Biophysical chemistry, structure of proteins, applications of spectrometric methods in biochemistry, practical training of students

I am a neuroscientist and biophysicist interested in processes reshaping membranes in neurons.

Agrifood biochemistry and biotechnology

RSBMB aims to promote Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Romania and hosts all those interested to contribute to the progress of this field and the dissemination of knowledge. RSMBM provides the framework for debate and dialogue related to the structure, results and future of the Romanian Molecular Life Science research and education, through Meetings, Seminars, Courses and Publications. It also aims to create the necessary bridges between experts, authorities and the public to confront sensible issues and concerns generated by the advance of this sicientific field.

My research interests focus on the roles mitochondria play in aspects of eukaryotic life, ranging from their origin, metabolism, biogenesis and role they play in cell death pathways. These are interrogated using biochemical, molecular biology, genetic and cell biology techniques. I incorporate these interests into classes I teach to provide an understanding of practical techniques and also the current literature in the field. I studied biochemistry at the University of Leeds, with an industrial placement at Astra Charnwood, followed by a PhD at the University of Bristol, supervised by Professor Andrew Halestrap, to characterise the molecular composition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, with support from MitoKor. My post-doctoral training on the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis supervised by Dr Doug Green was at the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology in San Diego, California and St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. I then was an associate research scientist working in the laboratory of Professor Alexander Tzagoloff at Columbia University in New York to study biogenesis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. I held independent positions as assistant professor at the New York Institute of Technology in New York and Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent where I continued my research and taught subjects related to biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. I am now a senior lecturer in biotechnology at Liverpool John Moores University. I am a strong supporter of scientific communications and outreach to disseminate scientific developments and knowledge to a broader audience with the goal of increasing the general support of the scientific process. I also direct Biomed News, a free biomedical research literature discovery platform that uses machine learning.

Interdisciplinary researcher with a strong foundation in cancer biology, immunology, and molecular regulation. Focused on mechanistic and systems-level understanding of immune cell plasticity, chromatin organization, and metabolic control of signaling. Combines computational analysis with hypothesis-driven modeling to investigate regulatory complexity in cancer and inflammation.

The FEBS Junior Section is organised by students and young researchers from some FEBS Constituent Societies. They develop joint activities, such as online talks and other events, and share resources, as well as open doors for young European scientists to opportunities outside their home countries by providing the relevant contacts and fostering communication within the network.

Balcu Antonia-Ioana