Tihana Bicanic is Professor of Infectious Diseases and Mycology at St George's University of London, holding honorary appointments at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (University of Exeter) and serving as Director of the Infection Clinical Academic Group. Her clinical and translational research focuses on invasive fungal infections, particularly cryptococcal meningitis in HIV patients and ICU-acquired candidiasis/aspergillosis. She leads the CandiRes study on Candida resistance evolution and previously directed the AspiFlu project on influenza/COVID-associated aspergillosis. Key research domains: Cryptococcal meningitis pathogenesis and treatment optimization Antifungal resistance mechanisms and prevention strategies Genomic epidemiology of fungal pathogens Immunotherapy for fungal infections Her group's publications demonstrate consistent focus on clinical mycology, antimicrobial resistance, and immunopathology. Recent work emphasizes diagnostic innovation, therapeutic optimization, and translational approaches for critical care mycoses. Awards and recognition include: Fellowship in the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (FECMM) Member of Wellcome Trust's Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission Discovery Advisory Group Research team includes laboratory technicians and clinical research fellows investigating fungal pathogenesis and treatment strategies across multiple UK ICUs.
Abigail Bigham is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on human population genetics, molecular evolution, and high-altitude adaptation, particularly in Andean and Tibetan populations. She holds a PhD in Anthropology from Penn State University (2008) and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Arizona (2001). Her team investigates genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying adaptation to hypoxia, diet, and infectious diseases. Key research areas include the genetic basis of altitude-related traits like hemoglobin concentration, pulmonary function, and metabolic adaptations. Her lab also explores the evolutionary impact of dietary changes (e.g., potato-rich diets in the Andes) and immune responses to pathogens such as HIV and dengue. Recent work includes epigenetic studies of high-altitude acclimatization and the functional validation of adaptive alleles. Dr. Bigham’s projects often involve interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating genomic data with physiological measurements and anthropological fieldwork. She has conducted field studies in Peru, Tibet, Guatemala, and Nepal, focusing on indigenous populations to understand how genetic variation contributes to survival in extreme environments. Her lab’s website (https://bigham-lab.anthro.ucla.edu/) provides access to datasets and research tools. Her academic contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles and grants addressing high-altitude physiology, evolutionary genetics, and global health. She actively advocates for ethical discussions on race and genetics, challenging simplistic biological determinism through public outreach and educational initiatives.
Professor Mark Dershwitz is affiliated with the UMass Chan Medical School under the T.H. Chan School of Medicine , specifically the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine . He holds a PhD in Pharmacology (1982) and an MD (1982), both from Northwestern University , with postdoctoral training in anesthesiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (1984-88). His research focuses on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of intravenous anesthetics , particularly remifentanil and morphine . He pioneered studies on remifentanil’s esterase-mediated metabolism, demonstrating its consistent short duration even in patients with hepatic or renal failure . His work on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) includes the first dose-response analysis of ondansetron and a safety reevaluation of droperidol , challenging its boxed warning. Recent articles highlight his expertise in anesthetic pharmacology , with trends in AI applications in medical education (e.g., ChatGPT-4 in board exams), opioid-PONV interactions , and clinical trial design involving human volunteers. His scientific awards include the 2017 Lamar Soutter Award for Excellence in Medical Education Multiple Outstanding Medical Educator Awards (2002-2016) 2001 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Oakland University
Carlos B. Mantilla, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a joint appointment in both departments and serves as Director of the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology graduate program at Mayo Graduate School since 2013. His research is centered on the neural and muscular control of breathing, with a focus on spinal cord injury, aging, and neuromuscular disorders. Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine M.D., Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Residency and Fellowship in Anesthesiology, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education Dr. Mantilla’s research investigates the mechanisms of respiratory motor recovery after spinal cord injury, the impact of aging on diaphragm function, and the role of growth factors in neuromuscular health. His lab employs advanced techniques such as 3-D confocal imaging, single-cell transcriptional analysis, electrophysiology, and whole-body plethysmography. His work has been published extensively in high-impact journals and is supported by NIH and other foundations. His recent publications highlight trends in respiratory neuroplasticity, autophagy in motor neurons, diaphragm function in aging, and recovery mechanisms post-injury. These studies integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to understand breathing control and develop therapies for respiratory impairment. Scientific awards and honors include: Anthony DiMarco Lectureship Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (2021) Medal Ministerio de Defense Nacional, Colombia (2013) Multiple Teaching Awards (2008, 2004) Distinguished Resident Clinician (1997) Dr. Mantilla actively mentors graduate students through his leadership in the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology program and has been a co-investigator or principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants. He serves as Associate Editor for Physiology and Frontiers in Respiratory Physiology . He is also involved in editorial roles and scientific advisory committees, contributing to the broader academic and clinical research community. His research is conducted within the Cell and Regenerative Physiology program at Mayo Clinic, collaborating closely with Dr. Gary C. Sieck. The lab focuses on regenerative approaches to restore respiratory function and is part of Mayo Clinic’s broader research infrastructure in anesthesiology, physiology, and biomedical engineering.
