focuses on synaptic structures and brain function using advanced STED microscopy. Previously, she held positions at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry (2006-2013) and led a junior research group at the CNMPB in Göttingen (2014-2023). Education: 1995-2001: Physics studies at University of Würzburg and University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 2006: PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) from University of Heidelberg, thesis on STED microscopy Research Interests: Sub-cellular structural plasticity in live mice Super-resolution imaging of synapses Long-term and multi-label STED microscopy Experience-dependent neuronal circuit remodeling Publications highlight innovations in STED microscopy and synaptic dynamics, with emphasis on in vivo applications and neuroplasticity mechanisms. Her work bridges physics, neuroscience, and molecular biology. Labs/Teams: Head of the research group in Cellular and Molecular Imaging at the Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Augsburg.
Alexey Petrov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, affiliated with the College of Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis, particularly ribosome dynamics and translational regulation. His research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. He investigates how ribosomes achieve high-speed and high-fidelity protein synthesis, how mRNA structure and modifications regulate translation, and how viral elements hijack the translational machinery. His lab employs cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence techniques and biochemical assays to dissect these processes in real time. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on ribosome translocation, initiation, elongation fidelity, and the impact of mRNA modifications such as 2′-O-methylation and m6A on translation dynamics. His work frequently involves the study of viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), providing insights into alternative translation mechanisms. The research is characterized by a deep mechanistic and kinetic understanding of translation, often revealing multiple parallel pathways and dynamic conformational changes. Alexey Petrov received his B.S. from Moscow State University, Russia, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, under Dr. Jonathan Dinman. He completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi at Stanford University, where he pioneered single-molecule studies of translation. Postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi, Stanford University Ph.D. with Dr. Jonathan Dinman, University of Maryland, College Park B.S., Moscow State University, Russia He leads an active research group within Auburn University's Biophysics Cluster, established in 2017. His lab is dedicated to advancing the single-molecule toolbox by developing new instrumentation and data analysis pipelines to make these powerful techniques more accessible. While specific grants are not listed, his publication record in top journals suggests a well-funded and productive research program. He mentors students and postdoctoral researchers in biochemical and biophysical methods, contributing to the training of the next generation of scientists.
Johannes Hohlbein is an Associate Professor in Biophysics at Wageningen University & Research , with a focus on interdisciplinary research bridging food science, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy techniques. His work spans structural analysis of protein-based food materials and single-molecule studies of biomolecular processes. Interdisciplinary Research : Food Science, Biophysics, Molecular Biology Methodologies : Super-resolution microscopy, cryo-CLEM, Fourier transform analysis, single-particle tracking Scientific Contributions include: Structural anisotropy in soy protein extrudates Heterogeneity in food emulsions Lipid oxidation mechanisms DNA-targeting enzyme dynamics Statistical tools for nanoparticle tracking Supervised PhD Projects : Measurement and Modeling of Multiscale Protein Products (MP3) Biomolecule Localization in Food Matrices Food Oxidation Studies via Cryo-CLEM Single-Nanoparticle Diffusometry Plant Hormone Response at Single-Molecule Level
Prof. Dr. Lukas C. Kapitein is a leading researcher in Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University . His work bridges physics and neuroscience to understand how cells maintain their shape and intracellular organization, particularly in neurons. Academic Affiliation: Full Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics since 2018 Key Collaborations: Co-manages the Gravitation project IMAGINE! with Anna Akhmanova Research Focus: The lab investigates the neuronal cytoskeleton , emphasizing microtubule organization and motor protein dynamics. They develop advanced optical methods to map cytoskeletal architecture and design intracellular assays to probe motor-cargo interactions, linking these to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2018), ERC Starting Grant (2013), NWO VIDI (2013), NWO ALW-VENI (2011), Erasmus MC Fellowship (2011). Students: PhD students include Albert Serweta, Thijs Makaske, Jasper Schelt, and Varsha Mahapatra. The lab also features postdocs and technical staff in microscopy and protein engineering. Methods: Combines protein engineering , super-resolution microscopy (STED, Localization, Expansion), and mathematical modeling to resolve microtubule polarity, transport rules, and dendritic spine dynamics.
