Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch | Neuroepigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch | Neuroepigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch | RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Prof. Dr. Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch is a distinguished neuroepigeneticist at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. With over two decades of academic and research excellence, she has significantly contributed to understanding how epigenetic mechanisms influence brain development and disorders. Her research spans neuronal migration, cortical circuit formation, and neurodevelopmental diseases. She earned her PhD under Prof. Jürgen Bolz in Jena, followed by impactful postdoctoral stints, including one with Prof. Roberto Lent in Rio de Janeiro. As an editor for high-impact journals and collaborator on international projects, she remains a key voice in neuroepigenetics. Prof. Zimmer-Bensch’s research not only advances fundamental neuroscience but also provides translational insights into conditions such as schizophrenia and neurodegeneration. Through interdisciplinary approaches and global collaborations, she exemplifies academic leadership and innovation in modern neuroscience.

Publication Profiles: 

Google Scholar 
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Education:

Prof. Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch began her academic journey with a diploma in Biology from the University of Jena. She pursued her PhD in Neurobiology at the same institution under the mentorship of Prof. Jürgen Bolz. Her doctoral research focused on molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding interneuron development. She then expanded her training with postdoctoral research in neurodevelopment at the University of Jena and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro under Prof. Roberto Lent, exploring neural migration and guidance cues in developing brain structures. This robust educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in epigenetics and neurodevelopment. Her interdisciplinary education across molecular biology, neuroanatomy, and epigenetics equips her to address complex neuroscientific questions at the intersection of genomics and brain function, contributing to groundbreaking insights into brain evolution, neural plasticity, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Experience:

Prof. Dr. Zimmer-Bensch has held a professorship in Neuroepigenetics at RWTH Aachen University. Prior to this, she led a research group at the Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, where she conducted seminal research on epigenetic mechanisms in neuronal development. Her postdoctoral experience includes prestigious positions in Jena and Brazil, where she worked with leading scientists on neural migration and brain structure formation. She is currently involved in several interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe and Asia, including research on brain-gut interactions, electrophysiology, microscopy, and computational modeling. As Editor-in-Chief of Neurogenetics and topic editor for multiple high-impact journals, she actively shapes scientific discourse in her field. Her mentoring, leadership, and ability to integrate cross-disciplinary methodologies make her a standout scientist in neuroepigenetics. Her work bridges basic and translational neuroscience, with applications in understanding developmental disorders, psychiatric conditions, and age-related cognitive decline.

Research Focus:

Prof. Zimmer-Bensch’s research centers on the epigenetic regulation of brain development and function, particularly focusing on cortical interneuron migration, neuronal integration, and circuit maturation. She investigates how DNA methylation and histone modifications orchestrate the formation and plasticity of cortical networks, with a special focus on DNMT1’s non-canonical roles. Her studies reveal how disruptions in epigenetic control mechanisms may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric conditions, and neurodegeneration. Recent projects explore the brain-gut axis in anxiety, sex-specific epigenetic vulnerabilities, and computational models of synaptic regulation. Utilizing cutting-edge tools like microfluidics, microscopy, molecular simulations, and electrophysiology, her work is highly interdisciplinary. Through collaborations with institutions across Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, and India, her lab contributes to both mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic pathways for brain diseases. Her future research aims to integrate multi-omics approaches to uncover novel targets for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative therapies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. A hereditary spastic paraplegia mouse model supports a role of ZFYVE26/SPASTIZIN for the endolysosomal system – PLoS Genetics

  2. Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs as drivers of brain evolution – Cells

  3. Ephrin‐A5 acts as a repulsive cue for migrating cortical interneurons – European Journal of Neuroscience

  4. A spastic paraplegia mouse model reveals REEP1-dependent ER shaping – The Journal of Clinical Investigation

  5. The epigenome in neurodevelopmental disorders – Frontiers in Neuroscience

  6. Bidirectional ephrinB3/EphA4 signaling mediates interneuron segregation in the migratory stream – Journal of Neuroscience

  7. Chondroitin sulfate and semaphorin 3A guide tangential interneuron migration – Cerebral Cortex

  8. Ephrins guide migrating cortical interneurons in the basal telencephalon – Cell Adhesion & Migration

  9. EphA/ephrin A reverse signaling promotes migration of cortical interneurons – Development

  10. Multiple effects of ephrin-A5 on cortical neurons mediated by SRC kinases – Journal of Neuroscience

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch is an exceptional researcher with a consistent record of high-impact contributions to neuroscience and epigenetics. Her ability to conduct pioneering research, lead international collaborations, and steer academic publishing speaks volumes about her expertise and influence. While there is scope for expanding into translational domains, her foundational work has laid critical groundwork for future therapeutic strategies in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Given her scientific rigor, leadership, and international collaborations, she is eminently suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing her achievements would not only honor her individual excellence but also spotlight the growing importance of neuroepigenetics in contemporary biomedical science.

Boaz Mohar | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Boaz Mohar | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Boaz Mohar , HHMI Janelia Reseach Campus , United States

Boaz Mohar is a research scientist at Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Ashburn, VA. He has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in the areas of synaptic plasticity, neuronal imaging, and cellular mechanisms in brain function. Throughout his career, Boaz has collaborated with leading scientists, including Dr. Karel Svoboda and Dr. Nelson Spruston. His research has focused on the intricate processes that underlie learning and memory, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as two-photon calcium imaging and expansion microscopy. Boaz’s work has been published in high-impact journals, and he continues to push the boundaries of neuroscience research through his innovative methods and interdisciplinary approach. His extensive experience as both a researcher and mentor makes him a prominent figure in his field, as he actively contributes to advancing scientific knowledge while mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Boaz Mohar is highly deserving of the Researcher of the Year award due to his exceptional scientific contributions, innovative research methods, and leadership in the field of neuroscience. His work spans groundbreaking studies on brain-wide synaptic plasticity, cellular imaging techniques, and calcium sensor development, contributing to a deeper understanding of neural activity and brain function. His numerous high-impact publications, particularly in Nature Methods, eLife, and Nature Neuroscience, reflect his scientific rigor and ability to advance the field. Furthermore, his skill in mentoring and fostering the next generation of researchers through his mentoring roles and collaborative projects further highlights his leadership and commitment to advancing neuroscience.

