Confirmed Speakers
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Prof. Dr. Craig W. Lindsley
Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry - Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, United States
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The major focus of the Lindsley laboratory is drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Students in my lab will collaborate with other members of the Pharmacology, Drug Metabolism and Clinical Pharmacology departments to pursue small molecule hits from high throughput screens, perform lead optimization studies to develop structure-activity-relationships (SAR) and ultimately deliver small molecules with acceptable properties to validate novel targets/mechanisms in in vivo animal models of target diseases.
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Prof. Dra. Donna Huryn
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
After receiving her undergraduate Chemistry degree (Cornell University) and Ph.D. degree (University of Pennsylvania, Chemistry), Donna M. Huryn began her career as a medicinal chemist in the pharmaceutical industry (Hoffmann-La Roche & Wyeth Research), and contributed to drug discovery efforts for HIV, cancer, asthma, and CNS disorders with increasing levels of responsibility.
Title of the lecture: Targeting the AAA ATPase p97/VCP to Modulate Protein Homeostasis: Medicinal Chemistry Strategies and Biological Insights
Prof. Dr. Peng Zhan
Associate Editor of European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry - Shandong University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
Peng Zhan is now working as a full professor in Shandong University. His research interests involve the discovery of novel antiviral, anticancer, and neurodegenerative diseases-related agents based on rational drug design and combinatorial chemistry approaches.
Title of the lecture: Recent Advances in Antiviral Medicinal Chemistry
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Prof. Dr. Philipp O Tsvetkov
Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, Aix Marseille Université, France
​Philipp TSVETKOV holds PhDs in Molecular Biology (Aix-Marseille Université, France) and in Physics & Mathematics (Moscow, Russia). He specializes in protein–metal and protein–drug interactions studied with biophysical methods. At the Institute of Neurophysiopathology (Aix-Marseille Université), his research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and zinc signaling. He also run the Biophysical Instrumental Platform, where he directs the development of new approaches in cancer diagnostics and anticancer drug discovery. He is the author of 70+ publications and an inventor on several patents.
Title of the lecture: New Opportunities for Drug Repurposing: Tubulin as a Well-Established Yet Underexploited Target
Prof. Dr. György Miklós Keserű
Research Center for Natural Sciences, Hungary
György obtained his Ph.D. at Budapest, Hungary and joined Sanofi heading a chemistry research lab. He moved to Gedeon Richter in 1999 as the Head of Computer-aided Drug Discovery. Since 2007 he was appointed as the Head of Discovery Chemistry at Gedeon Richter. He contributed to the discovery of the antipsychotic Vraylar® (cariprazine) that has been approved and marketed from 2016 in US and EU. He served as a director general of the Research Centre for Natural Sciences (RCNS) at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. From 2015 he is heading the Medicinal Chemistry Research Group at RCNS. More recently György has been appointed as the Head of the National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory. He has published over 340 papers and more than 10 books and book chapters. György was awarded by the prestigious Overton and Meyer Award of the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry. He has been elected as Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, as member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Academia Europaea.
Title of the lecture: Mapping protein-protein interaction surfaces by photoactivable molecular fragments
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Dr. Bahne Stechmann
EU-OPENSCREEN (Berlin)
Bahne Stechmann is a cell biologist by training and worked in academia and biotechnology. His PhD work led to the discovery of the first small molecules that show efficacy against ricin in animal experiments (Stechmann et al., Cell 2010). Bahne is the Deputy Director at EU-OPENSCREEN, a multinational research infrastructure initiative which supports collaborative projects in Chemical Biology and early Drug Discovery. He is the coordinator is the EU-funded "RAFIKI" project, which aims to strengthening capacity for drug discovery and development across sub-Saharan Africa and to build new avenues for cooperation between African and European researchers, and coordinator of the "IMPULSE" project to expand EU-OPENSCREEN as an international collaborative initiative for chemical biology and early drug discovery.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1440-1545
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Title of the lecture: EU-OPENSCREEN - A research infrastructure for collaborative research projects in chemical biology and early drug discovery​
Prof. Dr. Markus Sperandio
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Ludiwig-Maximilians-Universität-München, Germany
German physician-scientist and professor of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), where he leads the Sperandio Lab at the Biomedical Center. His research focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of inflammation, particularly the regulation of leukocyte recruitment and trafficking, neutrophil function, and the interactions between the immune system and the vascular system. His work has elucidated key steps in the leukocyte adhesion cascade—including rolling, firm adhesion, and transmigration—and has highlighted the critical role of glycosylation and glycan-dependent signaling in these processes. In addition, his group investigates platelet biology, hemostasis, and the development of the immune system during early life, providing insights into how inflammatory responses are regulated across different physiological contexts. By integrating in vivo models with molecular and cellular approaches, Sperandio’s research aims to better understand the pathophysiology of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. He has made substantial contributions to the fields of immunology, vascular biology, and glycobiology through a broad body of influential scientific publications.
