Our People

Meet the brilliant minds driving scientific innovation across diverse fields of research and discovery within the ENLIGHT network.

University of Galway Logo

University of Galway

Principal Investigators

Dr Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall
Dr Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall
Principal Investigator
Galway, Ireland

Leading researcher focusing on non-coding RNAs in muscle wasting and ageing.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Molecular Biology
Ageing Research
Non-coding RNAs
Muscle Wasting
Dr Brian McDonagh
Dr Brian McDonagh
Principal Investigator
Galway, Ireland

Research focuses on ageing, skeletal muscle, and mitochondrial dynamics.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Ageing
Skeletal Muscle
Redox Signalling
Mitochondrial Dynamics
C. elegans Models
Neurodegeneration
Cell and Whole Animal Models
Redox Assays
Mitochondrial Function
Autophagy
Proteomics
Dr Maria Costello
Dr Maria Costello
Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine
Galway, Ireland

Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine specializing in falls, frailty and cognitive disorders.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Geriatric Medicine
Falls Prevention
Frailty
Cognitive Disorders
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Integrated Care
Medical Education
Prof. Michelle Canavan
Prof. Michelle Canavan
Professor of Medicine
Galway, Ireland

Professor of Medicine leading research on cognitive health and vascular contributions to dementia.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Geriatric Medicine
Cognitive Health
Dementia Research
Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Clinical Research
Dr Andrea Kwakowsky
Dr Andrea Kwakowsky
Principal Investigator
Galway, Ireland

Research focuses on neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Immunology
Neuroimmunology
Ageing
Neurodegeneration
Prof. Martin O'Donnell
Prof. Martin O'Donnell
Principal Investigator
Galway, Ireland

Professor of Neurovascular Medicine at University of Galway, and Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Galway, Ireland.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Cardiology
Stroke Medicine
Clinical Trials
Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Global Health
Dr Cynthia Coleman
Dr Cynthia Coleman
Principal Investigator
Galway, Ireland

Leads research on diabetes-induced osteopathy and mesenchymal stem cell therapies.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Diabetes Research
Bone Biology
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Regenerative Medicine
RNA Therapeutics
Osteopathy

Early-Career Researchers

Dr. Lara Rodriguez Outeiriño
Dr. Lara Rodriguez Outeiriño
Postdoctoral Researcher
Galway, Ireland

IRC postdoctoral fellow exploring therapeutic applications of microRNAs for muscle-wasting diseases.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Molecular Biology
MicroRNAs
Muscle Differentiation
Muscle Regeneration
Sarcopenia
ALS
Ageing Research
Dr. Anthony Sannicandro
Dr. Anthony Sannicandro
Postdoctoral Researcher
Galway, Ireland

Investigates therapeutic potential of microRNAs for age-related diseases and neuromuscular disorders.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

MicroRNAs
Age-related Diseases
Sarcopenia
Frailty
ALS
Neurodegeneration
V-ATPase Disorders
Dr. Maria Borja-Gonzalez
Dr. Maria Borja-Gonzalez
Postdoctoral Researcher
Galway, Ireland

Specialises in gene expression control mechanisms, particularly microRNAs for therapeutic approaches.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Gene Expression Control
MicroRNAs
Cancer Cachexia
Ageing
Therapeutic Testing
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Dr Clara Sanz Nogues
Dr Clara Sanz Nogues
Postdoctoral Researcher
Galway, Ireland

Research fellow developing novel therapies combining MSCs and microRNAs for diabetic complications.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Regenerative Medicine
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
MicroRNAs
Biomaterials
Diabetic Complications
Wound Healing
Muscle Wasting
Dr Elizabeth Hay
Dr Elizabeth Hay
Research Project Manager
Galway, Ireland

Research Project Manager with expertise in single-cell genomics and CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

Institution:

University of Galway

Expertise:

Single-cell Genomics
CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
Gene Expression Analysis
Cell Biology
Genetics
Epigenetics
  • Mr James Geoghegan

