Boston University, College of Arts and Sciences, Physics

Prof Rama Bansil currently holds the title of Professor Emerita of Physics at Boston University, where she stands as a trailblazer as the institution’s first female physics professor. Her illustrious career has been marked by significant contributions spanning diverse scientific disciplines, including physics, soft matter physics, polymer science, biophysics, and biochemistry. Her remarkable research efforts were supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health throughout her distinguished career.

At the heart of Rama Bansil’s scientific passion lies the intricate world of gels—materials found in a plethora of everyday products, characterized by their captivating visco-elastic properties, distinct from solids or liquids. Her laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary exploration, encompassing Polymer Physics to Biophysics. Through a comprehensive array of experimental techniques, including light scattering, small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, as well as microscopy, coupled with computer simulations targeting model gels, Professor Bansil’s research group has unraveled the molecular-level structure of gels, the physics underpinning gel formation, diffusion phenomena within gels, and the dynamics of phase transitions and chemical reactions occurring within these materials. Their studies into the intriguing phase behavior of multiblock copolymer gels have potential application in the development of templates for nanoscale devices. This research is of particular significance given the prevalence of living tissues adopting a gel-like form, fueling excitement about their potential utility in tissue regeneration.

Additionally, Bansil, in collaboration with peers at Harvard Medical School, has directed her scientific inquiry towards unraveling the role played by gelation of mucin, a glycoprotein found in the mucus layer, in safeguarding the stomach against digestion by highly acidic gastric juices. Employing dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and rheological methods their studies have contributed to a comprehensive understanding of how mucin molecules undergo gelation under acidic conditions, offering invaluable insights into this intricate mechanism. Current work is focused on how Helicobacter move through the viscoelastic mucus medium.

University of Western Australia, Marshall Centre of Infectious Diseases and Training

Dr. Eng Chua, a dedicated researcher, accomplished his PhD in Microbiology at The University of Western Australia in 2011. His doctoral work delved into characterizing the functional roles of autotransporter proteins in the pathogenesis of Shigella flexneri, showcasing his early commitment to the field of microbiology.

Following his doctoral journey, Dr. Chua continued to expand his expertise through post-doctoral training at The University of Malaya, working alongside Professor Jamuna Vadivelu on Burkholderia pseudomallei. This period of international collaboration enhanced his research acumen. Subsequently, he returned to Perth, where he joined the esteemed research group led by Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall. In this role, he has been investigating the intricacies of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium of great medical significance.

Dr. Chua’s current research pursuits are multifaceted. They encompass endeavors aimed at enhancing the treatment and diagnosis of H. pylori infection, as well as delving into the genomics aspects associated with H. pylori’s pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Additionally, he has a deep-seated passion for unraveling the microbiota’s role in the development of various human diseases, reflecting his holistic approach to scientific inquiry.

Dr. Eng Chua’s academic journey underscores his commitment to advancing our understanding of microbial pathogens and their interactions with the human body, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes and addressing critical medical challenges.

University of Western Australia, School of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall Centre
Telethon Kids Institute
Biotome Pty Ltd

Dr. Alma Fulurija is an accomplished Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, where she holds a position within the School of Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemical Sciences, specifically in the Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology. Simultaneously, she serves as the Head of Immunology at Ondek Pty Ltd, a pioneering biotechnology company initiated by Professor Barry Marshall and hosted by UWA. Dr. Fulurija boasts a remarkable skill set encompassing immunology, microbiology, in vivo animal models, and vaccine development, with a particular emphasis on immunotherapy. Her professional journey has encompassed both academic and applied research, yielding a prolific output of scientific publications and patents. Dr. Fulurija’s expertise extends to overseeing preclinical animal models and conducting human clinical trials involving vaccine-based immunotherapy.

Her research pursuits gravitate towards host-pathogen interactions, host defense mechanisms, and immunotherapy. She has exhibited a profound interest in exploring the pathogenesis of H. pylori, a bacterium of significant medical importance. Her focus centers on unraveling the intricacies of the early (innate) immune response and its implications in generating a non-protective immune reaction. Driven by her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, her current research endeavors revolve around deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing the survival and persistence of H. pylori, with a specific focus on its early colonization processes.