Prof. Dr. Tamas Martinek
Medical School of Szeged University, Hungary
Tamás Martinek is the head of the Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged. He received his MSc in Chemistry 1996 then he undertook a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Ferenc Fülöp, at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry where he graduated in 2001. His research focused on beta peptide foldamers, their design, structural analysis, and function. He was promoted to Professor in 2014 when he received Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences title, became the head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and between 2014-2018 he was the Vice-Rector for International & Public Relations at the University of Szeged. He was the director of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence (2018-2020) and became the head of the Department of Medical Chemistry in 2019. He received funding from Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (2002-2005, 2007-2009); MTA Momentum Programme (2011-2016); Hungarian Research, Development and Innovation Office (2020-2024) and was the scientific coordinator and project manager of several GINOP (2016-2020) and H2020 (2015-2018) schemes.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3168-8066
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Title of the lecture: Cytosolic delivery of biologics including antibodies against cancer
Prof. Dr. David Heppner
Assistant Professor, Buffalo University, New York, USA
The Heppner lab studies molecules, proteins, and cells to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in human health. We apply an integrative approach through a combination of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biophysics, and structural biology to discover and design novel therapeutics and molecular tools for biological applications. Our research is equally directed to understand protein structural and mechanistic essentials that control biochemical processes important in cancer biology and other diseases. Current areas of interest include: Discovery and design of first-in-class small molecule inhibitors as targeted therapies in cancer and other diseases; Structural and functional understanding of post-translational modifications at protein cysteine residues; Pharmacology and structural biology of metalloproteins and redox enzymes.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0722-5160
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Prof. Dr. Paul Trippier
Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA​
Trippier’s research is focused on small molecule drug discovery for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. His lab employs synthetic medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and molecular pharmacology techniques to design, optimize and employ biologically active compounds as chemical probes to interrogate novel pathways relevant to human disease and as lead compounds for novel drug discovery. Discoveries in the Trippier lab have led to the identification of the most potent and selective Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) inhibitor which shows significant effect to counter drug resistance in prostate cancer and leukemia; the most potent synthetic succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor yet described with significant anticancer activity; novel multi-targeted agents for neurodegenerative disease therapy; and potent activators of neurolysin for stroke therapy development. This research has been and is currently funded by the NCI, NINDS, various private foundations and the pharmaceutical industry.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4947-5782
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Prof. Dr. Gildardo Riviera Sáncher
Genomic Biotechnology Center, National Polytechnic Institute (Mexico)
​Gildardo Rivera, Ph.D., is a Mexican researcher affiliated with the Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica at the Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). His work is situated at the intersection of medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacology, with a focus on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds. His research encompasses the development of small molecules and natural product derivatives with antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and pharmacological potential, as well as the study of environmental and pharmaceutical biotransformation processes. Rivera has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications employing both experimental and computational approaches, including molecular docking, virtual screening, and structure–activity relationship analysis.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9842-4167
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Prof. Dr. Mariela Bollini
Principal Invesitgator at National Scientific and Technical Research Council​
​Dr. Mariela Bollini is an Argentine researcher in medicinal chemistry affiliated with the Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION), CONICET, in Buenos Aires. Her research focuses on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small molecules with therapeutic potential, particularly in the context of infectious and neglected diseases. Her work integrates organic synthesis, structure-based drug design, and biochemical evaluation to identify novel bioactive compounds, including antiviral and antimicrobial agents. She has contributed to studies on emerging viral targets and the development of innovative chemical scaffolds, as well as to interdisciplinary research involving biomaterials with antimicrobial properties.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8718-6236
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Prof. Dr. Hugo Cerecetto
