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Our Teams

Professor Mara G. Freire
A Scientific Powerhouse in Our Team

We are proud to introduce Professor Mara Guadalupe Freire, a distinguished scientist and a cornerstone of our research team. With an exceptional background in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, she brings unparalleled expertise, leadership, and innovation to every project we undertake.

Professor Freire holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, where she currently serves as a Coordinating Researcher at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. She is also Vice-Director of the Institute and Vice-President of the Scientific Council at the University of Aveiro.
Her scientific recognition extends globally, with membership in the Lisbon Academy of Sciences and Academia Europaea.

  • Development and purification of biopharmaceuticals
  • Tumor biomarker discovery and analysis
  • Application of ionic liquids in advanced separation processes
  • Interdisciplinary research in Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology
  • Author of over 350 peer-reviewed articles in top international journals
  • More than 26,500 citations, with an H-index of 91
  • Leader and key contributor to 25+ major research projects, including two ERC-funded initiatives
  • Holder of 15+ patents and founder of the spin-off company RYAPURTECH
  • Young Scientist Award by ECTP-NETZSCH (2014)
  • Named one of the Top 20 Women in Science in Portugal (2016)
  • Listed as one of 14 Rising Stars in Green Chemistry by Green Chemistry journal (2017)
  • Recipient of the Vicente de Seabra Medal (2018)
  • Awarded Best Researcher at University of Aveiro (2021)
  • Winner of the Professor Almiro e Castro Prize (2023)
Professor Freire’s presence in our team signifies more than just scientific excellence. Her ability to integrate cutting-edge knowledge with real-world impact aligns perfectly with our mission to drive meaningful innovation. She brings strategic insight, global collaboration, and scientific rigor that elevate our research outcomes to world-class standards.
  • Google Scholar Profile  
  • Official Page at Linkedin
  • ResearchGate

Professor Michael N. Hall
A Pioneer in Molecular Biology

Professor Michael N. Hall is a distinguished molecular biologist renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) protein, a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism. This seminal work has profoundly influenced our understanding of cellular processes and has significant implications for aging and diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Professor Michael N. Hall is a renowned molecular biologist and a leading figure in the study of cell growth and metabolism. He serves as a Professor at the Biozentrum, the Center for Molecular Life Sciences at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Since joining the Biozentrum in 1987, he has held various leadership roles, including Vice-Director and Chair of the Division of Biochemistry. In 2023, he also became a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Human Biology at F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd in Basel.   

Professor Hall’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell growth, particularly through the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. His areas of expertise include:

  • Cell growth and metabolism
  • TOR/mTOR signaling pathways
  • Aging and age-related diseases
  • Cancer biology
  • Signal transduction

His pioneering work has significantly advanced our understanding of how cells sense and respond to nutrients, growth factors, and energy status.

Professor Hall’s discovery of the TOR protein in 1991 revolutionized the field of cell biology by revealing that cell growth is a regulated process, not merely a consequence of nutrient availability. He demonstrated that TOR functions through two distinct complexes, TORC1 and TORC2, each controlling different aspects of cell physiology. These findings have profound implications for understanding aging, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
His research has been widely cited, with over 72,000 citations, reflecting the significant influence of his work in the scientific community.

Professor Hall’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2009)
  • Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2014)
  • Canada Gairdner International Award (2015)
  • Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (2017)
  • Sjöberg Prize (2020)
  • Balzan Prize for Biological Mechanisms of Ageing (2024)

He is also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the European Molecular Biology Organization.

Having Professor Hall as part of our team brings unparalleled expertise in molecular biology and a deep understanding of the mechanisms that govern cell growth and aging. His insights are invaluable for developing innovative strategies to combat age-related diseases and cancer, aligning perfectly with our mission to advance human health through cutting-edge research.

  • Google Scholar Profile  
  • Official Page at Linkedin
  • ResearchGate

Professor Michael N. Hall
A Pioneer in Molecular Biology

Professor Aldo Faisal is a distinguished figure at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neuroscience, and Biomedical Engineering. Holding dual appointments at Imperial College London’s Departments of Computing and Bioengineering, he leads pioneering research that integrates machine learning with human behavior to develop transformative technologies in healthcare and beyond

Professor Aldo Faisal holds a joint appointment in the Departments of Computing and Bioengineering at Imperial College London. He leads the Brain & Behaviour Lab, focusing on the interface of machine learning, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Behaviour Analytics Lab at the Data Science Institute. Beyond Imperial, Professor Faisal is the Chair of Digital Health & Data Science at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. He is also an Associate Investigator at the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences and an affiliated faculty member at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit at University College London.

