Caetano Reis e Sousa is a Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London and Senior Group Leader/Assistant Research Director at the Francis Crick Institute. He leads the Immunobiology Laboratory, focusing on dendritic cell biology, immune responses to pathogens, and cancer immunotherapy. His research explores how dendritic cells detect pathogens and dying cells, triggering adaptive immunity. Key roles include investigating cross-presentation mechanisms, C-type lectin receptors (e.g., DNGR-1), and vaccine development strategies. Education: BSc (Hons) Biology from Imperial College London (1989), DPhil in Immunology from University of Oxford (1992). Postdoctoral training at NIH under Ron Germain. Career milestones include founding the Immunobiology Lab at CRUK London Research Institute (1998–2015) before joining the Crick. Awards & Recognition: Highly Cited Researcher (Thomson Reuters), BD Biosciences Prize (2002), Liliane Bettencourt Award (2008), Louis-Jeantet Prize (2017), Fellowships at Royal Society (2019), Academy of Medical Sciences (2006), and EMBO (2006). Named Officer of the Order of Sant'Iago da Espada (Portugal, 2009). Research Themes: Dendritic cell activation pathways, cross-presentation of tumor antigens, microbiome-cancer immunity links, and immune evasion mechanisms. Collaborations involve institutions like UCL, King's College London, and global health networks. Labs/Teams: Head of Immunobiology Lab at Crick, with expertise in immunology, cell biology, and virology. Facilities include Flow Cytometry, Genomics, and Light Microscopy cores. Active in pandemic response (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 testing initiatives).
Dr. Rong Fan is the Harold Hodgkinson Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Pathology at Yale University. His research focuses on developing and applying single-cell and spatial omics technologies to study immune systems, cancer, and aging. His lab has pioneered technologies like the IsoCode microchip for high-throughput protein profiling, and spatial multi-omics platforms (e.g., DBiT-seq, spatial-ATAC-seq) to analyze tissue complexity at cellular resolution. He co-founded IsoPlexis, Singleron Biotechnologies, and AtlasXomics to commercialize these innovations. Education: PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (2006), B.S. in Applied Chemistry from University of Science and Technology of China (1999). Postdoctoral training at Caltech before joining Yale in 2010. Research interests include CAR-T cell therapy optimization, spatial epigenomics, and multi-omics integration. Key achievements include discovering biomarkers predictive of CAR-T efficacy and defining spatial genomic landscapes in cancer and neuroinflammation. Awards: NSF CAREER Award, Packard Fellowship, election to AIMBE, CASE, and NAI. Serves on advisory boards for Bio-Techne and Yale Ventures. Active in training future scientists via the Yale Biomedical Engineering and Yale School of Medicine programs.
Li Tang is an Associate Professor with tenure at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMX) within the School of Engineering (STI). She leads the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering, focusing on developing innovative strategies at the intersection of immunology, materials science, and cancer therapy. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, with multiple ongoing clinical trials based on CAR-T cell therapies developed in her lab. B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2003–2007) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007–2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2013–2016) Her research lies at the forefront of immunoengineering, integrating chemical, metabolic, and mechanical approaches to modulate immune responses. Key areas include cancer immunotherapy, immune metabolism, mechano-immunology, and biomaterials. She investigates how physical and biochemical cues can reprogram T cells, overcome exhaustion, and enhance tumor targeting. Her work emphasizes multidimensional immunity-disease interactions, aiming to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering immune cells (especially CAR-T) for enhanced durability and function, using advanced biomaterials and metabolic reprogramming. There is a clear focus on overcoming challenges in solid tumors, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and translating findings into clinical applications. The use of nanoparticle delivery, single-cell analysis, and biomechanical cues are recurring themes across her work. Notable scientific awards include: Friedrich Miescher Award (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2018) MIT TR35 Innovators Under 35 (China Region, 2020) Nano Research Young Innovator Award (2018) Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator (2019) Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator (2020) Li Tang actively mentors PhD students across multiple doctoral programs (EDBB, EDMS, EDMX) and has advised numerous graduates who have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral and faculty positions. She is involved in significant research grants, including an Innosuisse project with Novochizol SA, and her lab is supported by competitive funding. She teaches core courses such as Immunoengineering and Next-Generation Biomaterials, shaping the next generation of scientists. Her lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with active projects in chemical, metabolic, and mechanical immunoengineering, as well as CAR-T cell development. She is the Principal Investigator of the Tang Lab, which includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. The lab is actively recruiting and has a strong publication and clinical translation record. Tang Lab is also involved in multiple MA/BA training projects and promotes student engagement in cutting-edge research. The lab’s discoveries are being translated into clinical trials, reflecting a strong commitment to translational science.