    Operational Lead of Integrated Care team for older people at HSE

    Galway, Ireland
  • Dr. Conor Judge

    Principal Investigator

    Galway, Ireland
  • Dr. Finn Krewer

    Principal Investigator

    Galway, Ireland
  • Dr. Catriona Reddin

    Principal Investigator

    Galway, Ireland
  • Dr. Clodagh McDermott

    Principal Investigator

    Galway, Ireland
  • Ying Zhain

    PhD Candidate

    Galway, Ireland
  • Aoife O'Connell

    PhD Candidate

    Galway, Ireland
  • Jiuang Li

    PhD Candidate

    Galway, Ireland
  • Oran McNamara

    PhD Candidate

    Galway, Ireland
  • Francis Odinukaeze

    PhD Candidate

    Galway, Ireland
  • Dr. Tomas O'Flatharta

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Galway, Ireland
University of Groningen Logo

University of Groningen

Principal Investigators

Prof. Hannah Dugdale
Prof. Hannah Dugdale
Professor of Evolutionary Medicine
Groningen, Netherlands

Professor of Evolutionary Medicine investigating why individual variation in ageing evolved and is maintained.

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Evolutionary Medicine
Evolution of Ageing
Population Biology
Life History Evolution
Dr. Nicole Gervais
Dr. Nicole Gervais
Assistant Professor
Groningen, Netherlands

Assistant Professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Neuroscience
Hormones
Dr. E. Yağmur Erten
Dr. E. Yağmur Erten
Assistant Professor
Groningen, Netherlands

Studies ageing and cancer across species from an evolutionary perspective, using theoretical approaches such as mathematical modelling and computer simulations.

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Theoretical Evolutionary Biology
Mathematical Modelling
Cancer Evolution
Ageing Evolution
Dr. Marjon de Vos
Dr. Marjon de Vos
Principal Investigator
Groningen, Netherlands

Investigates the neurobiological effects of chronic stress.

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Microbial Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Infectious Diseases
Urobiome
Antibiotic Resistance
Computational Modeling
Dr. Defne Abur
Dr. Defne Abur
Assistant Professor of Speech and Speech Technology
Groningen, Netherlands

Assistant Professor of Speech and Speech Technology

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Speech Biosignal Processing
Biomedical Engineering
Hearing Science
Speech Sciences
Aging Research
Parkinson's Disease
Sensory Processing

Early-Career Researchers

Dr. Natalia Orti Casan
Dr. Natalia Orti Casan
Postdoctoral Researcher
Groningen, Netherlands

Studies the interaction between the immune system and neurodegenerative diseases.

Institution:

University of Groningen

Expertise:

Molecular Neurobiology
Neuroinflammation
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Immune System Modulation
  • Prof. Robbert Havekes

    Professor of Neuroscience

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Prof. Jan Komdeur

    Professor of Evolutionary Ecology

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Prof. Peter Meerlo

    Professor of Chronobiology

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Prof. Gertjan van Dijk

    Professor of Neuroendocrinology

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Dr. Miles Wischnewski

    Assistant Professor

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Dr. Sanne Moorman

    Assistant Professor

    Groningen, Netherlands
  • Marianthi Tangili

    PhD Candidate

    Groningen, Netherlands
Universidad del País Vasco Logo

Universidad del País Vasco

Principal Investigators

Prof. Carlos Matute
Prof. Carlos Matute
Professor of Neuroscience
Bilbao, Spain

Neurobiologist with a particular interest in oligodendrocytes, myelin and neurodegenerative diseases.

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Neuroscience
Neurodegeneration
Myelin Biology
Brain Metabolism
Prof. Alberto Pérez-Samartín
Prof. Alberto Pérez-Samartín
Principal Investigator
Bilbao, Spain

Electrophysiology expert researching neurodegenerative diseases

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Cell Biology
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebral Ischemia
Prof. Fernando Pérez-Cerda
Prof. Fernando Pérez-Cerda
Principal Investigator
Bilbao, Spain

Researches mechanisms of cell death in neurodegenerative diseases

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Genetics
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Molecular Mechanisms
Prof. Asier Ruiz Núñez
Prof. Asier Ruiz Núñez
Principal Investigator
Bilbao, Spain

Assistant Professor in the Neurobiology Lab

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Unfolded Protein Response
Mitochondrial Function
CNS Injury
Myelin-derived Lipids
Brain Energy Homeostasis

Early-Career Researchers

Dr. Juan Carlos Chara
Dr. Juan Carlos Chara
Postdoctoral Researcher
Bilbao, Spain

Neuroscientist with a strong background in electron microscopy, histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry, applied to the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation, and glial cells.

