Professor Celso Grebogi, Sixth Century Chair in Nonlinear & Complex Systems at the University of Aberdeen, is a globally recognized leader in nonlinear dynamics , chaos theory , and systems biology . He founded the Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology and co-founded the Aberdeen-Lanzhou-Tempe Research Centre. His career spans institutions including University of Maryland, University of São Paulo, and Max-Planck-Society (External Scientific Member since 1998).
Silvia Arber holds a joint appointment as Full Professor for Neurobiology/Cell Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and serves as Senior Group Leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) in Basel, Switzerland. Her laboratory investigates the organization, function, and development of neuronal circuits controlling motor behavior, with a particular focus on how these circuits enable precise movement control. Arber obtained her PhD in 1996 from the Friedrich Miescher Institute under Pico Caroni, followed by postdoctoral training with Thomas Jessell at Columbia University (1996-2000), where she studied transcription factors in spinal cord neuronal differentiation. Her educational background includes Biology II studies at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel with graduation in Cell Biology (1987), a diploma thesis at the FMI (1990), and graduate work at the FMI (1992). Her research program centers on elucidating how neuronal circuits orchestrate accurate motor behavior in response to sensory cues and voluntary movement initiation. Using mouse as a model system, her laboratory employs multi-faceted approaches including advanced mouse genetics, viral technologies for transsynaptic circuit tracing, optogenetics and pharmacogenetics for functional manipulation, quantitative behavioral analysis, electrophysiology, and gene expression profiling. Her work has revealed precise synaptic interactions within dedicated motor circuit modules throughout the nervous system and how these impact function, with implications for understanding diseases causing motor deficits and spinal cord injury. Analysis of Arber's publication record shows a consistent focus on motor circuit organization, with particular emphasis on transcriptional control mechanisms, circuit connectivity mapping, and the relationship between developmental processes and functional circuit organization. Her work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, providing fundamental insights into how the nervous system controls movement. The Brain Prize (2022) Elected to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States (2020) Physiological Society Annual Review Prize Lecture (2019) Pradel Research Award (2018) W. Alden Spencer Award (2018) Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2017) ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) EMBO Member (2005) EMBO Young Investigator Award (2001) While specific students are not listed in the provided materials, Arber's laboratory has received significant research funding including an ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) and multiple prestigious awards supporting her research program. Her laboratory at the Biozentrum (Room 11.038) collaborates closely with the Friedrich Miescher Institute, where she serves as Senior Group Leader. The research group employs cutting-edge technologies for neural circuit analysis and has contributed fundamental insights into motor circuit organization, with implications for understanding and potentially treating movement disorders and spinal cord injuries.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Stadlbauer is a medical physicist affiliated with the Clinical Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at St. Pölten University Hospital and the Department of Neurosurgery at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. He holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and contributes to both clinical and academic research in biomedical imaging and AI applications in oncology. University: Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg Hospital Affiliation: St. Pölten University Hospital Department: Department of Neurosurgery Academic Rank: Adjunct Professor His research focuses on advanced MRI techniques, particularly physio-metabolic imaging of brain tumors, oxygen metabolism, and the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical diagnostics. He has led research on glioma classification, tumor microenvironment characterization, and deep learning models for radiomic analysis. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward AI-driven diagnostic tools in neuro-oncology, particularly in differentiating glioblastomas from metastases and predicting genetic mutations using machine learning. His work emphasizes the clinical translation of complex imaging data into actionable insights. Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Medical Imaging and Radiomics Brain Tumor Metabolism Deep Learning for MRI Analysis Oxygen Metabolism Imaging Clinical Decision Support Systems Prof. Stadlbauer has been involved in seed-funded research projects developing deep learning algorithms for clinical integration. He collaborates extensively with neurosurgeons, radiologists, and oncologists across institutions, contributing to multidisciplinary tumor boards and translational research initiatives. He completed his doctorate in medical physics in 2004, habilitation in 2008, and an MBA in Health Management in 2010. His academic journey reflects a blend of technical expertise and leadership in healthcare innovation.