Montserrat Anguera, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation underlying sex differences in development and disease, with particular emphasis on X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and its implications for female-biased autoimmune disorders. Dr. Anguera investigates how gene expression from the X-chromosome is regulated to ensure dosage compensation between males and females, and how these mechanisms become altered in diseases exhibiting sex-bias. Her laboratory has established novel epigenetic pathways involving the X-chromosome that impact human development, immune responses, and lymphocyte function. She employs advanced techniques including RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and allele-specific RNA sequencing to achieve single-cell resolution of epigenetic characteristics of the inactive X chromosome. Her research reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of X-chromosome biology and immunology, particularly regarding sex-biased autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. Key findings include the discovery that lymphocytes maintain X-chromosome inactivation differently than other somatic cells, with the inactive X exhibiting euchromatic features in female lymphocytes that may underlie female bias in autoimmune disorders. She coined the term 'dynamic XCI maintenance' to describe how T and B cells relocalize Xist RNA and heterochromatic marks to the inactive X chromosome following antigen-mediated stimulation. Dr. Anguera's laboratory includes postdocs Katherine Forsyth and Nikhil Jiwrajka, research specialist Zowie Searcy, graduate students Isabel Sierra and Natalie Toothacre, postdoctoral researcher Nuriban Valero-Pacheco, and PhD student Emma Welter. Together, they investigate epigenetic regulation of X-linked genes in development and disease contexts. She is an active member of multiple prestigious research institutes at Penn, including the Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Immunology, Center for Research on Reproduction & Women's Health, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Her work bridges epigenetics, immunology, and developmental biology, providing novel insights into mechanisms underlying female-biased autoimmune disorders.
Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.
Dr. Tim Halim is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Junior Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK Cambridge Institute), University of Cambridge. His primary research program focuses on pancreatic cancer, with thoracic cancer as a secondary research focus within the CRUK Cambridge Centre's structured research programs. Dr. Halim's research expertise lies at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology, with particular emphasis on innate lymphoid cells (especially ILC2) and regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment. His work investigates how these immune cell populations interact with cancer cells and influence tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. His research has significant implications for developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches for pancreatic and thoracic cancers. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the role of innate lymphoid cells in cancer, with recent work examining IL-33 and ILC2 in pancreatic cancer, cross-talk between ILC2 and regulatory T cells, and the influence of innate lymphoid cells on pancreatic stromal composition. His research employs advanced techniques including in vivo labeling, single-cell analysis, and fate-mapping approaches to understand immune cell behavior in cancer contexts. Dr. Halim has been awarded the prestigious Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, a joint fellowship from the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust that supports early-career researchers of outstanding promise working at the interface of basic and clinical science.
Matthew Lee Smith is a Professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health , part of Texas A&M University . He is a core faculty member of the Center for Community Health and Aging (CCHA) and the Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research (CHEER) , and serves as the Director of the Texas Research, Analytics, Innovations, and Research Lab (TRAIL) . Education: Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University (2010) PhD in Health Education, Texas A&M University (2008) MPH, Indiana University Bloomington (2004) BS in Public Health Education, Indiana University Bloomington (2002) Research Interests: Dr. Smith’s research focuses on aging , chronic disease management , and evidence-based public health interventions . He is particularly interested in health behavior change , health risk assessment , and survey research methodology . His translational work bridges research and practice across healthcare, aging services, and public health systems. He has a strong focus on social determinants of health , including social isolation , caregiving , diabetes self-management , and fall prevention among older adults. His work often targets underserved populations, particularly Black/African American men and rural communities . Scientific Awards: Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award (2024) Responsible Research in Management Award (2023) J. Mayhew Derryberry Award (2022) Consumer Education Program Award (Silver) (2022) Bluebonnet Award (2021) Innovators in Aging Award (2019) Redefining American Healthcare Award (2019) Community ConnecTivity Award (2019) Phillip G. Weiler Award for Leadership in Aging and Public Health (2018) Leadership & Mentorship: Dr. Smith holds leadership roles in several national and state-level initiatives. He is the Co-Director of the Advancing Gerontology through Exceptional Scholarship (AGES) Program and serves on the Steering Committees of the Texas Falls Prevention Coalition , Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium , and Texas Social Isolation and Loneliness Coalition . He is also the Director of the Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Labs & Centers: He leads the Texas Research, Analytics, Innovations, and Research Lab (TRAIL) , which focuses on developing and evaluating community-based interventions. He is also affiliated with: Center for Community Health and Aging (CCHA) Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research (CHEER)
Angelica Lindén Hirschberg is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (specializing in reproductive medicine) at Karolinska Institutet and a Senior Consultant in gynecological endocrinology at Karolinska University Hospital. She holds dual roles in academic leadership and clinical practice, focusing on disorders of reproductive function, endocrine-metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal conditions in women. Her affiliations include the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, and the Division for Neonatology, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Health. Education and Career: MD (Karolinska Institutet, 1984) PhD (Karolinska Institutet, 1989) Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2007) Board member of international societies (ISGE, EMAS) Research Focus: Her translational research spans PCOS, obesity-related reproductive dysfunction, premature ovarian insufficiency, and disorders of sex development. Projects include hormonal impacts on athletic performance, immune therapy for ovarian dysfunction, and endometrial cell biology. Collaborations involve national/international networks and clinical trials (e.g., PROBES trial). Publications: Recent work emphasizes PCOS pathophysiology, menopausal health, and hormonal interventions in athletes. Key trends include single-cell profiling of endometrium, immunomodulatory therapies for POI, and non-hormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms. Awards: King’s Seraphim Medal (2018) 2016 Grand Prize in Sport Science Appointed Royal Gynecologist (2009) Teaching and Mentorship: Coordinates courses on reproductive endocrinology, supervises PhD students (e.g., Esin Ylmaz), and chairs the PhD Study Director at her department. Authored over 25 book chapters on women’s health and sports medicine. Grants and Labs: Secured Swedish Research Council funding for POI trials. Her lab integrates experimental (Bioclinicum) and clinical (Women’s Health Research Unit) research.