Beile Gao is a principal investigator at South China Sea institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science. After her undergraduate training from Shandong University in China, she pursued PhD degree in Biochemistry and Biomedical Science from McMaster University, Canada. Then she completed postdoctoral training in Dr. Jorge Galan’s laboratory at Yale University. She joined South China Sea institute of Oceanology in 2014 as a leader of the functional genomics research group. Dr. Gao’s research interests focus on Campylobacter jejuni pathogenesis, signal transduction and genome evolution. Her group has identified novel regulators ChePQ that specifically regulate chemotaxis gene expression and also a chemotaxis protein CheO that respond to environmental oxygen level in C. jejuni (MM, 2019; PLOS Pathogens, 2022). Recently, she extended her research to the phylum Campylo-bacterota that include important pathogens/commensals, free-living generalists and deep-sea hydrothermal vent specialists. Based on the “eco-evo” framework of the phylum, her group studied how C. jejuni and related species evolved into important human pathogens from a free-living common ancestor (mBio, 2022, PLOS Genetics, 2022). Dr. Gao serves as an Edi-tor of the ASM Journal Microbiology Spectrum (2021-2024).

Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center

Born in 1963, Professor Hwoon-Yong Jung is a distinguished gastroenterologist with a notable academic and professional trajectory. Graduating from Seoul National University in 1988, he has accumulated over three decades of dedicated expertise in the field. Since 1997, Professor Jung has been an integral member of the Asan Medical Center, an esteemed institution affiliated with the University of Ulsan, South Korea, where he has honed his specialization in gastroenterology, particularly in the domains of esophageal motility, Helicobacter-associated pathologies, and advanced endoscopic interventions. His prominence is further demonstrated by his active affiliation with esteemed scientific societies such as the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), wherein he holds the esteemed AGAF title, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), where he has received the distinguished designation of FASGE. Beyond his academic and clinical contributions, Professor Jung has significantly enriched the scientific discourse through a substantial body of publications in SCI-indexed medical journals. His altruistic proclivity is also manifest, with a particular emphasis on medical volunteerism aimed at imparting knowledge and skills in endoscopy and gastrointestinal fields to Cambodian medical professionals, an initiative he has diligently pursued since 2017. Professor Hwoon-Yong Jung’s illustrious career, marked by academic excellence, scientific contributions, and humanitarian endeavors, epitomizes his unwavering commitment to advancing gastroenterology and the enhancement of healthcare on both local and international fronts.

Rauni Kivistö (née Kärenlampi) is a docent and principal inv Rauni Kivistö (estigator at the Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health at the Veterinary Faculty, University of Helsinki, Finland. She is responsible for organizing the Environmental Health course in the curriculum of veterinary medicine. Her research focuses on Campylobacter spp. as zoonotic pathogens utilizing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics tools to study their taxonomy, ecology, genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics in different natural reservoirs to identify the most important transmission routes in Finland and limit the spread of infections. Furthermore, she is interested in understanding the association between different strain characteristics, survival, and clinical outcome of disease. Previously she also worked on the taxonomy and molecular epidemiology of non-pylori Helicobacter species. She received her MSc in chemical engineering from the Helsinki University of Technology (currently Aalto University) in 2002 specializing in applied microbiology. Her PhD was awarded by the University of Helsinki in 2007 from the field of food and environmental hygiene working on characterization of Finnish Campylobacter isolates: species identification, survival on fresh produce and molecular epidemiology. She received the young investigator award at CHRO 2003. She conducted her postdoctoral research in the Academy of Finland designated Centre of Excellence in Microbial Food Safety Research at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Prof Korolik is a senior molecular microbiologist at the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University, Australia, and a leader a multidisciplinary group with internationally recognised expertise in campylobacter (and related organisms) biology, pathogenicity, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, prokaryotic signal transduction, two-component regulatory systems and host-bacterial interactions.

Prof Korolik’s 30-year research carrier began when she was awarded a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Monash University in 1990 and began her first campylobacter project as a Research Fellow at RMIT, Melbourne. After 3 years, she was appointed as a Research Fellow/Lecturer on a 50/50 basis for the following 5 years. In 1998 she joined the School of Griffith University as an academic and then in 2003 as a Research Leader at the Institute for Glycomics as a joint appointment.