Peter Jonas is the Magdalena Walz Professor for Life Sciences at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2022, and has been a Professor at ISTA since 2010. Previously, he served as Professor of Physiology and Department Head at the University of Freiburg, Germany (1995–2010) and Associate Professor at the Technical University of Munich (1994–1995). Current Role: Group Leader, Cellular Neuroscience Key Techniques: Nanophysiology, Presynaptic Patch-Clamp, Two-Photon Ca2+ Imaging, Optogenetics, Functional Anatomy His research focuses on synaptic signaling mechanisms in the hippocampus, particularly how glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses contribute to network functions. He investigates: Biophysical signaling and plasticity at mossy fiber synapses Role of synaptic properties in higher network functions Calcium channel-vesicle coupling dynamics Modeling of synaptic and network-level phenomena The group employs in vitro and in vivo approaches, combining experimental and computational methods to decode brain function. Recent work highlights the structural and functional analysis of 'giant' cortical presynaptic terminals. Scientific Awards include: Magdalena Walz Professor for Life Sciences (2022) Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize (2021) EMBO Membership (2019) FWF Wittgenstein Award (2016) DFG Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Award (2006) His students and postdocs include PhD candidates Silvia Jamrichova, Peipeng Lin, Rebecca Morse Mora, and Priyansha Verma, alongside postdocs Katharina Lichter, Andrea Navas Olive, and Jake Watson. The lab also collaborates with technical staff and scientific computing experts.
Félix Carvalho is a Full Professor of Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal. He has held academic positions since 1990, progressing through roles such as Assistant and eventually Full Professor. His research focuses on drug safety, drug abuse mechanisms, and antidote development. He serves as Head of the Toxicology Laboratory and Vice-Director of the Department of Biological Sciences at FFUP. Carvalho is an Editor-in-Chief of Acta Farmacêutica Portuguesa and sits on editorial boards of 15+ journals including Addiction and Pharmacological Research . He has authored over 500 publications and co-edited books on forensic and fundamental toxicology. Awards include the 2011 Santo Tirso Medal of Honour and Numerary Membership in the Portuguese Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2021). He actively participates in national and international organizations like EUROTOX and INFARMED. PharmD, PhD, European Registered Toxicologist (ERT), European Certified Pharmacologist (EuCP) Leadership roles: Past-President of EUROTOX and Portuguese Society of Pharmacology Research interests emphasize mechanistic toxicology with a focus on paraquat, ecstasy (MDMA), and mushroom poisoning. His work bridges fundamental research with clinical applications, including antidote development for acute toxic exposures. Editorial Leadership: Oversees 8+ journals across toxicology, pharmacology, and public health Service: Member of INFARMED's Medicines Evaluation Committee and Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society Labs/Teams: Directs the Toxicology Laboratory at FFUP, coordinating multidisciplinary projects on drug safety and environmental toxins.
El Manira Abdeljabbar is a distinguished Professor of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, where he has held academic positions since 1992. He leads the Neurobiology of Motor Actions research group within the Department of Neuroscience, focusing on neural circuits governing motor behavior. His work integrates neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and developmental biology to understand how brainstem and spinal circuits translate intentions into movement. Education: BSc in Biology (University of Rabat, 1988), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Marseille, 1992), Postdoc (Karolinska Institutet, 1992–1994), and Docent (Karolinska Institutet, 1997). Research highlights include pioneering studies on synaptic transmission, motor neuron function, and spinal circuitry in zebrafish. He has received prestigious awards such as the Distinguished Professor Award (2010), Knight of the Order of the Throne (2016), and membership in the Royal Swedish and Moroccan Academies of Science. Professional roles include Director of the Graduate School in Neuroscience (2005–2012), Coordinator of the EU-funded Spinal Cord Repair consortium (2009–2012), and editorial roles at journals like Journal of Neuroscience . His research has advanced understanding of locomotor speed control, neural circuit plasticity, and neuromodulation mechanisms. Current projects explore molecular and circuit-level bases of motor actions, with implications for neurological disorders.
