Speakers

Russell Morris was born and brought up in north Wales but has lived in Scotland since 1995. He is currently Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. Morris’s research concentrates on the synthesis, characterisation and application of porous materials such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks. Some of his developments include the use of ionic liquids for the ionothermal synthesis of materials, the ADOR method for the manipulation of zeolites, the use of porous materials to store and deliver therapeutic agents. His work in medicine focusses on delivering useful gases and/or drugs and the incorporation of the technologies into medical devices for wound healing, cardiovascular and women’s health applications and chemical processes.

He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), the Learned Society of Wales (FLSW) and a Member of the Academia Europaea (MAE). He was vice-President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh from 2020-2023.

João Laranjinha graduated in Pharmaceutical Sciences (University of Coimbra) in 1984 and got a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Coimbra) in 1996. He did Postdoc studies with Enrique Cadenas in 1997-1998 at the Dept. Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. He is full professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (since 2013) and the Coordinator of the Biochemistry and Biology Dept. of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra.

His research is focused on the functional impact of nitric oxide in the brain as a neurometabolic regulator and as a mediator of neurovascular coupling with impact in cognition and neurodegeneration. He is also interested in dietary nitrite-driven regulatory processes, encompassing the non-enzymatic production of nitric oxide along the nitrate:nitrite:NO pathway. His laboratory has extensive expertise in the Biology of free radicals, oxidants, antioxidants, and how a change of redox environment towards oxidation affects signaling pathways supporting a functional brain microcirculation and cognitive performance during aging. He has published over 120 papers in prestigious journals of the field and has coordinated up to 14 externally funded research projects, involving international teams.

He has been regularly invited to lecture at the major international meetings in the field (more than 70 invited lectures during the last 20 years), including SFRRE, SFFRI, OCC, Gordon Research Conference and FEBS meetings.

He has been awarded several prizes, including the Science and Humanity award by The Oxygen Club of California and is associate editor of Frontiers in Molecular Neurosciences, and member of the editorial board of major journals in his area of research, including Redox Biology, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Free Radical Research and Biofactors. He has chaired the organizing and scientific committees of several international conferences, including the European (SFRRE 2007) and International (SFRRI 2018) meetings of the Society for Free Radical Research. He has been member of the council of the European Society for Neurochemistry (ESN), of the European Society for Free Radical Research (SFRRE) and of the Advanced Courses Committee of FEBS for several years and President of the Portuguese Biochemical Society (2014-18). Currently, he serves as the president of the Fiscal committee of the Portuguese Biochemical Society and President-elect of the European Society for Free Radical Research (SFRR-E). 

I earned my PhD in Biology in 1992 with a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education, followed by a postdoctoral stay in the United Kingdom supported by a fellowship from the European Science Foundation. Upon returning to Spain with further support from the Ministry of Education, I was awarded a prestigious “Miguel Servet” contract for the incorporation of researchers into the Spanish National Health System. I subsequently joined the I3SNS stabilization program and later obtained a “Nicolás Monardes” contract from the Andalusian Health Department.

I am currently Head of the research group New Therapies in Cancer at the Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC). My research focuses on nitric oxide biology, nitrosative stress, and protein S-nitrosylation in diverse pathologies, with particular emphasis on cancer.

I have authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and served as principal investigator on more than 15 competitively funded public research projects. I am also co-inventor of six patents and over the past decade, I have supervised more than 10 doctoral theses and 20 master’s theses, contributing actively to the training of the next generation of researchers.

