External Research Fellows

Dr. Dietmar Appelhans 

Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF Dresden), Dresden, Germany 

Research area: Polymer chemistry / Biomedical nanomaterials / Dendrimers and glycodendrimers / Biomimetic systems 

Appointed: 2026 

ORCID: 0000-0003-4611-8963

Google Scholar: scholar.google.com/citations

Dr. Dietmar Appelhans is a researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, specializing in responsive and bioactive polymer materials for biomedical and biomimetic applications. His research focuses/-ed on biomimetic systems based on enzyme-loaded (multi)compartments as well as the use of multifunctional dendritic architectures. Dr Appelhans has authored approximately 260 scientific publications and is a co-inventor of 13 patents. His collaboration with our Faculty spans more than 15 years and focuses primarily on the biomedical applications of glycodendrimers, including their biocompatibility, immunomodulatory and anti-amyloidogenic properties, and potential use in drug delivery and anticancer therapy. The collaboration has resulted in 55 joint publications, international research projects, and the training and research mobility of our doctoral students.

Prof. Barry Bogin 

Loughborough University, London,UK / University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, USA

Research area: Biological antropology / Evolutionary biology / Nutritional ecology

Appointed: 2026

ORCID: 0000-0002-1688-0087 | 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=si5nSQkAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Barry Bogin is a biological anthropologist and Professor Emeritus at Loughborough University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. His research focuses on human growth and physical development, nutritional ecology, evolutionary biology, and the adaptation of human populations to environmental and social conditions.  A particularly important part of his scientific work concerns studies of Maya communities and the concept of Social-Economic-Political-Emotional (SEPE) factors on human development. Prof. Bogin is the author of more than 240 books, articles, book chapters, and popular essays, including Patterns of Human Growth, 3^rd edition and Human Biology: An Evolutionary and Biocultural Approach, 2nd edition.  Prof. Bogin’s collaboration with our Faculty focuses on research into variation in adolescent growth, particularly the dynamics of the pubertal growth spurt, using longitudinal data and inter-population comparisons.

Dr. Massimo Zacchini 

Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Italy

Research area: Phytoremediation / Plant stress physiology / Ecotoxicology

Appointed: 2026

ORCID: 0000-0002-9395-6102 | 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tSRouQMAAAAJ&hl=it

Dr Massimo Zacchini, is an experienced researcher in plant physiology and ecotoxicology, serving as Research Director at the Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). He heads the Tissue Culture Laboratory and has also served as Head of Section in Montelibretti. His research focuses on the physiological characterization of plants used in environmental remediation, particularly phytoremediation, as well as ecotoxicological risk assessment.

Dr Zacchini is the author and co-author of more than 130 scientific publications and has extensive experience in international research projects, including European and bilateral collaborations. He is Associated Editor of the journal “Frontiers in Plant Science”, editorial board member of the journals “Water” and “Applied Science”, guest editor of special issues.

His long-standing collaboration with our Faculty concerns phytoremediation, plant photosynthetic performance, access to advanced research infrastructure, and support for young researchers and international cooperation.

Paromita Chakraborty

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India

Research area: Environmental science / Environmental chemistry / Plastic-associated chemicals / Sustainable remediation / Climate change

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0002-4192-0992 |

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mWZ4OvsAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Paromita Chakraborty is Professor and Head of the Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH) under the Directorate of Research at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India. She leads the Environmental Science and Technology research group, focusing on the fate, transport and cost-effective sustainable remediation of plastic-associated chemicals. Prof. Chakraborty was awarded the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum’s Water Advanced Research Innovation Fellowship in 2016 and received the Hiyoshi Environmental Award in 2020 and the Dr Ajmal Khan Award in 2024. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles, edited four books for Springer and Elsevier, serves as Associate Editor of Science of the Total Environment, and has been listed among the top 2% of global scientists by Elsevier and Stanford University. Her collaboration with our Faculty supports research in environmental pollution, ecohydrology, climate-related environmental risks and sustainable remediation strategies.

Hideyuki Inui

Kobe University, Kobe, Japan

Research area: Plant biotechnology / Environmental toxicology / Phytoremediation / Bioremediation

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0002-0981-2641 |

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8GLuXj0AAAAJ&hl=en

Assoc. Prof. Hideyuki Inui is a researcher at Kobe University, Japan, whose scientific interests focus on safe crop production based on the biological functions of plants and bacteria. His research addresses the uptake, transport, accumulation and metabolism of environmental pollutants in plants, including dioxins, PCBs, pesticide residues and PFAS. Clarifying these mechanisms is important for developing novel strategies to reduce crop contamination and improve food safety. At the same time, enhancing pollutant uptake by selected plant species may support phytoremediation approaches aimed at removing persistent contaminants from the environment. Assoc. Prof. Inui also investigates the molecular mechanisms of bacterial biodegradation of pollutants, providing a basis for efficient bioremediation technologies. His collaboration with our Faculty focuses on the application of plant and microbial biological functions for environmental monitoring, remediation and the development of safer agricultural systems