Sonia Gandhi is a Professor of Neurology and MRC Senior Clinician Scientist at the University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, and a Senior Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute. She holds concurrent roles as Assistant Research Director at the Crick and leads a clinical research center for Parkinson’s disease. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative mechanisms, particularly protein misfolding and RNA regulation in Parkinson’s, using interdisciplinary approaches such as stem cell biology and computational neuroscience. Education : MA in Neuroscience, University of Cambridge MB ChB (Medicine), University of Oxford PhD in Neuroscience, UCL Research Interests : Her work combines patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with advanced imaging techniques to study early-stage protein aggregation and cellular dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Key areas include molecular pathways in Parkinson’s, disease-modifying therapies, and personalized medicine. Articles Trends : Recent work spans influenza immunity, SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNAs, and Parkinson’s pathogenesis, reflecting her expertise in both clinical and experimental neurology. Awards : NIHR Lectureship in Neurology (2009) Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellowship (2014) MRC Senior Clinician Scientist Fellowship (2020) Lab & Collaborations : Her lab at the Crick collaborates with groups in stem cell biology (e.g., Rickie Patani) and utilizes facilities like Light Microscopy and Genomics. She also leads translational initiatives to accelerate drug development for neurodegenerative diseases.
Peter William Tinning serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering. He is affiliated with the Centre for Microsystems and Photonics (CMP) where he develops advanced microscopy technologies, particularly focusing on miniaturized structured illumination systems using 3D printed components and MEMS. His research interests span biomedical imaging, optical microscopy, MEMS technology, and super-resolution imaging techniques. Tinning specializes in developing hardware solutions for live cell imaging, with particular expertise in structured illumination modalities, light sheet microscopy, and photoacoustic imaging systems. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biomedical applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical microscope development using MEMS scanning mirrors, with applications in super-resolution imaging of cellular processes. His research shows a progression from fundamental optical techniques to increasingly miniaturized and specialized systems with clear biomedical applications. Scientific Awards: Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Award (2024) Tinning is currently leading the Northern Light Microscopy project as Principal Investigator, funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering (£78,250), and serves as Co-investigator on an Innovate UK project focused on MEMS super-resolution microscopy. His entrepreneurial activities include developing business models around his research innovations. Based at the Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, Tinning works within a multidisciplinary team focused on microsystems, photonics, laser gas diagnostics, and microfluidics for biomedical applications.
Karen Hannigan, Ph.D., serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where her research centers on calcium signaling mechanisms in smooth muscle and cardiac cells and their implications for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Her academic credentials include: B.S. in Anatomy from Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland Ph.D. in Physiology from Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland Dr. Hannigan's research program investigates dysregulation of Ca 2+ signaling in smooth muscle pathophysiology, with particular emphasis on gastrointestinal sphincters (internal anal sphincter and lower esophageal sphincter) and urogenital tissues (corpus cavernosum). Her work integrates cellular electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and pharmacological approaches to study ion channels—including BK Ca and Ano1—and their roles in muscle tone generation, pacemaker activity, and neuromuscular transmission across multiple species (mouse, monkey, rabbit). Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2010–2020) reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on smooth muscle physiology, with 60% of articles published between 2016–2020. Key thematic clusters include: (1) interstitial cells of Cajal as pacemakers in gastrointestinal motility, (2) β-adrenergic regulation of calcium channel dynamics in cardiac tissue, and (3) pharmacological modulation of BK Ca channels in erectile physiology. Her methodological rigor spans super-resolution imaging, comparative animal models, and translational investigations of motility disorders. No major scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Information regarding student mentorship, grant funding, or laboratory leadership was not provided in the available documentation. Research infrastructure details including laboratory facilities, collaborative teams, or ongoing projects were not specified in the source texts.
Norbert F. Scherer is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago , with affiliations to the James Franck Institute and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. His research spans biophysics, materials chemistry, and optical physics, focusing on nonequilibrium systems, nanoplasmonics, and cellular transport mechanisms. B.S., University of Chicago (1982) Ph.D., California Institute of Technology (1989) Research Highlights: Optical matter self-organization and nanoscale light-powered machines Optical magnetism in nanoplasmonic meta-materials Intracellular vesicle transport in diabetic cell models Development of ultrafast lasers, 4D microscopy, and image analysis methods Scientific Contributions: 2022 Optica C.E.K. Mees Medal 2015 Peter Debye Prize 2014 Vannevar Bush Fellowship 1997 Sloan Fellow 1993 Packard Fellow Student Advisees: Charlie Wright (PhD) Daozheng Gong His group collaborates on quantum dot integration, optical vector beam spectroscopy, and machine learning approaches to intracellular dynamics. Laboratory Focus: The Scherer Lab develops photonic methods for optical trapping, super-resolution microscopy, and nonequilibrium systems analysis, with applications in diabetes research and nanoscale machine design.