Dr. Motterlini is Director of Research (DR1) at INSERM U955 in Créteil, France, a position he has held since 2012. He trained as a biochemist at the University of Milan and the San Raffaele Institute in Italy (1986–1991) and completed postdoctoral training at the Letterman Army Institute of Research in San Francisco and the University of California San Diego (1992–1995). From 1995 to 2008, was Head of the Vascular Biology Unit at the Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, and later served as Senior Scientist at the Italian Institute of Technology (2008–2011). His research focuses on the regulation, activity, and biological significance of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a ubiquitous defensiveprotein that degrades heme to carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin. He has made seminal contributions to understanding the vasodilatory, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory properties of CO, and pioneered the discovery of CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), an innovative class of compounds that deliver controlled amounts of CO to tissues. CO-RMs have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in experimental models of vascular dysfunction, ischemic injury, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. More recently, his laboratory developed a new class of hybrid compounds, termed HYCOs, which induce HO-1 expression while simultaneously releasing CO, maximizing the protective effects of this enzymatic system. Dr. Motterlini has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, holds multiple patents, and co-founded the biopharmaceutical company HemoCORM Ltd. He currently serves as Member of the Editorial Board of Pharmacological Research (since 2015), Antioxidants (since 2020) and Redox Biology (2024). He has been recentlyelected a Member of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences.

AMEDEA BAROZZI SEABRA, PhD

Associate Professor | Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Brazil

Researcher ID: G-4247-2012 | ORCID: 0000-0003-0591-0380

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dr. Amedea Barozzi Seabra is a leading expert in the fields of Chemistry and Materials Science, specializing in the development of nanomaterials and biomaterials for the controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) and other gasotransmitters. She currently serves as an Associate Professor IV at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC). Recognized for her global scientific impact, she has been consistently ranked among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier (2021–2024). Her work bridges fundamental research with innovative applications in nanomedicine and sustainable agriculture.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Post-Doctoral Fellow (Nitric Oxide Donors and Vasodilation): Concordia University, Canada (2008–2010).

Post-Doctoral Fellow (Nitric Oxide-Releasing Hydrogels): State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (2006–2008).

PhD in Chemistry (Biomaterials): State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (2002–2006).

MSc in Chemistry (S-Nitrosoglutathione Photochemistry): State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (1999–2001).

BSc in Chemistry: University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil (1995–1998).

SCIENTIFIC IMPACT & CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Seabra has authored over 225 articles in peer-reviewed journals with a selective editorial policy, focusing on the interface of nanotechnology and gaseous signaling.

Key Selected Publications

Santana et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024): Biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles with enhanced human cell compatibility (IF 9.5).

Seabra et al., New Phytologist (2022): Comprehensive review of nitric oxide-releasing nanomaterials in agriculture (IF 9.4).

Tortella et al., Journal of Hazardous Materials (2020): Toxicity of nanomaterials in model organisms (IF 13.6).

Book Editor: "Nitric Oxide Donors: Novel Biomedical Applications and Perspectives," published by Elsevier (2017).

Technological Innovation & Patents

Patents: 25 patents applied for and 8 patents granted.

RESEARCH FUNDING & COORDINATION (RECENT)

FAPESP/SPRINT (2025–Present): "Engineering Hypoxia-Responsive Nanoplatforms for Targeted Gasotransmitter Delivery: A Brazil-UK Partnership" (PI) .

CAPES/COFECUB (2023–Present): "Selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles allied to nitric oxide for biomedical applications" (PI).

FAPESP Regular Grant (2024–Present): "Nanoparticles allied to gasotransmitters for biomedical and agricultural applications" (PI).

NWO/FAPESP Thematic Project (2022–Present): "Nitric oxide releasing hydrogels and vascular prosthesis for cardiovascular applications" (Co-PI .

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION NETWORK

Dr. Seabra maintains an extensive global network for scientific exchange:

United Kingdom: University of Southampton and University of Oxford (Cardiovascular and antimicrobial research) .

France: Université de Nancy and Université Paris-Saclay (Blood compatibility and nanomedicine).

Spain: Universidad de Seville (Liver cancer therapy research) .

Netherlands: Leiden University / Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

Chile: Universidad de la Frontera (Agricultural nanotechnology and water crisis).

AWARDS & HONORS

World Top 2% Scientist: Recognition for career-long and single-year impact (2021, 2023, 2024).