Sir Michael Owen is a Professor of Psychological Medicine and Director of the Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences at Cardiff University's School of Medicine. His roles include Deputy Head of the School of Medicine, Director of the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, and past leadership positions such as Acting Dean and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Research. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience and MB.ChB medical degree from Birmingham University. His research focuses on psychiatric genetics, biological psychiatry, and neuroscience, particularly schizophrenia and neuropsychiatric disorders. Notable contributions include identifying genetic risk factors through genome-wide association studies and investigating synaptic pathways linked to mental illness. His work bridges clinical research with translational science, emphasizing genomic insights into psychiatric conditions. Education: BSc (Birmingham, 1977), PhD (Neuroscience, 1982), MB.ChB (1983), MRCPsych (1987), FRCPsych (1997), FMedSci (1999), FLSW (2011). Awards: Queen’s Anniversary Prize, Lifetime Achievement Award (International Society of Psychiatric Genetics), Knight Bachelor (2014), and multiple lectureships/honorary professorships worldwide. He leads major research initiatives, including the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, and has authored over 1,000 publications with an h-index of 120. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetics, psychiatry, and neuroscience to advance understanding of mental health disorders.
Elly Hol is a Full Professor of 'Glia biology of brain diseases' at Utrecht University and holds a professorship in 'Biology of glia and neural stem cells' at the University of Amsterdam. She leads the Hol Lab at the University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, focusing on glial cells' roles in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Her work integrates molecular, cellular, and translational approaches, including human post-mortem studies and mouse models. Education: PhD in Neurology from Utrecht University (1994). Post-doctoral training at Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry (Germany) and the Netherlands Institute for Brain Research (Amsterdam). Academic leadership roles include Director of the Master’s program Neuroscience & Cognition and the PhD program Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience at Utrecht University. Research interests span glial biology, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, stroke), astrocyte-microglia interactions, and adult neurogenesis. Key contributions include studies on GFAP isoforms in astrocytoma progression and microglia heterogeneity in cerebral organoids. Publications emphasize translational neuroscience with articles in Nature Communications , Brain , and Molecular Psychiatry . Awards include the 2009 VICI grant and recognition in AcademiaNet. She chairs scientific advisory boards for Alzheimer Nederland and GliaNed, and sits on editorial boards of Glia . Grants include an NWO CONNECT grant (2021) and a Gravitation grant (2019). Her lab's work is funded by Dutch Brain Foundation and NWO initiatives. Labs/Teams: Hol Lab at UMC Utrecht Brain Center, leading interdisciplinary teams in glial biology and disease modeling.
Sandra Siegert is a Professor in the Life Sciences Department at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). Her research focuses on understanding how microglia interact with neuronal networks in both healthy and diseased states, particularly in the context of neuropathological disorders. She integrates knowledge from virology, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, and applied mathematics to study microglia's role in brain maintenance and disease progression. Education Dr. phil. nat in Neurobiology from the University of Basel (2005-2010) Diploma in Biological Sciences from Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main (2000-2005) Research Interests Dr. Siegert's work emphasizes microglia's response to environmental cues, their epigenetic regulation, and their contribution to neurological disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Key areas include: Microglia-neuron communication in retinal and cortical circuits Role of microRNAs (e.g., miR-137) in synaptic plasticity 60-Hz light entrainment effects on brain plasticity Applied topology for analyzing cellular networks Human iPSC-derived microglia modeling Publication Trends Her recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to studying microglia in retinal organoids, mitochondrial dynamics in stress response, and chimeric GPCR tools for modulating neuroimmune activity. Collaborative work spans gene therapy vectors (AAV2/6), synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia, and ketamine/light entrainment effects on perineuronal nets. Scientific Contributions EMBO short-term fellowship (2011) FWF Austrian Science Fund grant P 37131 (2023-2026) European Research Council grant 715571 (2017-2022) Human Frontiers Science Program grant (2012-2015) Multiple Swiss National Science Foundation grants (2011-2012)