Ganesh Acharya is a researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at an unspecified university, working within the Department of Physics and Technology . His research focuses on advanced optical microscopy techniques for biomedical applications, including super-resolution imaging, quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). Key research areas : Inflammation in macrophages/trophoblasts, male reproductive health, placental tissue analysis, and oxidative stress effects. Technical expertise : Chip-based microscopy systems, digital holography, and partially coherent illumination methods. The articles highlight his work on improving imaging resolution for clinical and histological studies, with applications in reproductive health and inflammatory disease research. Collaborative efforts with experts like Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Dalip Singh Mehta underscore interdisciplinary approaches combining optics, cell biology, and biomedical engineering. No formal awards or student advisement records were identified in the provided texts.
Prof. Dr. Stephanie Reich is a Professor of Experimental Solid-State Physics at the Freie Universität Berlin, leading the AG Reich research group within the Department of Physics. Her research focuses on nanoscale materials and their light-matter interactions, particularly in plasmonic systems, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). She explores phenomena such as ultrafast relaxation dynamics, excitonic states, and nanoscale optoelectronic properties. Key areas include plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, functionalization of nanomaterials, and applications in nanophotonics. Prof. Reich's work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications, utilizing advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy and near-field microscopy. Affiliations: Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Physics, AG Reich Lab Equipment: Tunable Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrometers, near-field microscopy (s-SNOM), AFM systems Research Interests: Prof. Reich investigates optical properties of low-dimensional materials, plasmonic nanostructures, and functionalized nanotubes. Her studies address topics such as exciton-photon coupling in 2D materials, energy transfer mechanisms in hybrid systems, and the design of nanoscale optical devices. Recent work emphasizes applications in energy conversion, sensing, and super-resolution microscopy. Recent Trends in Publications: Her research highlights advancements in plasmonic supercrystals, THz-driven phonon dynamics in hybrid perovskites, and collective electronic states in nanotube systems. These studies underscore the interplay between material structure and optoelectronic behavior, with implications for next-generation photonic technologies.
Leonhard Möckl is a Professor of Nano-optical Imaging at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and an Associated Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. He holds a PhD from LMU Munich (2015) and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University (2016–2020), focusing on glycocalyx dynamics using super-resolution microscopy and deep learning. His research integrates biophysics, nanotechnology, and computational methods to study cell membrane organization and disease mechanisms. Key research areas include glycocalyx architecture, single-molecule imaging, and nano-optical techniques for biomedical applications. He leads the Physical Glycosciences Research Group, developing tools like XLuminA for automated microscopy design and novel drug delivery systems. Notable contributions include studies on RNA-binding proteins in leukemia treatment and glycocalyx-based drug targeting. Publications span high-impact journals like Nature Biotechnology , Cell , and Nature Communications , reflecting his expertise in imaging, glycobiology, and molecular pharmacology. His work bridges fundamental science and translational medicine, addressing challenges in cancer therapy, infectious diseases, and cell engineering.
Bernd Rieger (born 1973) is a Professor at the Faculty of Applied Sciences of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands. He leads the Computational Imaging group within the Department of Imaging Physics (ImPhys). Appointed as Antoni van Leeuwenhoek full professor in 2017, he has established himself as a leading researcher in advanced microscopy techniques. His educational background includes an M.Sc. in physics from Technische Universität München (1999) and a Ph.D. in image processing and analysis from Delft University of Technology (2004). After completing his doctoral studies, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany. Rieger's research focuses on Computational Microscopy , which combines imaging physics and image processing specifically for light and electron microscopy applications in life sciences at the biomolecular level. His work spans optical nanoscopy, image processing algorithms, and electron microscopy techniques, with particular emphasis on improving resolution and developing novel imaging methodologies. The research has significant implications for understanding cellular structures and molecular interactions. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on improving microscopy resolution techniques, developing image processing algorithms for microscopy data, and advancing super-resolution imaging methods. His work combines theoretical foundations with practical applications in biological imaging, particularly in the areas of structured illumination microscopy, DNA-PAINT, and Fourier analysis techniques for resolution assessment. ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) to investigate ways to further improve the resolution towards 1 nm in the field of optical nanoscopy Professor Rieger has successfully secured significant research funding, including the prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant. His research group collaborates extensively with other institutions and researchers across Europe. The group maintains strong connections with industry partners, particularly in the microscopy equipment sector, building on Rieger's earlier experience at FEI Electron Optics. The Rieger group operates advanced microscopy facilities at TU Delft, focusing on computational approaches to enhance imaging capabilities. The lab integrates physics-based modeling with sophisticated image processing techniques to push the boundaries of what's possible in optical and electron microscopy. Current research directions include 3D structured illumination microscopy, single-molecule localization techniques, and novel approaches to quantitative image analysis in biological contexts.