Prof Korolik’s group is currently focused on studying the role of bacterial chemotaxis in pathogenicity and bacteria-host interactions, specifically, on deciphering ligand binding specificities of transmembrane chemosensory proteins of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter fetus and Helicobacter pylori. Recent breakthroughs of the Korolik group are highlighted by the discovery of a novel class of bacterial chemosensors with broad ligand specificities that may be related to sensing of the host molecules, and thus, may play a role in host-bacterial interactions. Her globally recognised reputation in bacterial chemotaxis and chemosensors is evidenced by publications in PNAS, Nature Communications and Science Signaling. The group is currently developing two new research areas, one focused on biofilm formation and its role in disease transmission for campylobacters and the other involving glycan-binding proteins of Vibrio cholerae.

MD and PhD, Assistant professor, deputy director of Centre of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Dr. Hong Li embarked on his academic journey, culminating in remarkable achievements in the field of microbiology. He attained a master’s degree from the esteemed West China Hospital of Sichuan University in 2009, with a research focus on hepatitis B virus infection under the guidance of Dr. Hong Tang, an NSFC Distinguished Young Scholar. Driven by his passion for scientific exploration, he pursued a doctoral degree in microbiology at the University of Western Australia, a pivotal step in his academic odyssey.

During his doctoral journey, conducted under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Dr. Barry Marshall, Dr. Mohammed Benghezal, Dr. Keith Stubbs, and Dr. Hans-Olof Nilsson, Dr. Li delved into the intricate realms of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and protein glycosylation. Collaborating closely with Dr. Anne Dell’s group at Imperial College London, their groundbreaking work reshaped the understanding of H. pylori’s LPS O-antigen and core-oligosaccharide domains. They meticulously elucidated the complete LPS biosynthetic pathway in H. pylori’s reference strain G27, uncovering vital insights. Notably, they made the significant discovery of the absence of the heptan transferase gene HP1283 in East-Asian strains.

Since 2017, Dr. Li has held the esteemed position of an assistant professor at the West China Marshall Research Centre for Infectious Diseases within the Centre of Infectious Diseases at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. His current research endeavors encompass precision treatments for H. pylori infection, unraveling the evolution and pathogenesis of H. pylori strains isolated from China’s diverse ethnic minority populations, and exploring the intricate associations between H. pylori infection and liver diseases. Dr. Hong Li’s unwavering dedication to advancing microbiological knowledge promises to yield invaluable insights with far-reaching implications for medical science and public health.

Dr Liu is a research fellow from A/Prof Li Zhang’s group, and an Associate Lecturer at School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. Dr Liu is an early career researcher who received her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the UNSW in 2018.

Dr Liu’s area of expertise encompasses various aspects of microbiology, including clinical microbiology, epidemiology, bacterial genomes, bacterial phylogeny, and host-pathogen interactions. Her particular focus is on studying human-hosted bacterial species that reside within the gastrointestinal tract. Within this broad scope, Dr Liu’s primary research interest is on investigating the role of human-hosted Campylobacter species, with a specific emphasis on Campylobacter concisus. Her research aims to unravel the mechanisms by which this bacterial species contributes to the initiation and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans.

Dr Liu’s investigation into C. concisus commenced during her doctoral studies, where she focused on elucidating the virulence of this bacterium and its interactions with the human host. By employing bacterial genomic analysis, she discovered novel genomic features of C. concisus. Notably, Dr Liu identified the csep1 gene, pICON plasmid, and pSma1 plasmid, and reported their associations with severe forms of IBD. Additionally, her research revealed the presence of zonula occludens toxins and prophages within C. concisus, which plays important roles in the pathogenic potentials of this bacterium.

Camtech Biomedical Pte Ltd

Dr. Mun Fai Loke’s academic journey has been marked by dedication and a deep commitment to the field of microbiology. His pursuit of knowledge led him to complete his PhD under the mentorship of A/Prof. Bow Ho, a respected authority in the field, at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. During this period, Dr. Loke focused his research efforts on Helicobacter pylori, demonstrating his early interest in this bacterium of clinical significance.

Following the successful completion of his doctoral studies, Dr. Loke embarked on a post-doctoral training journey at the Department of Medicine, collaborating with Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr. Kean Lee Goh, a prominent figure in the medical field at the University of Malaya. This experience broadened his research horizons and enriched his scientific perspective.

Subsequently, Dr. Loke assumed the role of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology, where he made substantial contributions, including his involvement in establishing the UM Marshall Centre at the University of Malaya. Currently, he serves as a Senior Research Scientist at Camtech Biomedical Pte Ltd in Singapore, where he continues to channel his expertise and passion toward research areas such as H. pylori, gut microbiome, and cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Mun Fai Loke’s enduring commitment to advancing our understanding of microbiology and its clinical applications underscores his significant contributions to the field. His journey is characterized by a relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and a dedication to addressing critical health-related challenges.