Areas for Improvement:

While Boaz’s body of work is impressive, focusing on expanding his outreach and collaboration with interdisciplinary fields could further enhance his contributions. Diversifying research areas could broaden the impact of his work. Additionally, increasing his participation in conferences or expanding his presence in global collaborations might provide further opportunities for recognition and growth in the scientific community.

Education:

Boaz Mohar completed his doctoral studies and received his post-doctoral training at Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, under the guidance of Dr. Karel Svoboda and Dr. Nelson Spruston. He was awarded the prestigious HHMI’s Janelia Research Visiting Student Fellowship from 2015 to 2016, which facilitated his early involvement in advanced neuroscience research. Boaz’s academic training also includes a strong foundation in neuroscience, particularly focusing on neurobiology, brain function, and synaptic mechanisms. His rigorous educational background allowed him to hone his skills in diverse experimental techniques, including two-photon calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and histological analysis. His Ph.D. work provided him with a deep understanding of sensory processing in the brain and synaptic plasticity, laying the groundwork for his subsequent impactful research projects. Through this formal education and hands-on experience, Boaz has become a leading researcher and mentor in his field.

Experience:

Boaz Mohar has a distinguished research career, currently serving as a research scientist at Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, where he works on advancing our understanding of brain-wide synaptic plasticity. Prior to this role, he was a Post-doctoral Associate at the same institution from 2016 to 2022, contributing to numerous groundbreaking projects in neuroscience. He has collaborated with renowned scientists such as Dr. Karel Svoboda and Dr. Nelson Spruston, applying advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to study synaptic dynamics and brain activity. His prior role as a visiting student further solidified his reputation as an expert in cutting-edge neuroscience tools and methodologies. Additionally, Boaz has extensive mentoring experience, having supervised PhD students, summer scholars, and external research projects, demonstrating his leadership in fostering the next generation of scientists. His work spans various technical aspects, including super-resolution microscopy, calcium imaging, and in vivo recordings.

Awards and Honors:

Boaz Mohar has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, showcasing his significant contributions to neuroscience research. He was honored with the HHMI’s Janelia Research Visiting Student Fellowship (2015-2016), which provided vital support for his early research endeavors. Boaz also received the President of Israel Excellence in Neuroscience Prize in 2013, a testament to his exceptional academic potential and research accomplishments. This award recognized his innovative contributions to neuroscience, further solidifying his reputation in the scientific community. In addition to these accolades, Boaz has been actively involved in professional activities, such as independent reviewing for various high-impact journals and co-reviewing for renowned publications like Neuron, Science, and The Journal of Neuroscience. These awards and professional involvements highlight his excellence as a researcher and his role in advancing the field of neuroscience through his work and mentorship.

Research Focus:

Boaz Mohar’s research is primarily focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and brain function. His work utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as two-photon calcium imaging and expansion microscopy, to investigate brain-wide synaptic protein turnover and its role in learning and memory. Boaz’s projects are centered around understanding how neuronal activity shapes synaptic connections and contributes to learning-related plasticity. He is particularly interested in the spatial and temporal dynamics of synaptic proteins during brain activity. By exploring the connections between dendritic activity, cellular structure, and synaptic changes, his research aims to provide insights into how the brain processes and stores information. Additionally, Boaz’s work extends into the development and optimization of novel tools and techniques, including high-performance calcium sensors and super-resolution imaging, to better study neural circuits and synaptic transmission. His innovative approaches have the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of the brain’s function.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Brainwide measurement of synaptic protein turnover reveals localized plasticity during learning 🧠📊

  2. Ten-fold Robust Expansion Microscopy 🧬🔬

  3. Glutamate indicators with improved activation kinetics and localization for imaging synaptic transmission 💡🧠

  4. Cytoskeleton Elements Contribute to Prion Peptide-Induced Endothelial Barrier Breakdown in a Blood–Brain Barrier In Vitro System ⚙️🧬

  5. Visualizing cellular and tissue ultrastructure using Ten-fold Robust Expansion Microscopy (TREx) 🔬🔍

  6. Meningeal lymphoid structures are activated under acute and chronic spinal cord pathologies 🧠⚡

  7. A general method to optimize and functionalize red-shifted rhodamine dyes 🎨🧫

  8. Functional clustering of dendritic activity during decision-making 🧠🧩

  9. High-performance calcium sensors for imaging activity in neuronal populations and microcompartments 🧪💡

  10. Sensitive red protein calcium indicators for imaging neural activity 🧬💻

  11. Video-rate volumetric functional imaging of the brain at synaptic resolution 🎥🧠

  12. Local and thalamic origins of correlated ongoing and sensory-evoked cortical activities 🧠🔊

Conclusion:

Dr. Boaz Mohar is an exceptionally talented scientist whose innovative work is pushing the boundaries of neuroscience and neuroimaging. His research on synaptic function and neuronal signaling has the potential to unlock critical insights into brain activity and disorders. His track record of prestigious awards, high-impact publications, and mentorship makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While further expanding his outreach and translating his work into clinical settings could enhance the real-world impact of his research, his current contributions already position him as one of the top leaders in neuroscience today.