Professor Mathew H Horrocks is a Personal Chair of Biophysics at the School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, where he leads the Edinburgh Single-Molecule Biophysics (ESMB) Group within the Centre for Inflammation Research. His research focuses on applying single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy techniques to address fundamental biological questions, with particular emphasis on neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. Horrocks' research interests span multiple cutting-edge areas: Development and application of single-molecule microscopy techniques to study individual protein molecules Super-resolution imaging of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease Characterization of amyloid oligomers, which are recognized as the main pathogenic species in protein misfolding diseases Visualization of protein dynamics below the diffraction limit of light in test-tubes, cells, and tissue samples Application of advanced microscopy to cardiovascular disease research His recent publications demonstrate a strong methodological focus on advancing microscopy techniques to study protein behavior at unprecedented resolution, particularly in the context of neurodegeneration. His work bridges chemistry, physics, and biology to develop novel approaches for visualizing cellular processes previously inaccessible with conventional microscopy methods. Horrocks has received significant recognition for his contributions to analytical chemistry: Royal Society of Chemistry Joseph Black Award for Analytical Chemistry (2022) He currently supervises eight PhD students and multiple postdoctoral researchers, and his laboratory is supported by substantial funding from Target ALS, UCB Biopharma, BHF, ARUK, MRC, NIH, and Medical Research Scotland. His group maintains extensive collaborations across disciplines, working with neuroscience, chemistry, and clinical medicine researchers to address fundamental questions in protein biology and disease mechanisms. The Edinburgh Single-Molecule Biophysics Group operates state-of-the-art microscopy facilities that enable groundbreaking research on protein dynamics at the single-molecule level, contributing significantly to our understanding of molecular processes in health and disease.
Dr. Gregery Buzzard is a Professor of Mathematics and Director of the Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics at Purdue University, within the College of Science. His research focuses on computational imaging, inverse problems, and biological systems modeling, with significant contributions to image reconstruction techniques like Plug-and-Play Priors and Consensus Equilibrium. He holds the SIAM Imaging Sciences Best Paper Prize (2020) and led collaborations on algorithms for electron microscopy, CT, and hyperspectral imaging. Current students include Haley Duba (Mathematics), Samin Nur Chowdhury (ECE), and Karl Weisenburger (Mathematics). His work bridges applied mathematics and engineering, emphasizing uncertainty quantification and optimal experimental design. Key projects involve dynamic sampling strategies for microscopy and tomography, as well as multi-agent consensus frameworks for distributed imaging systems. Buzzard also contributed to cellular signaling research, particularly T-cell and B-cell receptor dynamics. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics (not explicitly stated but inferred from career path) Grants: Multiple grants supporting imaging and computational research (details omitted) Labs/Teams: Directs the Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM) Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including foundational work on PnP-MACE frameworks
Dr. Shihui Wen is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD) and the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He holds an ARC DECRA Fellowship and specializes in developing upconversion nanoprobes for biomedical applications, including super-resolution imaging and point-of-care diagnostics. His research focuses on nanophotonics, nanomaterials, and nanomedicine, with over 70 publications and 6,700+ citations. Education: PhD in 2018 from UTS, followed by postdoctoral research at IBMD. He has held visiting roles at institutions in Korea, Australia, and China. Awards include the Commercialisation Award (2023), Supervision & Mentoring Award (2023), and UTS Vice Chancellor's Early Career Research Excellence nomination (2023). Research interests include heterogeneous nanoprobe synthesis, optical properties for biomedical applications, and nanobiotechnology. He leads projects on rapid diagnostic tests for preeclampsia and SARS-CoV-2, leveraging upconversion nanoparticles for ultra-sensitive detection. Grants include ARC DECRA (DE220100846) and collaborations with the Innovative Manufacturing CRC. He serves as a guest editor for Nanomaterials and has presented at international conferences. His work bridges nanotechnology and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and healthcare outcomes.