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
Xiaodong Wang is a Professor at the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery within the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research program focuses on developing innovative drug leads and candidates targeting novel protein kinases and other molecular targets identified by UNC faculty and external investigators. Dr. Wang's research interests center on structure- and ligand-based drug design approaches for developing therapeutic compounds, particularly kinase inhibitors targeting the TAM family (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK). His laboratory has successfully applied these methodologies to deliver compounds to clinical trials, including MerTK inhibitors and IDH1 inhibitors developed in collaboration with NCATS. Current research continues to focus on structure-based drug design for novel targets, with particular emphasis on cancer therapeutics and molecular imaging agents. Analysis of Dr. Wang's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on developing selective kinase inhibitors, particularly targeting the TAM receptor family (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) for various cancer types including leukemia, Ewing sarcoma, and melanoma. His work spans multiple disciplines including medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, immunology, and molecular imaging, with recent publications appearing in high-impact journals such as Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Nature Communications, and Leukemia. Dr. Wang maintains active collaborations across UNC-Chapel Hill and with external institutions, working with researchers in pharmacology, oncology, immunology, and structural biology. His laboratory develops both small molecule inhibitors and imaging agents, with several compounds progressing toward clinical applications. Contact information: xiaodonw@email.unc.edu | Wang Lab website
Dr. Richard Y. Zhao is a tenured Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research combines molecular biology, fission yeast genetics, mammalian biology, and virology to study virus-host interactions, particularly for HIV and Zika virus. He previously held academic positions at Northwestern University and Columbia University and has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed articles. B.S., China Oceanography University (1981) M.S., Oregon State University (1995) Ph.D., Oregon State University (1991) Postdoctoral Training, Columbia University (1991-1992) Dr. Zhao's research focuses on: Virus-host interactions and pathogenicity High-throughput drug screening for antivirals Role of viral proteins in neuroinflammation and cancer Translational genomics in precision medicine His recent publications highlight SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, Zika envelope proteins, and HIV protease inhibitors, emphasizing host-pathogen mechanisms across species. He has served on NIH panels and editorial boards for journals like Cell Research and Retrovirology . Scientific awards include: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2019) Bernard L Mirkin Endowed Chair (2001-2004) Honorary Director, Shandong Gallo Institute (2009) Distinguished Service from SCBA (2015) Outstanding Service from CBA-USA (2016) Dr. Zhao also contributes to clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine through molecular testing and pharmacogenetics programs.
Shabaz Mohammed is an Associate Professor of Proteomics at the University of Oxford, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Since 2020, he has served as Head of the Mechanistic Proteomics research programme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. His research focuses on advancing proteomics technologies to study protein post-translational modifications and their roles in cellular processes, with applications in viral infections and disease mechanisms. Education: BSc in Chemistry, UMIST (now The University of Manchester), 1999 PhD in Biological Mass Spectrometry, University of Manchester, 2003 Postdoctoral Research, University of Southern Denmark (with Ole Jensen), 2005-2008 Postdoctoral Research, Utrecht University (with Albert Heck), 2008 Professor Mohammed's research centers on developing novel mass spectrometry approaches for large-scale characterization of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). His group innovates in chromatographic techniques for single-cell proteomics, creates materials for PTM enrichment (glycosylation/phosphorylation), and applies these tools to study viral infections (SARS-CoV-2), cell cycle regulation, and signaling pathways. His work bridges chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology to understand dynamic protein functions in health and disease. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on viral proteomics, particularly virus-host RNA-binding protein interactions, and innovations in mass spectrometry fragmentation techniques and chromatography. Key themes include viral remodeling of host cells, new labeling strategies for PTMs, and advancements in single-cell proteomics, with significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were detailed in the source material. Advising and Grants: Information regarding graduate students supervised or specific research grants was not provided in the available text. As an active research group leader, Professor Mohammed likely mentors PhD students and secures competitive funding for proteomics research. Laboratories and Collaborations: Professor Mohammed leads a research group at Oxford focused on proteomics technology development. He collaborates extensively with the Ben Davis group on PTM detection materials and across the university on biochemical applications. At the Rosalind Franklin Institute, he heads the Mechanistic Proteomics programme to unravel protein functions through advanced proteomic methods.