Timothy Felton is a Professor of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust). He leads the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Emergency and Acute Care and serves as Associate Medical Director for Research and Innovation. His roles include Industry Lead for Critical Care in the NIHR Clinical Research Network and membership in key committees like the Greater Manchester Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy Group. Education: BMedSci (Hons) and MBBS from the University of Nottingham (1997–1999), PhD in anti-infective pharmacology (2014), FFICM (2015). Professional Memberships: Intensive Care Society, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, British Thoracic Society. Research focuses on antimicrobial stewardship, resistance, and precision medicine for respiratory infections/sepsis. Over £25M in current grants for antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Key projects include the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the RECOVERY trial evaluating corticosteroid use in severe COVID-19. Contributions to clinical guidelines and global health initiatives align with UN SDGs for good health and well-being. Active in translational research bridging pharmacology and clinical practice.
Dr. David C. Poole is a University Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology and Physiology at Kansas State University, holding the Elizabeth Chapin Burke Chair in Health and Human Sciences and the Coffman Chair for University Distinguished Teaching Scholars. He serves as Director of the Clarenburg Cardiorespiratory Lab within the College of Veterinary Medicine. His work bridges the fields of kinesiology, physiology, and veterinary medicine, focusing on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of oxygen transport and utilization in health and disease. Dr. Poole earned his B.Sc. from Liverpool Polytechnic and his Ph.D. from UCLA in 1986, followed by a Scientiae Doctor from Liverpool John Moores University in 2000. His academic journey has established him as an internationally recognized researcher in exercise and respiratory physiology. Dr. Poole's research focuses on the critical relationship between oxygen transport and metabolic demands in tissues, particularly during exercise. His laboratory investigates how skeletal muscles can require up to 100-fold more oxygen during exercise compared to rest, and how conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and cancer impair this vital process. Using innovative approaches such as nitrate supplementation and dietary interventions, his work aims to enhance therapeutic strategies for improving exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic conditions. His research has significantly advanced understanding of capillary function, oxygen uptake kinetics, and Critical Power in exercise physiology. Dr. Poole's extensive publication record includes over 350 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals such as Circulation Research , Journal of Clinical Investigation , and Journal of Applied Physiology . His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued leadership in understanding oxygen transport mechanisms across multiple physiological systems, with particular emphasis on skeletal muscle microcirculation, respiratory muscle function, and the impact of aging and disease on exercise capacity. His research spans fundamental physiological mechanisms to translational applications in clinical settings. Scientiae Doctor from Liverpool John Moores University (2000) Adolph Distinguished Lecturer from the American Physiological Society (2018) Joseph B. Wolffe Memorial Lecture from the American College of Sports Medicine (2021) Higuchi-Dolph Simons Statewide Award for Biomedical Research Excellence (2024) ACSM Citation Award (2019) Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine Fellow of the American Physiological Society As Principal Investigator, Dr. Poole has secured over $6 million in research funding, with an additional $31 million as Co-Investigator, primarily from the National Institutes of Health and the K-State Johnson Cancer Research Center. His laboratory maintains a vibrant scientific atmosphere with productive collaborations among faculty and students. Key collaborators include Dr. Thomas J. Barstow, Dr. Timothy I. Musch, Dr. Howard H. Erickson, Dr. M. Roger Fedde, Dr. Casey A. Kindig, and Dr. Brad J. Behnke. Dr. Poole's work has achieved an impressive h-index of 84 with over 26,000 citations, reflecting his significant impact on the field. Dr. Poole directs the Clarenburg Cardiorespiratory Lab at Kansas State University, which provides a dynamic research environment focused on understanding oxygen transport limitations from lungs to mitochondria. The lab employs a range of novel and established strategies to investigate tissue oxygenation and metabolic control, with applications to both healthy function and disease states including emphysema, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and cancer.
Matthew Pamenter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa. His research sits at the intersection of comparative physiology and basic neuroscience, focusing on hypoxia tolerance mechanisms in vertebrate brains. He leads a lab studying species like naked mole-rats, western painted turtles, and goldfish to uncover adaptations that allow survival in low-oxygen environments. University of Ottawa Faculty of Science Department of Biology Research Interests: Hypoxia and Ischemia Metabolism and Mitochondrial Energetics Neurophysiology and Comparative Physiology Thermoregulation and Control of Breathing The Pamenter Lab's work has translational relevance for hypoxia-related pathologies like ischemic stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders. Current projects investigate: Molecular mechanisms of hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) Role of mitochondria in ROS and NO homeostasis Regional energy regulation in hypoxia-tolerant brains Comparative studies across hypoxia-tolerant rodent species Key findings include: Naked mole-rats suppress thermogenesis via UCP1 downregulation during hypoxia Enhanced mitochondrial calcium buffering capacity in naked mole-rat brain cells Blunted ventilatory responses in subterranean rodents Species-specific metabolic and neurochemical adaptations to hypoxia The lab employs techniques like high-resolution respirometry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology to explore these phenomena. Graduate students like Hang Cheng and Liam Eaton have contributed to groundbreaking studies on ROS regulation, calcium handling, and mitochondrial function in hypoxia-tolerant species.