Full Professor, University of the Republic- Uruguay (UDELAR)
Dr. Hugo Cerecetto is a Uruguayan researcher in medicinal chemistry affiliated with the University of the Republic Uruguay (UdelaR), where he is part of the Medicinal Organic Chemistry research group at the Facultad de Ciencias. His work focuses on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of bioactive compounds, particularly targeting neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease. His research integrates organic synthesis, pharmacological evaluation, and computational approaches to identify and optimize small molecules with antiparasitic activity, including strategies based on drug repurposing and combination therapies.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1256-3786
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Prof. Dr. Carlos Maurício Sant´Anna
Full Professor, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro​
​Dr. Carlos Maurício Rabello Sant’Anna is a Full Professor of Chemistry at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at the Institute of Exact Sciences. He is also associated with the Laboratory of Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio), where he develops research at the interface of medicinal chemistry and computational chemistry. His research focuses on the design and evaluation of bioactive compounds using both experimental and in silico approaches, including molecular modeling, QSAR studies (such as CoMFA and CoMSIA), and molecular docking. His work contributes to drug discovery efforts, particularly in the identification of new candidates targeting infectious diseases and other pharmacologically relevant systems.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1989-5038
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Prof. Dr. Cristian Salas
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile ​
Dr. Cristian O. Salas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Pontifical University Catholic of Chile. His research lies at the interface of medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and chemical biology, with a strong focus on the design and development of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. His work encompasses the synthesis and structural optimization of small molecules, including heterocyclic compounds and natural product derivatives, aimed at addressing diseases such as cancer and parasitic infections. In this context, he integrates experimental and computational approaches such as structure-based design and molecular modeling to evaluate biological activity and mechanism of action.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7620-2459
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Prof. Dr. Marcos Couto
Adjunct Professor, University of the Republic- Uruguay (UDELAR)
​Marcos Mauricio Couto Sire, Ph.D., is a Uruguayan researcher affiliated with the Medicinal Organic Chemistry Group at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of the Republic (UdelaR). His work is situated in the field of medicinal and organic chemistry, with a focus on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of bioactive compounds, particularly within collaborative research on pharmacologically relevant molecules. In addition to his contributions to medicinal chemistry, Couto Sire has also been involved in science education research, particularly in the development of innovative teaching strategies in organic chemistry, including the integration of English-language instruction in higher education contexts.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2925-7347
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Prof. Dra. Rocío Marisol Espinoza-Chávez
Peruvian University of Applied Sciences
​Dr. Rocío Marisol Espinoza Chávez is a Peruvian medicinal chemist and Assistant Professor at the Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur (Peru). She received her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP, Brazil) and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (Peru). Her research is centered on medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, with a particular focus on the design, synthesis, and optimization of bioactive small molecules. Her work integrates synthetic chemistry and structure-based drug design approaches to develop new therapeutic candidates, especially targeting neglected diseases such as Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7913-2419
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Prof. Dr. Pedro de Sena Murteira Pinheiro
Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro​
Dr. Pedro de Sena holds a degree in Pharmacy from the Rio de Janeiro State University – UERJ/ZO (2015). He obtained both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry (PPGFQM) at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he conducted research focused on rational drug design, synthesis, molecular modeling studies, and pharmacological evaluation of novel drug candidates. From 2019 to 2020, he served as a visiting researcher at the University of Bologna (Italy).He is currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he conducts research at the Laboratory for Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio). He also serves as a collaborating faculty member in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry (PPGFQM) at ICB/UFRJ. His main research interests include: (i) identification, design, and synthesis of bioactive compounds guided by artificial intelligence, as well as bioinformatics and chemoinformatics analyses; and (ii) investigation of structure–activity relationships (SAR) and structure–property relationships (SPR) of bioactive compounds.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4148-4243
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