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Electron Microscopy
Histology
Immunohistochemistry
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neuroinflammation
Glial Cells
Eneritz López Muguruza
Eneritz López Muguruza
PhD Candidate
Bilbao, Spain

My doctoral project focuses on the role of myelin as an energy substrate in the central nervous system.

Institution:

Universidad del País Vasco

Expertise:

Biomedical Sciences
Neuroscience
Myelin Biology
Central Nervous System
  • Ms. Zara Martínez

    Lab Manager

    Bilbao, Spain
University of Tartu Logo

University of Tartu

Principal Investigators

Prof. Pärt Peterson
Prof. Pärt Peterson
Professor of Immunology
Tartu, Estonia

Professor of Molecular Immunology at the University of Tartu, Estonia.

Institution:

University of Tartu

Expertise:

Immunology
Autoimmunity
  • Prof. Kai Kisand

    Professor of Clinical Immunology

    Tartu, Estonia
  • Dr. Maarja Laos

    Senior Research Fellow

    Tartu, Estonia
  • Lehte Türk

    PhD Candidate

    Tartu, Estonia
University of Bern Logo

University of Bern

Principal Investigators

Dr. Patricia Chocano-Bedoya
Dr. Patricia Chocano-Bedoya
Senior Research Scientist
Bern, Switzerland

Head of Ageing Research at the Bern Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Switzerland.

Institution:

University of Bern

Expertise:

Epidemiology
Nutrition
Public Health
Prof. Lia Bally MD PhD
Prof. Lia Bally MD PhD
Professor of Endocrinology
Bern, Switzerland

Specializes in metabolic disorders and their impact on ageing.

Institution:

University of Bern

Expertise:

Endocrinology
Diabetes
Metabolism
  • Prof. Dr. Nicolas Rodondi

    Professor of Internal Medicine

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Prof. Dr. Lisa Koch PhD

    Professor of Neuroscience

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Dr. David Herzig PhD

    Senior Research Fellow

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Dr. Valerie Aponte Ribero

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Dr. Vera Lehmann MD PhD

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Dr David Studer

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Bern, Switzerland
  • Dr Nina Schorno

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Bern, Switzerland
Ghent University Logo

Ghent University

Principal Investigators

Dr. Anton De Spiegeleer
Dr. Anton De Spiegeleer
Principal Investigator
Ghent, Belgium

Focuses on drug discovery and development for age-related conditions.

Institution:

Ghent University

Expertise:

Translational Ageing Research
Frailty
Sarcopenia
Cell Experiments
Animal Models
Human Observational Studies
Bioactive Molecules
Microbial Peptides
Geroprotectors
Clinical Geriatric Syndromes
Prof. Nele Van Den Noortgate
Prof. Nele Van Den Noortgate
Professor of Geriatrics
Ghent, Belgium

Specializes in geriatric medicine and improving care for older patients.

Institution:

Ghent University

Expertise:

Clinical Frailty
Sarcopenia
End-of-life Care
Human Observational Studies
Clinical Trials
Geriatric Education
Medical Training
Prof. Evelien Wynendaele
Prof. Evelien Wynendaele
Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis
Ghent, Belgium

Researches analytical methods for pharmaceuticals and biomarkers of ageing.

Institution:

Ghent University

Expertise:

Pharmaceutical Analysis
Medicine Quality Control
LC-MS
FTIR
CD Spectroscopy
SAW-biosensor
ADME Studies
Blood-Brain Barrier
Peptide Analytics
Quorum Sensing Peptides
Host-Microbiome Interaction
  • Dr. Liesbeth Crombez

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Ghent, Belgium
  • Petar Naumovski

    PhD Candidate

    Ghent, Belgium