University of Gothernburg, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Biotome Pty Ltd

Samuel Lundin currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and concurrently, he is the founder and CEO of the MedTech company, Biotome Pty Ltd, located in Perth, Australia.

Dr. Lundin embarked on his academic journey by earning a PhD in Immunology from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1998, with a primary research focus on mucosal immune regulation under the guidance of Professor Esbjörn Telemo. Following his doctoral studies, he continued his tenure at the same university, initially as a postdoctoral researcher in collaboration with Professor Ann-Mari Svennerholm. During this period, his research efforts were directed towards understanding the regulation of T-cell immunity concerning the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Over time, he transitioned into leading his own research group, further delving into immune responses associated with H. pylori and its relevance to the development of gastric cancer. His academic journey reached notable milestones, with his appointment as an Associate Professor in Immunology in 2006, followed by a prestigious Professorship in Biomedical Science in 2011.

In 2014, Professor Lundin was granted a 3-year Marie Curie Outgoing Fellowship, which allowed him to become a Visiting Professor at the University of Western Australia, Perth. During this period, he collaborated closely with Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, the renowned discoverer of Helicobacter pylori.

In 2017, Dr. Lundin made the strategic decision to resign from his Professorship at the University of Gothenburg, shifting his focus towards the leadership of the startup company, Biotome Pty Ltd, based in Perth, Australia. Within Biotome, his primary focus revolves around the development of next-generation precision serology diagnostics centered on linear antibody epitopes. Biotome’s inaugural product is a serology screening diagnostic designed to assess gastric cancer risk.

While leading Biotome, Dr. Lundin has retained a part-time appointment as an Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg. In this capacity, he continues to engage in research endeavors, collaborating closely with Associate Professor Ali Harandi. Their research primarily concentrates on the mapping of linear B-cell epitopes associated with responses to mucosal bacterial and viral infections, as well as vaccination.

Dr Ben Pascoe is a Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford

Dr Pascoe received a BSc (Hons.) from the University of Hertfordshire and a DPhil in Molecular Biology from the University of Sussex. He gained postdoctoral experience in pathogen genomics at Swansea University Medical School prior to taking up a position managing the core sequencing fa-cility at the University of Bath and the Milner Centre for Evolution. As part of the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford, Ben manages an active research portfolio, including research into Campylobacter global epidemiology, emergence of multi-drug resistant Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter ecology and evolution and genome-wide identification of transmission and viru-lence traits.

Professor and Associate Department Head
Department of Microbiology
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center University of Georgia

Christine Szymanski first began working with Campylobacter jejuni during her PhD in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. She then joined the Enteric Disease Vaccine Program at the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Maryland for her postdoctoral studies prior to starting her own independent research career first at the National Research Council in Ottawa, Canada and then back at the University of Alberta. It was in Edmonton where she formed the company, VaxAlta Inc. with a focus on carbohydrate-based vaccines for livestock. Christine joined the University of Georgia in 2016 where she continues to: 1) characterize bacterial glycoconjugate pathways, 2) exploit bacteriophage recognition proteins that bind these structures, and 3) understand the protective benefits of host milk oligosaccharides to develop novel therapeutics and vaccines for the prevention of diarrheal diseases and post-infectious neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, and recipient of the Peter Gallagher Memorial Glycomics Award from Griffith University.

University of Western Australia, Marshall Centre of Infectious Diseases and Training

Dr. Chin Yen Tay stands as a highly accomplished researcher with a profound dedication to clinical research on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), genomics, and the innovative realm of next-generation sequencing technology. His impactful contributions over the past 5 years have significantly advanced our understanding of H. pylori and its antibiotic resistance profiles within Western Australia. Through meticulous antibiotic susceptibility testing, Dr. Tay’s work has empowered clinicians to tailor treatments, resulting in an extraordinary cure rate exceeding 95% for individuals with multi-drug resistant cases.

Recognizing the intimate connection between H. pylori and gastric cancer, particularly in China where this ailment prevails, Dr. Tay has extended his expertise to support Chinese medical practitioners in combating H. pylori infection. This endeavor is notably challenging due to the widespread issue of antibiotic resistance. In 2017, his outstanding work was acknowledged with a grant from Shenzhen Dapeng Hospital, propelling the development of cutting-edge H. pylori research capabilities. Under Dr. Tay’s guidance, the hospital emerged as a leader in culturing H. pylori and achieving remarkable success in treating patients with antibiotic-resistant strains.