Mercosul Science and Technology Award: 1st Place in the Senior Researcher category (2017).

CNPq Advisory Committee: Appointed member for innovative extension and technological development.

With a Chemical Engineering background (Instituto Superior Técnico, 1997), I pursued my PhD thesis in the fields of Cell Death and Oncobiology at CNRS, France (2002), under the supervision of Dr Kroemer.

Then, I carried out 3 postdocs in distinct areas: (i) Microbiology (2003), (ii) Biotechnology (2004 - 2006), and (iii) Neurobiology (2007 - 2011). In 2007, as a senior postdoctoral researcher at iBET, I started my own research line, focusing on apoptosis modulation in the Central Nervous System, targeting CO- induced preconditioning and neuroprotection. From 2012 to 2019, I worked as a principal investigator at CEDOC, Nova Medical School, UNL. Since 2019, I am a member of the UCIBIO Research Unit and an Assistant Professor at Nova School of Science and Technology, UNL.

I began my career in carbon monoxide (CO) biology and neurobiology by demonstrating, for the first time, the anti-apoptotic role of CO in neurons. My team also pioneered the discovery that CO modulates cellular metabolism in astrocytes, neurons, and microglia, promoting a shift from glycolytic to oxidative metabolism. Today, our group is well established within the international CO research community, with recognized contributions to understanding the role of CO in cell death regulation, metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial function, ROS signaling, preconditioning, neuronal differentiation, and neuroinflammation. After 18 years in the field of CO biology, I believe the time has come to rethink the prevailing paradigm surrounding carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). I am now exploring

its potential biological and cytoprotective functions, aiming to redefine its role beyond a mere unwanted byproduct of CO exposure.

Christopher Switzer is a chemical biologist whose work focuses on redox processes and Reactive Sulfur Species in evolution, health, and disease. After completing his biochemistry and inorganic chemistry training at UCLA with Profs Fukuto and Ignarro, he carried out postdoctoral research at the NIH National Cancer Institute with Dr David Wink, working on NO signalling and breast cancer. Later at King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, Dr Switzer investigated the role of nitric oxide on DNA methylation in cancer. In 2023, he joined the University of Leicester, where his lab integrates chemistry and cell biology to uncover how reactive nitrogen and sulfur chemistry shapes microbial physiology, cancer biology, and fundamental mechanisms of cellular regulation.

Dr. Emanuele Rezoagli is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of Milano-Bicocca and an attending physician in the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at San Gerardo Hospital in Monza, Italy. His research focuses on acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and ARDS, with particular emphasis on advanced mechanical ventilation, respiratory and pulmonary vascular physiology, and translational cardiopulmonary research.

Dr. Rezoagli earned his PhD in Translational and Molecular Medicine and has held international research and clinical positions, including at Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard University) and Galway University Hospitals (National University of Ireland Galway). He currently directs the Experimental Research Laboratory of Respiratory Pathophysiology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, where he integrates cardiopulmonary physiology, lung imaging, and advanced monitoring techniques. He also serves as Italy’s representative in the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.

With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Rezoagli leads multicenter studies in critical care and develops phenotype-driven ventilatory strategies. A dedicated educator, he mentors residents, fellows, and graduate students, contributes to national and international teaching programs, and is an invited speaker at major global conferences focused on precision medicine in critical care.

Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Technion

Moran Benhar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology. He received his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center, USA. His research focuses on redox regulation of cellular signaling, with particular emphasis on the roles of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in inflammation and cancer, and on thiol-based post-translational modifications such as S-nitrosylation and S-persulfidation.

 Dr. Benhar has made significant contributions to understanding how redox processes regulate cell death pathways and immune responses. His work integrates biochemical, proteomic, and functional approaches to elucidate mechanisms of redox signaling in macrophages and cancer cells. His recent work revealed new roles and mechanisms by which of reactive sulfur species regulate inflammatory and cell death responses.