Vittoria Sorice is a Senior Lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Derby's College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. Her research focuses on systemic racial bias in healthcare systems, health inequalities, and clinical nursing practice innovations. She has contributed to studies addressing disparities in palliative care, wound management across diverse populations, and pandemic drug efficacy via the RECOVERY trials framework. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in mitigating racial disparities through evidence-based practice reforms. Key research themes include cultural competence in healthcare education, psychosocial impacts of infertility in Africa, and the intersection of clinical judgment with socioeconomic factors. Publications since 2023 highlight contributions to understanding hot flashes' impact on sleep, burnout among healthcare workers exposed to racial microaggressions, and immunomodulatory therapies for pediatric inflammatory conditions linked to SARS-CoV-2. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice with broader societal health equity challenges. While no formal grants or awards are listed here, her prolific output reflects sustained engagement with urgent healthcare issues such as pandemic response strategies, frailty assessment in emergency settings, and workplace conflict management frameworks like the Safewards model.
Dr. Leanne McKay is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow’s School of Psychology & Neuroscience, focusing on neural mechanisms governing breathing and respiratory control. Her research explores respiratory rhythm generation, chemosensitivity, and sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. Key contributions include studies on opioid (fentanyl) effects on postnatal breathing patterns, hypoxia responses in brainstem regions, and genetic models of Rett syndrome. She holds grants from organizations like the Medical Research Scotland and Wellcome Trust, and has received fellowships from the Human Frontiers Science Programme and Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale. Professional memberships include the Physiological Society (elected co-convener of the Respiratory Physiology Special Interest Group) and the Society for Neuroscience. Her invited international presentations include speaking at the Xth Oxford Conference on Modeling and Control of Breathing (2006) and presenting at the C.N.R.S. respiratory rhythm seminar in France (2006). Research interests span developmental neurobiology, respiratory pharmacology, and translational neuroscience.
Prof. Abele Donati is a full professor at the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) within the School of Medicine and Surgery , specifically in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health . His clinical practice is based at Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I - Clinica di Anestesia e Rianimazione Generale Respiratoria e del Trauma Maggiore in Ancona, Italy. Research Focus: Critical care medicine, sepsis, microcirculation, anesthesia, and respiratory failure Key Contributions: Expertise in hemodynamic monitoring, antibiotic resistance, ECMO, and perioperative medicine Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes antimicrobial therapy for multidrug-resistant pathogens, microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis, critical care pharmacogenetics, and advanced monitoring techniques during surgeries. His studies frequently involve multicenter collaborations and clinical trials. Contact: Email available at a.donati@univpm.it
Professor Peter Catcheside is a distinguished sleep and respiratory physiologist at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health, where he serves as a Full Member of both the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute Sleep Health (formerly the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health) and the Medical Device Research Institute within the College of Science and Engineering. Based in the Mark Oliphant Building's 6-bed sleep research facility in Bedford Park, South Australia, he maintains an active research program with over 265 research outputs spanning more than two decades. His primary research interests focus on obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory control mechanisms, arousal from sleep, environmental noise effects on sleep, upper airway neuromuscular control, cardiovascular disturbances related to sleep disorders, and circadian physiology. Professor Catcheside's work bridges clinical research with technical and computing expertise to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of disturbed breathing and sleep. His current research predominantly centers on improving treatments and diagnostic methods for sleep breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea, problem snoring, and central sleep apnea, as well as understanding how respiratory problems and environmental noise exposure affect sleep quality. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on clinical applications of sleep research, with particular focus on sleep apnea diagnostics and treatment, cardiovascular consequences of sleep-disordered breathing, circadian rhythm analysis, and the relationship between sleep quality and various health outcomes including diabetes and athletic performance. His research employs sophisticated methodologies including polysomnography, advanced data modeling, and physiological measurements. Over 265 research outputs with consistent publication record through 2025 6877 total citations reflecting significant impact in the field 47 h-index demonstrating substantial scholarly influence Active supervision of students across multiple disciplines including Medicine, Physiology, Engineering, and Psychology Professor Catcheside has completed principal supervisions in Physiology (3) and associate supervisions across Medicine (3), Physiology (3), Engineering (2), and Psychology (1). His research program contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and wellbeing. His work combines sleep and respiratory physiology measurements with circadian and cardiovascular physiology expertise to address complex questions in sleep medicine.
Fernando González-Mohino Mayoralas serves as a Researcher in the Department of Physical Education and Sport within the School of Life and Nature Sciences at Nebrija University. His academic foundation includes a Doctorate from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2018), where he completed his thesis on high- and low-intensity efforts and their acute/medium-term effects on running economy across performance levels under Dr. José María González Ravé. His primary research domains encompass Sports Science and Exercise Physiology, with concentrated expertise in running biomechanics, training methodology, and advanced footwear technology. Current investigations analyze sex-based physiological differences in elite runners, the impact of shoe bending stiffness on performance metrics, and pacing strategies in championship events. His work bridges laboratory findings with practical athletic applications through extensive publication output. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant research trajectories in advanced footwear technology effects on running economy (32% of 2024-2025 publications), sex-specific performance physiology (24%), and training periodization models for endurance athletes (18%). Methodologically, he combines systematic reviews with controlled experimental designs using portable biomechanical sensors and physiological monitoring systems. As an active thesis supervisor at Nebrija University, he mentors graduate research while maintaining rigorous publication output. His collaborative network spans European sports science institutions, evidenced by multi-country authorship patterns and conference participation including the EUSWIM European Conference. Research infrastructure includes partnerships with biomechanics labs utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy and advanced motion capture systems, particularly focused on testing next-generation athletic footwear. Current projects examine longitudinal bending stiffness effects on energy cost and competitive pacing strategies in global championship settings.
Thomas Radtke is a Senior Researcher at the University of Bern, affiliated with both the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology. He earned his PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Bern after studying Sports Science at Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg in Germany. As coordinator of the Exercise Working Group of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society, his research focuses on non-invasive respiratory diagnostics, physical activity interventions for chronic lung diseases, and behavioral change programs. His academic contributions include leading studies on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) standardization diffusion capacity measurement exercise training for cystic fibrosis (CF) and COPD post-COVID-19 rehabilitation His work spans clinical trials, systematic reviews, and guideline development for respiratory conditions. Recent publications highlight innovative blood flow restriction exercise protocols Swiss physical activity guideline adaptation immunological responses during pandemics quality of life assessments in chronic disease He employs rigorous methodologies across cross-sectional, longitudinal, and randomized controlled trial designs.
Dr. Joseph Welch is an Assistant Professor in Respiratory Physiology at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , UK, a position he assumed in September 2022. His research focuses on the neural control of breathing, respiratory mechanics, diaphragm fatigue, and exercise physiology. Education: PhD in Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Canada MRes in Sport and Exercise, University of Derby, UK BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, University of Derby, UK Dr. Welch's research investigates how breathing adapts to physiological stressors such as exercise, disease, and hypoxia; how it interacts with other body systems; and its impact on human health and performance. His work spans both healthy individuals and clinical populations, including spinal cord injury. He is particularly known for his studies on respiratory motor plasticity induced by acute intermittent hypoxia and its therapeutic applications. His research aligns with the Rehabilitation and Motor Control theme and the Integrative Physiology of Exercise and Neuroscience and Brain Health groups. The recent publications indicate a strong focus on respiratory neuroplasticity, ventilatory control, and the therapeutic potential of hypoxia. His work integrates human and animal models, clinical populations, and advanced physiological assessments, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding breathing regulation and rehabilitation. Scientific Awards: Inaugural Review Prize 2023: The exercise hyperpnoea dilemma: A 21st-century perspective Dr. Welch actively supervises postgraduate research at both master’s and doctoral levels and teaches courses including Human Physiology & Exercise, Control of Human Movement, and Applied Exercise Physiology. He has collaborated extensively with leading researchers such as Professor Gordon Mitchell and Professor Bill Sheel. His laboratory work includes neurophysiological assessments and respiratory function testing, contributing to translational research in rehabilitation.
Christopher Earing is a Senior Lecturer at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, specializing in Post-Registration education. He also works as a Clinical Scientist in Respiratory and Sleep Physiology at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, conducting cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, lung function assessments, and sleep apnoea diagnostics. Key Roles: Clinical Scientist, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Senior Lecturer, Wrexham Glyndŵr University Research Focus: His research explores Exercise Physiology, ventilatory control, and respiratory muscle fatigue, particularly in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. He investigates hypercapnic/hypoxic responses, inflammatory markers, and the endocannabinoid system. Teaching Expertise: Lectures on the MSc Professional Practice in Health program, covering compassionate leadership, service improvement, and Public Health. Professional Contributions: Chaired conferences and taught at ARTP advanced lung function courses. Scientific Awards: Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellow
