Committee Members

Dr. Clelia De-la-Peña is a distinguished Biotechnologist and Epigenetics Researcher currently based at the esteemed Scientific Research Center of Yucatán (CICY) in Mérida, Yucatán, México. With a sharp focus on epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs, their research revolves around exploring various plant in vitro culture systems. Driven by a passion for scientific discovery, they obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, followed by a Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology, which laid the foundation for their pursuit of a Ph.D. in Epigenetics. During their doctoral journey, they unraveled the complexities of epigenetic regulation in plants, leading to invaluable insights into plant growth, development, and stress responses. Dr. Clelia De-la-Peñaresearch is not limited to academia but has practical applications as well, with a commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Through their groundbreaking research and numerous publications in esteemed journals, they have established themselves as a prominent figure in the field. Their dedication to excellence, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire and shape the future of plant biotechnology, driving advancements in agricultural practices worldwide.

Altino Branco Choupina is an accomplished educator and researcher with extensive experience in biotechnology. He has been a Professor of Biology in Secondary Education from 1981 to 1989 and has since held the position of Professor of Biotechnology at the University level. Additionally, Altino has been serving as the Research Director for the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the Mountain Research Centre (CIMO) since 2001. His academic achievements include a PhD in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Lisbon in 2001, a Master’s in Biotechnology from the same university in 1994, and a Degree in Biology and Geology from the University of the Azores in 1986. Altino has further enhanced his expertise through specialized courses, including Molecular Enzyme Engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico of the Technical University of Lisbon, funded by the Biotechnology Research for Innovation, Development, and Growth (BRIDGE) in 1990, as well as attending the “III Course practice on mathematical modeling and analysis data” at the University of Salamanca. With his passion for education and research, Altino Branco Choupina continues to make significant contributions to the field of biotechnology.

Maria R. Capobianchi is a renowned biologist and virologist, graduating in Biology in 1976 and obtaining a specialty degree in Microbiology and Virology in 1988. Since 2000, she has been the Director of the Laboratory of Virology and BSL3/BSL4 facility at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) in Rome, overseeing diagnostic and research activities on viral diseases. With over two decades of expertise in basic and diagnostic virology, Dr. Capobianchi is particularly skilled in emerging viral infections and is a member of the WHO collaborating center for Highly Infectious Diseases. She has served as an expert on various emerging viruses to public health organizations, and her research focuses on viral pathogenesis, antiviral immunity, molecular epidemiology of viruses, and innovative diagnostic methods. An active participant in international microbiology societies and networks, she has managed numerous research projects funded by domestic and international institutions. Her dedication to the field has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a leading figure in the fight against infectious diseases

Dr. Joanna Benigna Strosznajder is a distinguished neurologist, neurochemist, and Professor of Neurochemistry at the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) in the Department of Cellular Signalling. With a dual background in medicine and research, she has made remarkable contributions to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Her research focuses on the role of synthetic ligands of PPARα in regulating gene transcription related to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in Alzheimer’s animal models. Additionally, Dr. Strosznajder has delved into the interplay of Alpha-Synuclein and Sphingolipid signaling in Parkinson’s disease. Her work has earned her recognition and accolades, and as an influential educator, she continues to inspire the next generation of researchers in the pursuit of combating these devastating neurological disorders.

The team, led by Dr. Martin Kottackal from the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, affiliated with the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, delves into the fascinating realm of genome editing applied to eggplant. Collaborating on this research are esteemed co-authors, namely Preshobha Kodackattumannil, Geetha Lekshmi, and Khaled M. A. Amiri. The study seeks to unravel the potential of genome editing techniques in identifying and manipulating desirable traits in eggplant varieties. By precisely modifying specific genes, the researchers aim to enhance agricultural productivity, boost disease resistance, and optimize nutritional content in eggplants. This groundbreaking work has far-reaching implications for bolstering food security and sustainable agriculture, not only in the region but also globally.

Dr. Yanping Zhang is a renowned Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology and an esteemed researcher at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a Ph.D. and extensive expertise in her field, Dr. Zhang’s lab focuses on investigating the critical Mdm2-p53 tumor suppression pathway. Through her research, she seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that regulate this pathway, contributing significantly to the understanding of cellular integrity and cancer prevention. One of her key research interests lies in exploring the multifaceted mitochondrial p32 and its pivotal role in apoptotic cell death regulation. Dr. Zhang’s work holds great promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. Her exceptional contributions to the field have led to numerous groundbreaking publications, and as a devoted educator, she passionately nurtures the next generation of researchers in her lab, leaving a lasting impact on cancer biology and radiation oncology.

Oliver Bischof is a highly regarded CNRS Research Director DR2 at the renowned Institute Pasteur in Paris, France. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, his research primarily focuses on Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. He is well-versed in various laboratory techniques, including Cell Culture, Western Blotting, and Confocal Microscopy, enabling him to delve deep into the intricacies of cellular processes. Dr. Bischof’s work at the forefront of scientific discovery has earned him a distinguished reputation in the academic community. Beyond his research, he shares his knowledge and passion as an HDR Lecturer at both University Paris VII and Free University Berlin, nurturing the next generation of scientists. Through his exceptional contributions to scientific research and education, Dr. Oliver Bischof continues to make a lasting impact in the field of Biochemistry and beyond.

Dr. Valerie is a prominent researcher in the field of epigenetics. Her groundbreaking work includes revealing small RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance in mice and demonstrating the role of spermatic RNA in disease susceptibility. With a strong focus on environmentally-induced epigenetic inheritance, her research provides valuable insights into the intergenerational transmission of diseases. Dr. Valerie’s contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and their implications for health and inheritance.

Stanislav Kotlyarov was educated as a medical doctor in 2007 and received his PhD in 2011. His thesis was on “Structure of respiratory symptoms and spirometry screening in the assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the primary treatment level”. He works at Ryazan State Medical University as head of the department. He is board-certified as a general practitioner and family medicine physician. Was involved in clinical trials of medicines and medical devices. He has over 50 publications, including several articles in leading international peer-reviewed journals. Areas of research interests: molecular immunology, molecular pharmacology of respiratory and cardiac diseases.