Dr. Tay’s invaluable knowledge of culturing techniques has been shared through a comprehensive one-month training program conducted at the Helicobacter Research Laboratory, University of Western Australia. This initiative has fostered collaborative ties with numerous hospitals and research institutes in China, enriching our understanding of H. pylori strains prevalent in the region. Dr. Chin Yen Tay’s unwavering commitment continues to shape the landscape of H. pylori research, transcending geographical boundaries and contributing significantly to the global fight against gastric cancer.

Dr. Shinji Yamasaki is currently working as a professor, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan. His research area is enteric bacterial pathogens including campylobacters. He received his PhD from Kyoto University in 1991. He worked at Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University as an Instructor between 1989 and 1994. Meanwhile, he worked as a postdoctoral research fellow, supported by Alexander-von Humboldt Foundation and Federal Research Center for Viral Diseases of Animals, at the Federal Research Center for Viral Diseases of Animals in Tuebingen, Germany between 1992 and 1994. In 1995, he became a Division Chief of Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. Then, he has moved to Osaka Prefecture University (Osaka Metropolitan University since 2022) to work as a professor of Department of Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences since 2001 to date. He was awarded the Prize of Japanese Society of Food Microbiology (JSFM) in 2022. He is a Director of the JSFM from 2020 to 2025. He also worked as a Director of the Japanese Society for Bacteriology from 2009 to 2014. He has been a member of Japanese panel of US-Japan Medical Science Program, Cholera and Related Enteric Diseases since 2013. He has more than 248 international peer-reviewed publications. He was also a member of the Advisory Committee, CHRO 2009 organized in Niigata, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee, IUMS 2011, organized in Sapporo, Japan. He is a chair of 44^th annual meeting of JSFM, in 2023.

Professor of National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention，Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Beijing, China

Professor Jianzhong Zhang is a distinguished Chief Bacteriologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), born on January 5th, 1964, in Shandong, China. He attained his Bachelor of Medicine degree from Shandong Medical College, Medical Department, in July 1984. Subsequently, in July 1992, he graduated from the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine with a Master’s degree in Immunology, and in September 1999, he obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Professor Zhang Jianzhong currently serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, he holds the role of PI for the Collaborative Innovation Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Professor Zhang also assumes the position of Deputy Director of the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, and is recognized as a distinguished researcher and doctoral advisor. Furthermore, he acts as the Honorary Chairman of the Human Ecology and Ecological Health Committee under the Chinese Ecological Society and the Honorary Chairman of the Public Health Section of the Chinese Medical Association.

With an extensive career spanning over 30 years, Professor Zhang Jianzhong has been actively involved in the prevention and control of H. pylori infection. His research encompasses the exploration of pathogenesis, drug resistance, pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and the development of control techniques and prevention strategies related to H. pylori infection in China. Professor Zhang oversees the management of the “Chinese Helicobacter pylori Strain Bank,” which houses nearly 30,000 representative strains of H. pylori. Additionally, he leads the “Chinese Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Map,” which dynamically collects and disseminates information on drug resistance of H. pylori in the Chinese population. As the project leader, Professor Zhang successfully completed and unveiled the inaugural “White Paper on the Prevention and Control of Helicobacter pylori Infections in China” on June 3, 2023.

Dr. Qijing Zhang is currently Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor and Dr. Roger and Marilyn Mahr Chair in One Health at Iowa State University. He served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012-2022. Dr. Dr. Zhang received his BVSc degree from Shandong Agricultural University, MS degree in Veterinary Microbiology from the National Institute of Veterinary Biologics, PhD degree in Immunobiology from Iowa State University, and postdoc training from University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on transmission, evolution, pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni at the animal-human interface. Over the years, his team has discovered emergence and evolution of highly pathogenic C. jejuni variants and revealed novel resistance mechanisms and clonal expansion of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter. His work has also generated important information for the development of interventions to mitigate Campylobacter transmission and infection. Dr. Zhang has served on a number of editorial boards, grant review panels, and various committees for professional organizations. Dr. Zhang was a holder of Frank Ramsey Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine for multiple terms and a recipient of Pfizer Award for Research Excellence. He is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Microbiology, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.