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.

Samantha Mancino | Neuronal Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Samantha Mancino | Neuronal Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Samantha Mancino , Instituto Superior Tecnico , Portugal

Dr. Samantha Mancino is an Italian neuroscientist and pharmacologist specializing in the neurobiology of addiction and neuroepigenetics. With a strong foundation in Pharmacy from the University of Siena and a Ph.D. in Biomedicine from the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, she has built a robust career at the intersection of neuroscience, molecular biology, and public health. Her research spans food and drug addiction, neurodevelopmental disorders such as Prader-Willi Syndrome, and innovative therapeutic approaches like psychedelics. Currently an Associate Researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (Lisbon), she is recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise, scholarly output, and commitment to translational research. Dr. Mancino is a frequent contributor to scientific literature, a recipient of multiple competitive grants and fellowships, and an advocate for mental health and neuroscience outreach. Her dynamic career exemplifies the role of women leading impactful research in the life sciences.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise: Dr. Mancino brings a rare blend of expertise in molecular neuroscience, pharmacology, epigenetics, and public health, with a focused application in addiction research and psychiatric disorders.

  2. Research Innovation: She has led cutting-edge studies on Prader-Willi Syndrome, eating addiction, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, which place her at the forefront of translational neuroscience.

  3. International Recognition: Her academic journey across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, along with multiple international fellowships and research contracts (FCT, Fondazione Veronesi), highlights her global scientific impact.

  4. Strong Publication Record: With publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, and Addiction Biology, her work has made significant scientific contributions.

  5. Leadership & Mentorship: As a consultant, collaborator, and lab-based mentor, she demonstrates the qualities of a scientific leader committed to community, innovation, and education.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  • Leadership Visibility: While her academic contributions are evident, increasing leadership roles in international research consortia or editorial boards would further elevate her visibility.

  • Public Engagement: Given her background in public health and controversial research areas (e.g., psychedelics), expanding science communication or outreach efforts could help destigmatize her topics and foster greater societal impact.

  • Funding Diversity: While she has secured prestigious European fellowships, pursuing industry collaborations or global health funding (e.g., WHO, NIH) may open broader applications and influence.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Mancino holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy (110/110 cum laude) from the University of Siena, where she also completed a thesis on Alzheimer’s disease. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedicine from the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, with a European Doctor Mention. Her doctoral work focused on the role of endogenous opioid and cannabinoid systems in addictive-like behaviors. To further expand her interdisciplinary expertise, she pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology from INSPSIC (Lisbon), with a thesis on cannabis use and psychiatric disorders. In 2024, she completed a Master in Public Health from the University of Porto, including a thesis project on the medical use of psychedelics during an internship at the EMCDDA. This academic trajectory highlights a rare combination of pharmacological, neuroscientific, and public health competencies essential for tackling modern health challenges.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Mancino’s research career spans over a decade, encompassing roles in top-tier European institutions. Since 2021, she has served as a Neuroscientist and Associate Researcher at the Laboratory of Stem Cells and Epigenetics (Lisbon), focusing on Prader-Willi Syndrome and eating addiction. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, investigating aging, neurodegeneration, and epigenetics. Her doctoral training was at the Neuropharmacology Lab of Prof. R. Maldonado (University Pompeu Fabra), where she contributed significantly to addiction neuroscience. Outside of laboratory work, she has consulted for BioExpert Network on neuroscience-based startup evaluations and served as a public health advisor at the Italian Mission in Geneva. Her multidisciplinary experience across molecular neuroscience, public health, and translational research makes her an exemplary candidate for research-focused recognition.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mancino is the recipient of the prestigious FCT CEEC Researcher Grant (Portugal, 2022–present) and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (Italy, 2018–2019). She has earned the European Doctor Mention for her Ph.D. in Neuroscience and has won numerous competitive travel and presentation awards, including from Wellcome Connecting Science (2023), IACM (2015, 2019), SEIC (2017), ISN (2016), and EuroScicon (2013, 2015). Notably, she received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the DCEXS Neuroscience Symposium (2014) for her pioneering work on neuron-glia interactions. These recognitions underscore her scientific excellence, dedication to innovation, and contribution to the global neuroscience community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Samantha Mancino’s research primarily centers on the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction and related psychiatric disorders. She investigates how the endogenous opioid and cannabinoid systems contribute to addictive behaviors and eating disorders, including those associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Her postdoctoral studies expanded into neuroepigenetics, exploring the roles of genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation in aging and neurodegeneration. Recently, her interest has extended to the therapeutic use of psychedelics, combining neuroscience with public health perspectives. Dr. Mancino employs behavioral models, molecular biology, and stem cell-based systems to understand complex neuropsychiatric conditions and translate findings into potential interventions. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental science and real-world application, aiming to destigmatize novel therapies and improve treatment outcomes for mental health and addiction disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧠 Psychedelics and stigma: overcoming the barrier for research and therapeutic uses (2024, Journal of Psychedelics – submitted)

  • 🧬 Dualistic SAHA dose-dependent effects on glial-inflammatory response: a microarray comparative study (2025, Scientific Reports)

  • 🧓 Stability of Genomic Imprinting and X-Chromosome Inactivation in the Aging Brain (2023, Aging Cell)

  • 🧪 Imprinting fidelity in mouse iPSCs depends on sex of donor cell and medium formulation (2022, Nature Communications)

  • 🍽️ A Behavioral and Pharmacological Characterization of Palatable Diet Alternation in Mice (2017, Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior)

  • 🧠 Involvement of DOR in the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying food reward and seeking behavior (2016, Addiction Biology)

  • 🧫 Epigenetic and proteomic expression changes promoted by eating addictive-like behavior (2015, Neuropsychopharmacology)

  • 💉 Effects of Genetic Deletion of Endogenous Opioid System Components on the Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior in Mice (2014, Neuropsychopharmacology)

  • 🐁 Modelling food addiction in mice (2012, Conference Paper, Behavioural Pharmacology)

  • 🧬 Neuron-Glia Interactions Studied with In Vitro Co-Cultures (2019, Book Chapter in Neuromethods, Springer)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Samantha Mancino is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her rigorous interdisciplinary background, pioneering work on neurobiological and epigenetic mechanisms of addiction and mental health, and her ongoing commitment to innovation and public relevance make her an outstanding representative of excellence in women’s scientific research. With continued support, she is poised to lead transformative contributions in neuroscience, psychiatry, and health policy.