Dr. Naoto Kawakami

LMU Munich, Munich, Germany

Research area: Neuroimmunology / Multiple sclerosis / T cell biology / CNS inflammation / Intravital imaging

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0001-7693-3489

Dr. Naoto Kawakami is Group Leader at the Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital and Biomedical Center, LMU Munich, Germany. His research focuses on autoreactive, CNS-specific T cells that induce inflammation in the brain and contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS, his group applies intravital two-photon microscopy and functional fluorescent markers to visualize T cell infiltration, activation, migration and interactions with other cell types in real time. Dr. Kawakami also uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to investigate molecular mechanisms controlling T cell entry into the central nervous system. His collaboration with our Faculty supports research in neuroimmunology, autoimmune inflammation and advanced imaging-based approaches to disease mechanisms.

Prof. Marina Piria

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia

Research area: Ichthyology / Aquatic ecology / Fisheries management / Freshwater biodiversity / Invasion biology

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0001-6324-9282

Prof. Marina Piria is a tenured Professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Croatia. She graduated in Agricultural Sciences and received her PhD in Fisheries from the same university. Her research focuses on ichthyology, aquatic ecology, freshwater fish biology, fisheries management and invasion biology, with particular emphasis on freshwater ecosystems and invasive aquatic species. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to aquatic biodiversity, fisheries and fish ecology. Prof. Piria has gained international experience at institutions including Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington and has participated in EU-funded projects, including FP7, Erasmus+ and COST Actions. She is an elected member of EIFAAC/FAO and has published over 100 scientific and technical publications. Her collaboration with our Faculty supports research in freshwater biodiversity, aquatic ecology and invasive species management

Prof. Sabrina Pricl

University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

Research area: Molecular biology / Nanotechnology / Computational modelling / Molecular systems design / Materials and life sciences

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0001-8380-4474 | Scopus ID: 7004615459 | Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zHd2XxQAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Sabrina Pricl is Principal Investigator of the Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) at the University of Trieste, Italy, where she leads multidisciplinary research projects in life and material sciences. Her scientific work focuses on the integration of experimental methods with high-performance computing approaches for the design, optimization and development of complex molecular systems. She is the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and actively promotes technology transfer, science communication and interdisciplinary innovation. Prof. Pricl also serves as an expert monitor and evaluator for the European Commission. Her collaboration with our Faculty supports the development of advanced molecular modelling, nanotechnology-based approaches and computational strategies for biomedical and environmental research.

Prof. Patrícia Rijo 

Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal

Research area: Natural products chemistry / Pharmacognosy / Medicinal chemistry / Bioactive compounds / Drug discovery

Appointed: 2023

ORCID: 0000-0001-7992-8343 |

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9joKfHsAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Patrícia Rijo is Associate Professor with Habilitation at Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal, and a researcher at CBIOS – Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies. Her research focuses on natural products chemistry, including the isolation, identification and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources. She investigates their pharmacological potential, particularly in cancer and infectious diseases, and develops natural product analogues with improved therapeutic properties, efficacy and safety. Her work combines pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry and sustainable use of natural resources to support nature-inspired drug discovery. Prof. Rijo’s collaboration with our Faculty strengthens research in bioactive natural compounds, pharmacological screening, sustainable drug development and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Prof. Gordon H. Copp 

Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK

Research area: Freshwater fish ecology / Invasion biology / Fisheries / Non-native species risk assessment / Conservation biology

Appointed: 2018

Prof. Gordon H. Copp is Principal Scientist in the Salmon & Freshwater Team at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), UK, and Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University. He has over 30 years of experience in the environmental biology of freshwater fishes, including early fish development, life-history traits, otter-fish interactions, invasion biology and risk analysis of non-native species. He has authored numerous scientific publications and received the Universitatis Lodziensis Amico medal in recognition of his long-standing collaboration with the University of Lodz. His cooperation with our Faculty began in 1986 and has included regular visits, staff and student exchanges, joint publications and support for international fellowships, strengthening research in fish ecology, biological invasions and aquatic biodiversity conservation.

Prof. Zygmunt Stanisław Derewenda 

University of Virginia, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Charlottesville, USA

Research area: Structural biology / Protein crystallography / Molecular physiology / Cell signalling / Biomedical protein research

Appointed: 2018

Prof. Zygmunt Stanisław Derewenda is Professor at the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, USA, and an alumnus of the University of Lodz. His research focuses on protein structure and its biological and biomedical significance, including smooth muscle contractility, intracellular transport, cell signalling, cell migration and structure-based drug discovery. He has authored more than 160 scientific publications and served as Co-editor of Acta Crystallographica Section D: Structural Biology. In 2017, he received the David A. Harrison Distinguished Educator Award. Prof. Derewenda has maintained long-standing collaboration with our Faculty, including lectures, scientific visits and coordination of the Visiting Research Graduate Traineeship Program – Biolab, enabling students to undertake research internships at leading institutions in the United States.