Botond Roska is a Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Switzerland, and previously served as Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel since 2014. He is the Founding Director of the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), established in 2018. His academic career includes serving as Senior Group Leader (2010-2019) and Junior Group Leader (2005-2010) at the Friedrich Miescher Institute in Basel. Born in 1969 in Hungary, Roska obtained his M.D. at the Semmelweis Medical School, a Ph.D. in neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley, and studied genetics and virology as a Harvard Society Fellow at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Roska's research focuses on understanding the visual system at the level of cell types and circuits, with particular emphasis on the retina, thalamus, and cortex. His work aims to find ways to repair visual dysfunction and restore vision in blind individuals. He investigates how the organization of cell types and circuits in the nervous system, when combined with cellular engineering, can be used to design new therapies to fight blindness. Analysis of Roska's recent publications reveals a strong focus on single-cell resolution studies of the retina, development of gene therapy approaches for vision restoration, and detailed mapping of visual neural circuits. His work spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, ophthalmology, genetics, and molecular biology, with a clear translational focus toward developing treatments for visual impairments. Dr. Roska has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 1997: Fulbright Fellow 2001: Bearden Memorial Award for Biophysics 2002: Harvard Junior Fellow 2006: Marie Curie Excellence Grant 2009: EMBO Young Investigator 2010: ERC Starting Grant and VIVA Award 2011: Alcon Award and EMBO membership 2013: Alfred Vogt Award 2015: ERC Advanced Grant 2016: Cogan Award 2018: Bressler Prize and Alden W. Spencer Award 2019: Louis-Jeantet Prize, Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary, Cloëtta Prize, and Semmelweis Budapest Award 2020: ERC Advanced Grant and Körber European Science Prize 2024: Wolf Prize in Medicine (for sight-saving and vision restoration to blind people using optogenetics) As a principal investigator, Roska has secured significant research funding including multiple ERC grants (Starting Grant in 2010, Advanced Grants in 2015 and 2020), a Marie Curie Excellence Grant, and the VIVA Award. His laboratory has mentored numerous researchers who have gone on to publish impactful work in top-tier journals. The collaborative nature of his research is evident from the multi-institutional authorship of his publications. Dr. Roska founded and directs the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), which brings together basic scientists and clinicians to develop treatments for eye diseases. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including single-cell analysis, viral vector engineering, optogenetics, and neural circuit mapping to advance our understanding of the visual system and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Robin Angus Silver is Professor of Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow, and Fellow of the Royal Society. He has held leadership roles since 2011 and is renowned for groundbreaking work in synaptic transmission, neural computation, and neuroinformatics. Education: B.Sc. in Physical Sciences (1st Class Hons), Coventry Polytechnic (1986) Ph.D. in Physiology, UCL (1990) Dr. Silver's research focuses on information processing in cerebellar and neocortical circuits. He discovered fundamental properties of central excitatory synapses, elucidated how neurons perform arithmetic operations, and pioneered tools like NeuroConstruct and NeuroML for 3D neuronal modeling. His development of high-speed two-photon microscopy with acousto-optic lenses revolutionized in vivo imaging. His work spans synaptic physiology, computational modeling, and neuroinformatics infrastructure. He has contributed to open-source platforms like OpenSourceBrain, enabling browser-based visualization and simulation of neural models. Awards include Royal Society Fellowship (2017), Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowships (2011, 2016), and ERC Advanced Investigator Award (2011). Scientific Awards Fellow of the Royal Society (2017) Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship (2011, 2016 renewal) European Research Council Advanced Investigator Award (2011) Hungarian Academy of Sciences Distinguished Guest Scientist Fellowship (2012) Multiple Wellcome Trust Senior/Principal Research Fellowships Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship (1996) Dr. Silver has organized international workshops including OpenSourceBrain meetings and INCF Congress events. He serves on steering committees for neuroinformatics initiatives and evaluation panels for funding bodies like the Wellcome Trust and US BRAIN Initiative.
