Prof. Dr. Volker Stefanski is a University Professor (W3) at the University of Hohenheim's Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, leading the Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock. He holds a Dr. rer. nat. from Bielefeld University (1991) and has held roles including Postdoc at UCLA (1993-1995), Research Associate and Privatdozent at the University of Bayreuth (1995-2005), and Head of Immunology at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (2006-2009). His research focuses on stress biology, immunology, and animal physiology, particularly in livestock like pigs and laboratory models. Key areas include hormonal stress responses, immune system dynamics, and the interplay between social stress and health outcomes in animals. His work spans from molecular mechanisms (e.g., catecholamine effects on Salmonella) to applied studies on housing conditions and immunological practices in agriculture. Selected projects explore diurnal rhythms in pig immunity, microbiome shifts due to diets, and maternal stress impacts on offspring. His research emphasizes translational applications for improving animal welfare and disease resistance in farming systems. He contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating physiology, immunology, and behavioral studies.
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Dr. Desiree Loreth is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology within the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf . Her work spans molecular mechanisms in kidney physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer metastasis. Research Interests include: Proteasome function in glomerular cells and podocytes Role of UCH-L1 enzyme in mitochondrial dynamics Neuroimmunological mechanisms in autoimmune kidney diseases Neurodegenerative pathways in Alzheimer's disease models Metastasis biology in non-small cell lung cancer Publication Trends show expertise in proteasome regulation, ubiquitin pathways, neurodegenerative imaging, and metastasis modeling. Collaborations with Prof. Christine Meyer-Schwesinger and Prof. Martin Meyer-Luehmann highlight interdisciplinary approaches. Advising & Collaborations involve co-authoring 15+ publications with teams across nephrology, neuroscience, and oncology.
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGermany
Sibylle Maria Kneissl serves as Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, holding concurrent roles as senior clinician (Oberarzt) since 2011 and Specialty Chief Editor for Veterinary Imaging at Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Appointed Professor in 2008 after serving as Assistant Professor, she maintains active research and editorial leadership within veterinary academic medicine. Her educational foundation includes graduation from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in 1992 with specialized training in anatomy, oncology, and diagnostic imaging. This background established her trajectory in veterinary clinical sciences and imaging diagnostics. Research centers on advanced veterinary imaging techniques for small animals, with significant contributions to feline oncology , canine orthopedic diagnostics , and neuroanatomical studies . Her work bridges clinical practice and educational innovation, particularly through flipped classroom methodologies for veterinary imaging education. Current investigations focus on autoimmune disease modeling, craniocervical pathologies, and thoracic computed tomography validation against surgical findings. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal concentrated expertise in imaging technology evolution, with 81 total publications demonstrating consistent output in veterinary diagnostic journals. Key trends include species-specific imaging protocols (dogs/cats), translational oncology models, and educational assessment frameworks for veterinary curricula. As Specialty Chief Editor for Veterinary Imaging at Frontiers in Veterinary Science, she shapes scholarly discourse in her field while maintaining active clinical and research engagement. Her editorial leadership complements ongoing clinical work as senior clinician in diagnostic imaging.
Michael Krahn is a University Professor at the University of Münster's Faculty of Medicine, where he leads the Medical Cell Biology research group within Medical Clinic D - Internal Medicine. Holding dual doctorates in Veterinary Medicine and Natural Sciences, he maintains an active research program focusing on molecular mechanisms of cell biology with particular emphasis on membrane dynamics and cellular structures. His research interests span biomolecular label chemistry, RNA biochemistry, bioorthogonal chemistry, RNA modifications, nucleic acid chemistry, chemical biology, and mRNA. Professor Krahn's work particularly explores how phosphoinositide lipids regulate cell polarity and membrane organization, with significant contributions to understanding slit diaphragm formation, endocytosis, and related disease mechanisms. His publication record shows consistent research output through 2023, with recent work examining tight junction formation, ER stress responses in podocytes, Hippo pathway regulation, and SEC61A1 variants in liver disease. These publications demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach bridging cell biology, molecular medicine, and disease pathology, primarily using Drosophila models and mammalian cell systems. Professor Krahn participates in the "Cells in Motion" collaborative research initiative and is a member of the Imaging Network, focusing on microscopy applications for cellular dynamics research. His work appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, reflecting the significance of his contributions to cell polarity and membrane biology fields.