Jonathan Little is a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan , affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Social Development and School of Health and Exercise Sciences . He leads the Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Laboratory (EMIL) , focusing on the intersection of exercise physiology, nutrition, and metabolic disorders. Hons B. Kin – McMaster University, 2005 M.Sc. – University of Saskatchewan, 2007 Ph.D. – McMaster University, 2010 Postdoctoral Fellowship – UBC, 2010-2012 His research investigates how metabolic disruptions in type 2 diabetes affect cellular inflammation and how exercise/nutritional strategies can mitigate these effects. Key areas include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) , nutritional ketosis , and immunometabolic responses . EMIL combines human clinical trials with cellular/molecular experiments, utilizing advanced tools like flow cytometry and metabolic carts. His recent publications emphasize exercise snacks (short, frequent workouts), ketone supplements , and fasting protocols for managing diabetes and obesity. He has received prestigious awards like the Killam Accelerator Fellowship and CIHR New Investigator Award . Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship (2021-2023) Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Young Investigator Award (2020) UBC Killam Research Fellowship (2018) Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2018-2023) American College of Sports Medicine New Investigator Award (2016) CIHR New Investigator Salary Award (2015-2020) He supervises graduate students in HMKN 313 – Exercise Metabolism and mentors through the HMKN 499 Research Practicum . His lab (EMIL) collaborates with institutions like the BC Diabetes Research Network and serves as an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism .
Pierre Maechler is a Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism. His research focuses on mitochondrial metabolism in pancreatic beta cells and its critical role in diabetes pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on glutamate dehydrogenase function and regulation. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion and beta-cell failure in Type 2 diabetes. Maechler's research interests span mitochondrial metabolism, energy homeostasis, and the molecular pathways linking nutrient sensing to insulin secretion. His work has established crucial connections between glutamate metabolism, beta-cell function, and diabetes development. He investigates how metabolic stressors like glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity impair beta-cell function through mitochondrial dysfunction. His research has expanded to include the role of glutamate dehydrogenase in multiple organs including brain, liver, and muscle, revealing systemic metabolic implications. Analysis of Maechler's publication record shows a sustained focus on beta-cell metabolism with evolving scope. Early work established fundamental mechanisms of glutamate signaling in insulin secretion, while recent publications demonstrate expansion into multi-organ metabolic regulation. His research has identified novel biomarkers for beta-cell mass, explored therapeutic targets for diabetes, and revealed unexpected roles for glutamate dehydrogenase in diverse physiological processes from muscle regeneration to brain function. The consistent thread through his work is understanding how mitochondrial metabolism governs cellular and systemic energy homeostasis. Professor Maechler has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to publish significant work in diabetes research. His laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches for diabetes. Funding for his work likely comes from Swiss National Science Foundation and other European research agencies, supporting investigations into metabolic diseases. Maechler leads the Mitochondria and Energy Metabolism research group at the University of Geneva. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, metabolomics, and physiology to investigate metabolic regulation in health and disease. The laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical diabetes researchers, facilitating translational applications of their findings. Current work focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets for preserving beta-cell function in diabetes.
Paul McKeigue is Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics at the Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh. He holds a Chair in his discipline and actively supervises doctoral candidates while leading major research initiatives. His research centers on genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics , with primary focus on diabetes (type 1, type 2, and maturity-onset variants), cardiovascular disease , and rheumatoid arthritis . He pioneers genome-wide aggregated trans-effects analysis to identify core disease genes, integrating genomic data with clinical outcomes through innovative statistical frameworks. Recent publications reveal a distinct trajectory toward translational applications, particularly in autoimmune disease mechanisms and diabetes complications. His work bridges genetic discovery with clinical epidemiology, exemplified by studies on post-infection cardiovascular risks in diabetic populations and core gene identification through proteomic integration. McKeigue leads multiple funded projects including Diabetes UK's Real World Pharmacoepidemiology initiative (2025-2028), Joslin Diabetes Center's cardiovascular risk stratification study (2024-2025), and Iqvia Ltd's EXCEED safety study (2021-2027). He is integral to the Scottish Diabetes Research Network Epidemiology Group, driving international collaborations that leverage electronic health records and artificial intelligence.