Professor Faisal’s interdisciplinary research encompasses:

  • lArtificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Developing algorithms for human-centered applications.
  • lNeuroscience: Studying neural mechanisms underlying behavior and decision-making.
  • lBiomedical Engineering: Designing assistive technologies and neuroprosthetics.
  • lHuman-Machine Interaction: Enhancing collaboration between humans and AI systems.
  • lDigital Health: Creating digital biomarkers and personalized healthcare solutions.

Professor Faisal has authored over 280 publications, accumulating more than 8,600 citations. His work has significantly influenced the fields of AI, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering, particularly in developing AI-driven neurotechnologies for rehabilitation and assistive devices

Professor Faisal’s contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards and positions, including:

  • lUKRI Turing AI Fellowship: Acknowledging his leadership in AI research.
  • lFounding Director of the £20 million UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Healthcare.
  • lToyota Mobility Foundation Research Discovery Prize: For innovations in mobility solutions.
  • lRosetrees Interdisciplinary Award: Supporting his cross-disciplinary research endeavors.

Professor Faisal’s integration of AI with neuroscience and biomedical engineering exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary research to drive innovation in healthcare. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also leads to tangible benefits for society through the development of assistive technologies and personalized healthcare solutions.

  • Imperial College London Profile   
  • Google Scholar Profile  
  • Official Page at Linkedin
  • ResearchGate

We are honored to collaborate with Professor Aldo Faisal, whose visionary research continues to shape the future of AI and healthcare.

Professor Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
– Leading Authority in Molecular Oncology and Tumor Immunology

Professor Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz is a distinguished molecular oncologist and virologist, serving as the Professor of Molecular Oncology and Medical Director of the Department of Applied Tumor Biology at the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg. He also leads the Clinical Cooperation Unit G105 at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and is affiliated with the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz is a molecular oncologist and virologist, a professor of molecular oncology and medical director of the Department of Applied Tumor Biology at the Institute of Pathology at the University Hospital of Heidelberg. He also heads a Clinical Cooperation at the German Cancer Research Center.

Knebel Doeberitz has published over 300 research papers about viral and molecular carcinogenesis, early detection and prevention of cancer, novel prevention, and therapeutic concepts and tumor immunology. Knebel Doeberitz received the Ernst von Leyden award in 1998, the Christoph-Wilhelm Hufeland award in 2000, the Distinguished Service Award for Cervical Cancer in 2006, and the Felix Burda award in 2015.

Beyond academia, Professor von Knebel Doeberitz has co-founded several biotech companies, including mtm laboratories, which was acquired by Roche in 2011  

Professor von Knebel Doeberitz’s research focuses on:

  • lHPV-associated cancers: Investigating the molecular mechanisms of human papillomavirus-induced carcinogenesis.
  • lMicrosatellite instability (MSI) cancers: Studying the pathogenesis and immunology of MSI cancers, particularly in Lynch syndrome.
  • lTumor immunology: Developing vaccines targeting MSI cancers and exploring immune evasion mechanisms.

His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of viral and molecular carcinogenesis, early cancer detection, and tumor immunology.

Professor von Knebel Doeberitz has authored over 300 research papers, advancing knowledge in viral and molecular carcinogenesis, early detection and prevention of cancer, and tumor immunology .

Notably, he identified the overexpression of the p16INK4a protein in HPV-transformed cells, leading to the development of diagnostic tools for early detection of cervical and other HPV-related cancers .

His research on MSI cancers has elucidated immune evasion mechanisms and pioneered vaccination strategies targeting hereditary cancer syndromes like Lynch syndrome.

Professor von Knebel Doeberitz’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

  • lErnst von Leyden Award for Cancer Early Detection and Prevention (1998)
  • lChristoph-Wilhelm Hufeland Award for Cancer Early Detection and Prevention (2000)
  • lDistinguished Service Award for Cervical Cancer, Eurogin Congress (2006)
  • lFelix Burda Award (2015)  

Having Professor von Knebel Doeberitz as part of our team brings unparalleled expertise in molecular oncology and tumor immunology. His groundbreaking research has led to significant advancements in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in HPV-associated and MSI cancers. His leadership and innovative approaches are invaluable assets in our mission to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

  • Google Scholar Profile  
  • Official Page at Linkedin
  • ResearchGate

We are honored to collaborate with Professor Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz, whose visionary research continues to shape the future of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.