Prof. Russel J. Reiter 

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA

Research area: Melatonin biology / Circadian rhythms / Oxidative stress / Mitochondrial function / Ageing 

Appointed: 2018

Prof. Russel J. Reiter is Professor at the Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA. His research focuses on melatonin as an antioxidant, regulator of circadian rhythms and modulator of mitochondrial function, as well as on free-radical mechanisms involved in disease and ageing. He is Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Pineal Research and a member of several editorial boards. Prof. Reiter has authored more than 1,300 scientific publications and received numerous distinctions, including honorary doctorates and the Presidential Distinguished Scholar Award. His long-standing collaboration with our Faculty began in 2002 and includes joint publications, scientific visits, seminars and workshops, strengthening research in oxidative stress, melatonin biology and mechanisms of cellular damage

Prof. Peter O. Dunn

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, USA

Research area: Avian ecology / Evolutionary biology / Climate change ecology / Conservation biology

Appointed: 2017

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KNDhdbYAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Peter O. Dunn is Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. His research focuses on the ecology, evolution and conservation of birds, with particular emphasis on sexual selection and female mate choice. He investigates whether male plumage colouration and ornamental traits signal mate quality, including disease resistance and immune genes such as the major histocompatibility complex. Prof. Dunn also studies the effects of climate change on breeding phenology in swallows and its consequences for aerial insect food supply. He coordinates large-scale research on insect abundance across North America using Malaise traps. His collaboration with our Faculty supports research in avian ecology, evolutionary biology, climate change responses and biodiversity conservation.

Prof. Kai Kaarniranta

University of Eastern Finland / Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland

Research area: Ophthalmology / Age-related macular degeneration / Retinal degeneration / Autophagy / Experimental and clinical eye research

Appointed: 2017

Prof. Kai Kaarniranta is an ophthalmologist at the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, where he holds the positions of Professor, Chairman and Chief Physician. His primary scientific interest is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major eye disease with limited effective treatment options. He studies molecular mechanisms of AMD using various experimental disease models and works clinically with AMD patients, including participation in more than ten clinical trials. His findings on the role of autophagy in AMD pathogenesis were internationally recognized as a breakthrough in AMD research. Prof. Kaarniranta is the author or co-author of numerous scientific papers. His long-standing collaboration with our Faculty includes joint publications, visiting professorship and research training opportunities for doctoral students.

Prof. Ali Serhan Tarkan 

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla, Türkiye

Research area: Freshwater ecology / Fish conservation / Fisheries / Invasion biology / Climate change ecology

Appointed: 2017

ORCID: 0000-0001-8628-0514 |

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=p_JjJNMAAAAJ&hl=en

Prof. Ali Serhan Tarkan is affiliated with the Faculty of Fisheries at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Türkiye, and since 2024 working at our Faculty. His research focuses on human impacts on freshwater fish communities, with emphasis on conservation, fisheries and invasion biology. He investigates how global warming affects the behaviour and trophic ecology of riverine fishes, particularly invasive species, and applies multidisciplinary approaches to understand aquatic ecosystems and their benefits to society. His recent work includes predicting the biodiversity and economic impacts of invasive species, assessing fish traits to forecast climate change effects, and quantifying multiple stressors in trophic interactions. His collaboration with our Faculty strengthens research in freshwater ecology, biological invasions and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.

Prof. Camille Locht

Inserm / Institut Pasteur de Lille / University of Lille, Lille, France

Research area: Vaccinology / Respiratory infections / Pertussis / Innate immunity / Trained immunity

Appointed: 2016

ORCID: 0000-0001-7295-7336

Prof. Camille Locht is Research Director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and founding Director of the Centre for Infection and Immunity at the Institut Pasteur de Lille, France. He is an internationally recognized microbiologist whose research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of respiratory infections, particularly pertussis and tuberculosis, with the long-term aim of developing new tools to combat these diseases. His laboratory developed a molecular typing system for mycobacteria that has reached the market, and he has authored more than 350 publications and patents. Prof. Locht also contributed to the development of BPZE1, a live attenuated intranasal pertussis vaccine. His collaboration with our Faculty focuses on innate immune responses induced by halophilic archaea from Polish salt mines, supporting research on host–microbe interactions and inflammatory respiratory and skin disorders.

Prof. Maria Francesca Ottaviani 

University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy

Research area: Physical chemistry / Magnetic resonance techniques / Biointerfaces / Drug-carrier interactions / Soft matter

Appointed: 2016

Prof. Maria Francesca Ottaviani is a physical chemist at the Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy, where she has held the position of Full Professor since 2004. Her scientific expertise focuses on the physicochemical characterization of liquid–liquid biointerfaces and the study of interactions between drugs and carriers using magnetic resonance techniques. Her research contributes to a better understanding of molecular organization, transport phenomena and functional properties of complex chemical and biological systems. Prof. Ottaviani has also served as Visiting Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Columbia University in New York, and at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is the author of more than 200 scientific papers. Her collaboration with our Faculty supports research in physical chemistry, biointerface science, drug delivery systems and advanced spectroscopic methods.