Michael Hausser is a Professor of Neuroscience at University College London (UCL) and a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow. His research focuses on neural computation, synaptic integration, and dendritic physiology. He holds significant academic leadership roles, including co-Chief Editor of Current Opinion in Neurobiology and memberships on numerous scientific advisory boards globally. His honors include election to the Royal Society (2015), Academy of Medical Sciences (2012), and EMBO (2010). Key contributions span optogenetic neural circuit analysis, dendritic processing, and cerebellar function. Education: 1988–1992: D.Phil. in Neuroscience, Oxford University (Commonwealth Scholar) 1992–1995: Postdoctoral Fellowships at Max-Planck Institute (Germany) and Ecole Normale Supérieure (France) Research Interests: Neuronal computation in dendrites Synaptic plasticity mechanisms Cerebellar circuit function In vivo neural circuit analysis Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2016, 2009) Fellowships from Wellcome Trust, HFSP, and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Grants & Leadership: Advisory roles at institutions like the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre and IMP Vienna NIH BRAIN Initiative Panel Member (2014–2015) His lab pioneered techniques like targeted patch-clamp recordings in vivo and explores how neurons process temporal and spatial information at the cellular and circuit levels.
Professor Peter Jonas is a leading neuroscientist at IST Austria, specializing in synaptic transmission mechanisms and their role in neural circuits. He holds the Magdalena Walz Professorship for Life Sciences and leads the Jonas Group, focusing on nanophysiological studies of synapses using advanced techniques like optogenetics and flash-and-freeze electron microscopy. His research bridges biophysical mechanisms with network functions in the hippocampus and cortex. Education & Career: MD, University of Giessen (1987) Professorships at University of Freiburg (1995–2010), Technical University of Munich (1994–1995), and currently at IST Austria since 2010 Research Interests: Synaptic signaling and plasticity at glutamatergic/GABAergic synapses Role of presynaptic calcium channels and vesicle dynamics Neural coding in hippocampal circuits Mechanisms of gamma oscillations via inhibitory interneurons Awards & Honors: ERC Advanced Grants (2010, 2016), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Award (2006) Member of EMBO, Leopoldina Academy, and Academia Europaea Lab & Team: Jonas Group at IST Austria includes postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff Current projects: Mossy fiber synapse plasticity, synaptic ultrastructure, and in vivo network modeling
David DiGregorio is a Director of Research at CNRS (DR-1, equivalent to Full Professor) and serves as the Director of the Department of Neuroscience at Institut Pasteur since 2018. His research focuses on synaptic physiology , neural circuit computations , and optical imaging techniques. He founded the Principles of fluorescence microscopy Masters/PhD course at Pasteur (2016-2018) and co-coordinated an NIH Brain Initiative Grant. He has supervised 4 PhD students and 9 postdoctoral fellows. Education : Habilitation (2012), PhD in Physiology (2000) from UCLA, and BS in Biology (1992) from Stanford. Research Highlights : Expertise in dendritic integration , calcium dynamics , and neurotransmitter uncaging . Grants : Coordinated 5 ANR grants, 1 from FRM, 1 from French Hearing Foundation, and two large equipment grants totaling 1.2 MEuros. Leadership Roles : Director of the Strategic Research Axis on Brain Connectivity and Neurodegenerative Disorders, and active in organizing committees for FENS 2022, European Neuroscience Institutes, and regional networks.
Frank Kirchhoff is a Full Professor (W3) and Head of the Department of Molecular Physiology at the University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany. He has previously held leadership roles as Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine and as Lecturer at the Free University of Berlin. University of Saarland (2009-present) Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine (2000-2009) Free University of Berlin (1997-2008) Education: Diploma in Biochemistry, University of Heidelberg (1985) PhD in Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg (1990) Research Focus Frank Kirchhoff specializes in neuroscience and molecular physiology , with a focus on glial cells, neuron-glia communication, and in vivo imaging techniques. His work uses transgenic mouse models to explore brain function and pathologies. Publication Trends His recent publications emphasize glial heterogeneity , energy metabolism , and in vivo imaging , demonstrating expertise in molecular and cellular neurobiology through innovative genetic and pharmacological approaches. Scientific Contributions Kirchhoff has received notable fellowships including Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds and Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . He served as Visiting Professor in Romania and Brazil and coordinates the EU-GliaPhD and DFG Priority Programme SPP 1757 on glial heterogeneity. Labs & Collaborations As Head of the Department of Molecular Physiology, Kirchhoff leads research integrating transgenic models and in vivo microscopy . He collaborates with institutions like the Achucarro Basque Center of Neuroscience (Spain) and contributes to editorial boards of journals including GLIA and Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy .