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Dr. Lisa Sprague leads a research group at Germany's Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses (IBIZ), specializing in bacterial zoonoses and public health. Her veterinary medical background informs interdisciplinary work spanning: Primary Affiliation: Head of Working Group at IBIZ, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena Contact: Tel: +49 3641 804-2462, Fax: +49 3641 804 2228 Her research demonstrates remarkable breadth across three domains: Health Policy & Stigma Research Investigates structural determinants in HIV/TB management through community-led frameworks. Recent work establishes methodological standards for intersectional stigma research and participatory praxis in marginalized populations. Oncological Virology & Immunology Examines oncolytic virus interactions with tumor microenvironments and dendritic cell-based vaccination strategies, highlighting immune modulation challenges. Emerging Technologies Explores molecular computing architectures and digital health adoption barriers, including telehealth infrastructure and personal health records. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on equity-driven methodologies, with 2020-2022 outputs emphasizing: HIV stigma measurement frameworks Cognitive foundations of numerical reasoning Molecular information storage systems
Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University BerlinGermany
Dr. Florian Witzmann serves as Curator for Fossil Fishes and Amphibians at the Museum of Natural History Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research in Berlin, Germany, a position he has held continuously since June 2016 (and previously from April 2009 to November 2014). He also functions as Editor-in-Chief of 'Fossil Record,' the museum's paleontological open-access journal. His academic credentials include a habilitation completed in November 2014 at Humboldt University of Berlin with the thesis 'Physiological aspects of the fish-to-tetrapod transition - skin structure, breathing and feeding in early tetrapods,' supervised by Prof. Johannes Müller, and a PhD earned in September 2004 from the same institution focusing on the Permo-Carboniferous temnospondyl amphibian Archegosaurus decheni. His research program centers on three primary interconnected domains: (1) physiological adaptations during the fish-to-tetrapod transition in the late Paleozoic, particularly examining morphological and histological changes in dermal bones and scales alongside restructuring of the gill skeleton related to feeding and respiration mechanisms; (2) evolution of cranial muscles in early tetrapods and amphibians; and (3) paleopathology, with special emphasis on spinal diseases in fossil amphibians and reptiles and the evolutionary history of bone healing mechanisms. His work frequently employs advanced imaging techniques including microCT, FIB-SEM tomography, and phylogenetic disease bracketing to analyze both modern and fossil specimens. Dr. Witzmann's scholarly impact is reflected in publications across prestigious interdisciplinary journals including Nature, Science Advances, Current Biology, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, and JAMA Oncology. His research has identified ancient diseases in the fossil record such as the oldest known osteopetrosis case in human skeletons, cancer in a 240-million-year-old stem-turtle, and metabolic bone diseases in Permian amniotes. His methodological approach bridges paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and clinical medicine to understand deep-time patterns of disease and physiological adaptation. Feodor Lynen-Research Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation (2014-2016) at Brown University's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Endeavour Leadership Award recipient (2019-2020) supporting research at the Queensland Museum, Brisbane His academic trajectory demonstrates consistent progression from doctoral research on temnospondyl amphibians through postdoctoral work on dermal bone histology to his current leadership role in paleopathology and evolutionary morphology. Dr. Witzmann maintains active collaborations with researchers across Europe, North America, and Australia, contributing significantly to our understanding of vertebrate evolution and the deep history of physiological adaptations.
Professor Eberhard Karbe is an Honorary Member of the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP) since 2004. He was a founding member of the Gesellschaft für Toxikologische Pathologie (GTP) in 1986 and held leadership roles including chairman and secretary. He spearheaded the RITA project (1988–1998), leading to WHO publications on rodent tumor classifications. He co-chaired the annual 'Classic Examples in Toxicologic Pathology' seminars at the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, which became a cornerstone for European training in the field. His contributions include advancing standardization of toxicologic pathology practices and transitioning GTP into the ESTP in 2001. Research interests focus on regulatory toxicology, histopathologic classification, and international collaboration. His work on OECD guideline validation and immunotoxicology ring studies emphasized standardized methodologies. Key awards include the ESTP Honorary Membership for his foundational role in establishing professional standards. Advising and grants: While no specific students are listed, his mentorship through seminars and organizational leadership shaped generations of toxicologic pathologists. Grants and funding details are not explicitly mentioned but likely tied to collaborative projects like RITA. Labs/Teams: Involved in producing a CD-ROM compilation of seminar materials (2005) and co-led the RITA database initiative, fostering international collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Carlos A. Guzmán is a leading figure in vaccinology and applied microbiology, serving as Head of the Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and holding an APL professorship at Hannover Medical School. With over 260 publications and numerous patents, his research spans mucosal immunology, adjuvant development, and vaccine delivery systems, particularly focusing on Salmonella vectors and RNA-based vaccines. Education: Medicine (National University of Rosario, Argentina); specialization in Medical Bacteriology (Argentina); doctorates in Medicine/Surgery and Microbiological Sciences Research Pillars: Adjuvant discovery, DNA vaccines, mucosal delivery systems, and vaccine candidates against infectious diseases His work includes foundational studies on cyclic dinucleotides as adjuvants, self-replicating RNA vaccines, and translational projects like HeberNasvac for hepatitis B. Recent studies address aging-related vaccine responsiveness, pediatric respiratory infections in the LoewenKIDS cohort, and molecular insights into influenza and HCV immunogenicity. Scientific Contributions: Co-inventor of numerous international patents Key role in TRANSVAC infrastructure development Editorial board member for Vaccine , Frontiers in Mucosal Immunology , and others Current projects utilize the Helmholtz Centre's resources and collaborate with institutions across Europe, integrating systems immunology and nanotechnology for next-generation vaccines. The HZI's 60-year legacy and BRICS networks further amplify his impact.
Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsGermany
Dr. Wolfram Föllmann is a Researcher in the Systems Toxicology department at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) in Dortmund, Germany. He operates under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Jan G. Hengstler within the broader Toxicology school, focusing on molecular mechanisms of occupational and environmental toxicants. His research spans critical areas of toxicology including mycotoxin biomonitoring in agricultural workers, heavy metal genotoxicity, and bladder carcinogenesis. Key methodological contributions involve developing in vitro models using primary urothelial cells, V79 fibroblasts, and bovine colonic systems to assess strain-specific responses to contaminants. His work demonstrates particular expertise in occupational exposure scenarios involving mycotoxins, cigarette smoke condensates, and heavy metals. Analysis of his publications from 2010-2016 reveals consistent focus on occupational health hazards , with recurring themes in biomarker development, cellular toxicity mechanisms, and genetic susceptibility factors. His collaborative projects frequently integrate toxicology with molecular epidemiology, particularly in bladder cancer research. His scientific contributions include: Methodological advances in urinary mycotoxin biomonitoring for mill workers Characterization of citrinin-ochratoxin A synergistic toxicity Discovery of boric acid's protective effects against metal-induced DNA damage Development of primary cell models for bladder carcinogen assessment Dr. Föllmann maintains active research collaborations across German and international institutions, with publications appearing in Archives of Toxicology , Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health , and veterinary immunology journals. His work bridges laboratory toxicology with practical occupational health applications.
Professor Marc Aubreville is a Professor of Applied Computer Science with a specialization in Visual Computing at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences. Appointed in September 2024, he leads the FLAIR (Flensburg Artificial Intelligence Research Visual Computing) research group and serves as spokesperson for the STEM research team of the Schleswig-Holstein Promotional College (PKSH), representing 45 professors from six universities across the state. Aubreville's research centers on digital pathology and AI-assisted medical diagnostics, developing systems that help pathologists identify malignant tumor regions through abnormal cell division patterns. His DFG-funded "Digital Pathology" project is particularly notable as only approximately 1% of DFG funding goes to universities of applied sciences. His work began with veterinary applications using canine tumor samples before transitioning to human medicine, demonstrating the translational potential of AI in healthcare. His publication record from 2024-2025 reveals significant contributions across computational pathology, human-AI collaboration dynamics, and veterinary medical imaging. Key research themes include confirmation bias in AI-assisted diagnosis, automation bias under time pressure, and the development of comprehensive datasets for training AI in histopathology. His work bridges computer science, medicine, and veterinary science with practical applications for improving diagnostic accuracy. Key Research Contributions: AI systems to assist pathologists in identifying malignant areas in tissue samples Creation of standardized reporting guidelines for AI-based image analysis Development of datasets for mitosis detection in breast cancer Investigation of human factors in AI-assisted medical decision-making Professional Engagement: Spokesperson for PKSH STEM research team since March 2025 Collaboration with institutions in Berlin and Vienna for data collection Active participation in establishing methodological standards for AI in pathology
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGermany
Boaz Arzi serves as Professor of Dentistry and Oral Surgery within the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. His academic foundation includes a residency-training program in dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and a two-year fellowship in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis, establishing his dual expertise in clinical veterinary dentistry and biomedical engineering applications. His educational credentials comprise: Residency in Dentistry and Oral Surgery, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis Dr. Arzi's research program integrates veterinary clinical practice with engineering principles, focusing on oral pathologies across diverse species including companion animals, wildlife, and zoo specimens. His work critically examines temporomandibular joint disorders, inflammatory oral conditions, tumor biology, and regenerative approaches for mineralized tissues. This comparative methodology bridges species-specific dental challenges with translational therapeutic development, particularly emphasizing immunomodulation strategies and advanced imaging techniques for diagnostic precision. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward species-comparative oral pathology research, with significant emphasis on feline inflammatory diseases, canine tumor epidemiology, and wildlife dental anatomy. His engineering-informed approach drives innovation in controlled drug delivery systems for tissue regeneration and advanced imaging modalities for anatomical identification, demonstrating a unique convergence of veterinary medicine and biomedical engineering to address complex oral surgical challenges. Dr. Arzi maintains active scholarly engagement as Chief Editor for Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery at Frontiers in Veterinary Science, reflecting his leadership in the discipline. His editorial contributions include 45 total engagements comprising 3 edited research topics, 34 edited publications, and 8 reviewed publications. While specific details regarding graduate student mentorship and grant funding are not documented in the available materials, his extensive publication record (198 total publications) and significant research impact (264,782 publication views and 52,060 downloads) indicate substantial scholarly influence. His laboratory work appears centered within the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations between veterinary clinical teams and biomedical engineering researchers to advance oral surgical techniques and regenerative therapies.
University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
Nicole Fischer is a Professor and Director at the Institute of Molecular Virology and Tumor Virology , University of Hamburg . Her work spans virology , medical microbiology , and tumor virology . Key research areas: Viral oncogenesis (especially Merkel Cell Polyomavirus) Immune evasion mechanisms High-throughput diagnostic assays Metagenomic sequencing applications Publications focus on viral integration patterns, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Notable contributions include: 2025: Histo-blood group antigens in rotavirus entry 2024: RSV fusion inhibitors and mpox complications 2023: Merkel cell carcinoma angiogenesis 2022: SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism and immune evasion Scientific memberships: Gesellschaft für Virologie (GfV) European Society for Virology (ESV) American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF)
Dr. Tobias Müller is a Researcher at the Chair of Theoretical Physics I (Theoretical Physics I Department) at Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg. His affiliation includes the Thomale research group (AG Thomale), focusing on theoretical physics with a strong emphasis on condensed matter and quantum mechanics. His research explores advanced mathematical models and computational methods in physics, contributing to foundational understanding of complex systems. Contact information includes his office location at Building M1 (Space 03.004) and phone +49 931 31-83956. Research interests span theoretical frameworks in physics, including quantum phenomena, statistical mechanics, and mathematical physics applications. His work bridges theoretical models with experimental validations, addressing cutting-edge questions in modern physics. Recent publications indicate interdisciplinary engagement with genetics, epigenetics, and veterinary oncology, though primary affiliation remains in theoretical physics. No formal student advisees are listed in current records. Scientific awards or grants are not explicitly documented in provided texts. His lab affiliations include the Theoretical Physics I group, contributing to collaborative research initiatives within the university's physics cluster. Ongoing projects likely involve computational modeling and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Dr. med. vet. Frank Becker is a researcher at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf, Germany, where he is affiliated with the Cell Physiology and Reproduction Group. His work focuses on reproductive biology in cattle and horses, integrating physiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to improve fertility and breeding practices. His research interests include: Reproductive physiology in farm animals Estrus detection and ovulation control Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization Sperm and oocyte quality assessment Metabolic influences on fertility Molecular mechanisms of ovarian and testicular function His recent publications highlight advancements in estrus monitoring through vocalization analysis, the impact of heat stress on bull fertility, transcriptomic studies in mastitis recovery, and metabolic profiling in dairy cows. These works reflect a strong trend toward precision livestock farming, integrating molecular tools with behavioral and physiological monitoring. While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the provided texts, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates significant contributions to veterinary and reproductive sciences. Dr. Becker has collaborated extensively with researchers such as W. Kanitz, D. Becker (possibly a co-author with similar name), Jens Vanselow, Klaus Wimmers, and others, indicating active participation in national and international research networks. He has contributed to projects involving embryo cloning, superovulation, and metabolic monitoring in dairy herds. He is involved in developing practical biotechnologies for livestock reproduction, including timed insemination, ovum pick-up, and embryo production systems. His lab focuses on translating basic research into field-applicable tools for improving reproductive efficiency in cattle and horses.
Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsGermany
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ghallab is Professor of Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Egypt, and Head of the Intravital Toxicology Research Group at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) in Dortmund, Germany. His dual appointments reflect his interdisciplinary work bridging veterinary and human toxicology. Dr. Ghallab earned his Dr. med. vet. from Justus-Liebig-University Gießen in 2013, following a Master's degree (2009) and Bachelor's degree (2006) in Veterinary Medicine from South Valley University. His career progressed from postdoctoral scientist at IfADo (2013) to BMBF-funded Junior Group Leader (2015-2021), Assistant Professor (2018), and finally Professor (2023). His research focuses on intravital toxicology , particularly bile acid metabolism , drug-induced liver injury , and hepatobiliary system pathophysiology. He employs intravital imaging , computational modeling , and molecular techniques to investigate liver-kidney axis interactions, cholestatic diseases, and mechanisms of hepatotoxicity. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on bile acid transporters , cholemic nephropathy , liver regeneration , and hepatocellular carcinoma development. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, including development of novel diagnostic probes and therapeutic strategies targeting bile acid pathways. Dr. Ghallab leads the Intravital Toxicology Research Group at IfADo, where his team conducts cutting-edge research using advanced imaging techniques to study real-time toxicological processes in living organisms. His work has significant implications for understanding drug safety, environmental toxicants, and metabolic diseases affecting the liver and related organ systems.
