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 
Orcid

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.

Dmytro Maltsev | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Review Paper Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Dmytro Maltsev | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Dmytro Maltsev , O’Bogomolets National Medical University , Ukraine

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev is a Ukrainian neuroimmunologist, physician-scientist, and clinical researcher with a PhD in medicine. He serves as the head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology at the Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O’Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv. His extensive body of work spans neuroimmunology, autoimmune encephalitis, herpesvirus infections, and immune deficiencies. He is the author of 29 books and over 340 scientific papers, with 50 indexed in Scopus. His work has earned several prestigious awards, including recognition from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and international congresses. He actively collaborates with institutions like the Mayo Clinic (USA) and the Institute of Neurosurgery (Ukraine). Dr. Maltsev is a member of multiple professional societies, including the European Academy of Neurology. His groundbreaking GBINS protocol for autistic spectrum disorder highlights his contributions to precision medicine and multidisciplinary approaches in neuropsychiatric care.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Work:
    Dr. Maltsev’s systematic review on herpesviral encephalitis presents a groundbreaking clinic-radiological classification, offering a unifying framework that enhances clinical diagnostics and therapeutic planning.

  2. Depth and Breadth of Expertise:
    The review showcases deep neuroimmunological insight, drawing from over 340 publications, including 50 in SCOPUS, and extensive experience in both clinical and laboratory settings.

  3. Interdisciplinary Integration:
    He combines advanced techniques—PCR, ELISA, western blot, flow cytometry—with clinical observations, resulting in practical classifications and diagnostic pathways.

  4. Relevance and Timeliness:
    The review addresses a critical gap in understanding viral encephalitides, which are often misdiagnosed or under-reported, contributing to early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

  5. International Collaboration:
    Collaborative ties with the Mayo Clinic (USA) and leading Ukrainian research institutions add credibility and global relevance to his work.

  6. Proven Impact:
    Recognized for prior scientific excellence through national and international awards, including recognition from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the World Congress of Immunopathology.

🧭 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Editorial Involvement:
    Currently, Dr. Maltsev does not hold editorial roles, which could enhance his influence in shaping the field’s publication standards and peer-review frameworks.

  2. Digital Science Communication:
    Expanding public engagement via open-access formats, social media science explainers, or video summaries would amplify the reach of his reviews beyond academia.

  3. Visual Data Representation:
    While the review is methodically comprehensive, adding infographics, visual summaries, or interactive diagnostic flowcharts could enhance reader accessibility, particularly for multidisciplinary teams.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev pursued his medical education and PhD at O’Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine. Early in his academic career, he displayed an interest in immunopathology and clinical biology. His PhD focused on the clinical and immunological aspects of herpesvirus infections and their role in neuroinflammatory diseases. His educational path included specialization in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. His training also incorporated translational research and clinical diagnostics, equipping him with a multidisciplinary approach essential for modern neuroimmunology. With further professional development in clinical immunology and collaboration with international research groups, including the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Maltsev has refined his knowledge in personalized medicine. He actively mentors postgraduate students, and his research findings are frequently integrated into educational materials, including textbooks and monographs used in university-level instruction throughout Ukraine and abroad.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev has over 20 years of professional experience in neuroimmunology and molecular medicine. As the head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology at O’Bogomolets National Medical University, he leads research on immune system dysfunction, neurodevelopmental disorders, and viral neuropathology. His professional journey includes clinical consultancy, authorship of 29 medical books, and over 340 published studies. He has completed 8 major research projects and collaborated on 4 industry-funded studies. Dr. Maltsev also holds 16 patents and actively participates in international scientific communities. His work spans diagnostics, therapy innovation, and personalized medicine, including the creation of GBINS, a treatment framework for children with autism spectrum disorders. Recognized for pioneering work on minor immunodeficiencies and viral encephalitis classifications, he has received multiple national and international awards. Dr. Maltsev collaborates globally with neurologists and immunologists, contributing to consensus guidelines, systematic reviews, and cross-continental case studies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Maltsev’s research focuses on neuroimmunology, specifically immune-related neurological and psychiatric disorders. He investigates immunodeficiency syndromes, herpesvirus-induced encephalitis, autoimmune epilepsies, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) associated with folate cycle genetic deficiencies. His work emphasizes personalized, multidisciplinary treatments through laboratory diagnostics like PCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. A core achievement is the GBINS protocol, offering a targeted therapy model for children with ASD. He also researches immunoglobulin E deficiency and alpha/beta-defensin involvement in oral cancer complications. His aim is to bridge immune dysfunction with neurological pathologies, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. By classifying new immune-related diseases and pioneering treatment options, Dr. Maltsev contributes significantly to immunotherapy and neurorehabilitation. He also explores how AI can enhance diagnosis and therapy across various disciplines. His dedication to translational research supports the development of individualized care protocols, with ongoing global collaborations in Europe, the USA, and beyond.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Clinic-radiological classification of herpesviral encephalitis in humans (Systematic review)

  2. 🧬 Integrative concept of pathogenesis and GBINS personalized multidisciplinary approach to ASD in children

  3. 💉 Risk factors for grade III radiation-induced mucositis in oral/oropharyngeal cancer therapy

  4. 🧫 Microbial infections in children with ASD and genetic folate cycle deficiency

  5. 🧪 Primary minor immunodeficiencies as a cause of immune-dependent pathology (Systematic review)

  6. 🌍 Global presence and penetrance of CSF1-related disorder

  7. 💊 Treatment of reactivated EBV, HHV-6, HHV-7 in children with ASD and folate cycle disruption

  8. 🤖 Trends in the use of AI in diagnosis and treatment

  9. 🛡️ Alpha/beta-defensins’ influence on immunity in oral/oropharyngeal cancer

  10. 🌐 Global presence of CSF1R-Related disorder: A multinational case series

🏁 Conclusion:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev is highly deserving of the Best Review Paper Award for his exemplary scholarly contribution titled:
“Clinic-radiological classification of herpesviral encephalitis in humans (Systematic Review)”, published in the Journal of NeuroVirology (2025).

His work offers clinical utility, theoretical innovation, and a robust, evidence-based approach to a complex neuroinfectious condition. With continued emphasis on global engagement and editorial leadership, Dr. Maltsev is poised to remain a key thought leader in neuroimmunology.