Dr. Mark Schoenfisch is the Peter A. Ornstein Distinguished Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Pharmacoengineering & Molecular Pharmaceutics in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He runs a dynamic research program focused broadly on designing nitric oxide (NO)-release materials for pharmacological applications. In the past five years, he has published >100 articles detailing the synthesis and characterization of both small molecule and macromolecular nitric oxide donors and their utility for medical device coatings and as antibacterial agents. Work from his lab on NO-releasing silica particles was commercialized as a therapeutic for treating acne and molluscum contagiosum, with the latter being approved by the FDA in January 2024. More recently, he is leading the development of a water-soluble NO prodrug for treating chronic respiratory infections. He has extensive research experience in the areas of nitric oxide release chemistries, drug development, and efficacy testing using in vitro assays and preclinical animal models.

Miriam Cortese-Krott is a full Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Tübingen and President of the Nitric Oxide Society. Her research focuses on NO/cGMP signalling, eNOS biology, and endothelial heterogeneity in cardiometabolic disease, investigating how organ-specific endothelial cell identities shape vascular NO
bioavailability and metabolic function. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Nitric Oxide Journal and Senior Editor of the British Journal of Pharmacology.

Prof. Vincenzo Brancaleone is Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Basilicata and an internationally recognized expert in vascular pharmacology, inflammation, and the biology of gaseous mediators, particularly nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). His research focuses on the role of endogenous gasotransmitters in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as on inflammation resolution pathways involving Annexin A1 and FPR2 signaling. Over the course of his career, he has developed strong expertise in translational pharmacology, cardiovascular biology, and preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies, supported by extensive international experience, including postdoctoral research at the William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London.

Prof. Brancaleone has authored 73 peer-reviewed publications, achieving an h-index of 33 and more than 3900 citations in Scopus. He has coordinated and participated in several national and international research projects, including multiple PRIN-funded initiatives, and has received numerous scientific distinctions and awards for his contributions to pharmacology and gasotransmitter biology. In addition to his research activity, he serves on the editorial boards of several international journals, acts as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Pharmacology, and has been invited as speaker at numerous international conferences. His scientific profile is further strengthened by continuous teaching activities in pharmacology-related disciplines and by his recognition as Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society (FBPhS).

Asghar Ghasemi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medical Physiology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences with a longstanding focus on nitric oxide biology. His interest in this field began during his M.Sc. studies at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and was further developed through his work at the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, where he later established himself as an independent investigator.

For over a decade, his research has centered on the role of nitric oxide—particularly nitrate and nitrite—in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Currently, at the Endocrine Physiology Research Center, his work explores the therapeutic potential of nitrate, nitrite, and citrulline in diabetes management, as well as the function of nitrate transporters in animal models of the disease.

Stefan Chłopicki is a Professor of Pharmacology at Chair of Pharmacology at Jagiellonian University  Medical College,  and an initiator and Director of Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), the interdisciplinary academic research centre at Jagiellonian University (www.jcet.eu) established in 2011, focused on interdisciplinary research in Endothelial and Vascular Biomedicine. He graduated with honours in Medicine (1990), obtained his PhD in Medicine (1993 summa cum laude) and research training in the Chair of Pharmacology headed by Prof. Richard Gryglewski.  He received fellowship in Strathclyde University, UK (Prof. J. Parratt, 1993), Post Ph.D. fellowship in the Arhus University, Denmark (Prof. M. Mulvany 1994-1995),  and NIH fellowship in the BWH, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA (Prof. E. J. Neer, 1997) at finally become a full professor at Jagiellonian University in Kraków (2006). Prof. Stefan Chlopicki scientific activity is documented by over 300 original publications in international refereed journals,  multiple patents, supervision >25 PhD students and number research grants received as principal investigator (PI) that allowed to set up JCET infrastructure to recruit JCETeam and to foster interdisciplinary research activity in JCET in Krakow.  Major and long‐standing research interests of Prof Chlopicki and his team have been related to pharmacotherapeutic mechanisms of endothelial and vascular dysfunction in various diseases.