NOMINATION FOR EXECUTIVE POSITION 2026

POSITION: President Elect

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Tilman GRUNE

Institution: German Institute of Human Nutrition
Address: Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14 55 8 Nuthetal
Country: Germany
E-mail: scientific.director@dife.de

Biosketch:

Tilman Grune is the Scientific Director of the German Institute of Human Nutrition and Professor for Molecular Toxicology at the University of Potsdam since 2014. After studying Biochemistry in Moscow, a MD/PhD at the Charitè Berlin, various post-doctoral positions and professorships in Stuttgart-Hohenheim and in Jena, he took his current position. His research is directed towards the damage of proteins in cells and tissues during aging induced by metabolic or redox challenges. Specifically, his department aims to identify, how nutrition may influence the generation and degradation of these damaged proteins. He focusses on the influence of vitamins and micronutrients on metabolism and metabolic changes during aging.

Tilman Grune is author and co-author of several books and over 450 publications. He is founding editor and editor-in-chief of Redox Biology, the leading journal in this research field. As an internationally highly respected scientist, Tilman Grune received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires n 2013. He received serval national and international awards. 2020-2025 Tilman Grune was also a Professor of Physiological Chemistry and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Vienna.

Tilman Grune has been actively involved with SFRR-Europe for nearly 30 years. Notably, he founded the SFRR-E Summer School in 1999, which has since become a key meeting for young researchers and mentors working in the field of redox biology.

Motivation for election to this role

Dear Dr. Valacchi,

herewith I state my willingness to run for the president-elect position of SFRR-E. I am working with and for the society for over 25 years. It started with organizing an SFRR-E (Summer) Meeting in Dresden in July 1999. Afterwards I became a member of the SFRR-E committee as one of the meeting officers. In this position I started in 2004 the series of biannual SFRR-E Summer Schools in Spetses. As you know, a very successful event, where I am involved in the organization of almost all schools until 2024, when I was the main co-organizer of the 10th SFRR-E Summer School.

Additionally, in 2008 I organized an SFRR-E meeting on ‘Free Radicals and Nutrition’ in Berlin and 2017 the first (and only) SFRR-E-Oxygen Club of California joint meeting, again in Berlin. I was also involved in other activities of SFRR-E: I was co-organizer of the 2011 Meeting in Istanbul on ‘Redox Biology and Micronutrients’ and organized a meeting of the HNE Club (an SFRR-E associated group) in 2004 in Berlin. Currently, I am involved as a co-organizer of the SFRR-E Meeting 2026 in Mainz together with Dr. Andreas Daiber.

I was an active part of the SFRR-E committee in the process of foundation of our own society journal ‘Redox Biology’. After taking over the co-Editor-in-Chief position in 2013 I left the SFRR-E Committee and worked for the society through the journal. During my co-editorship, the journal developed into the leading journal of the field with a substantial impact factor. I will terminate my position as a co-Editor-in-Chief in 2028.

In order to help the SFRR-E society further, I am willing to contribute to this process with my current experience as a president elect and later as a president. I think it is of utmost importance to continue the positive development of the society with regards to membership increase, wider positioning of our meetings including visibility in other disciplines, ESR support, especially the SFRR-E Summer Schools in Spetses and last but not least the relation to our publisher. On these topics I shall focus my attention, in case I am elected.

I do hope these statements are supporting my candidacy.
Kind regards,
Tilman Grune

 

Name of Proposer 1: Giuseppe Valacchi (SFRR-E President)
Institution: University of Ferrara
E-mail: Giuseppe.valacchi@unife.it

Name of Proposer 2: Niki Chondrogianni (SFRR-E Meeting Officer)
Institution: National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology
E-mail: nikichon@eie.gr

Name of Proposer 3: Joao Laranjinha (SFRR-E President-Elect)
Institution: University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
E-mail: laranjin@ci.uc.pt

Name of Proposer 4: Juan Sastre (SFRR-E Past-President)
Institution: University of Valencia
E-mail: juan.sastre@uv.es

Name of Proposer 5: Enrique Cadenas (SFRR-E Scientific Advisor)
Institution: University of South California, Los Angeles
E-mail: cadenas@usc.edu

Name of Proposer 6: Giovanni E. Mann (SFRR-I Past-President and SFRR-E Scientific Advisor)
Institution: King’s College London
E-mail: giovanni.mann@kcl.uk

Name of Proposer 7: Clare Hawkins (SFRR-E General Secretary)
Institution: University of Copenhagen
E-mail: clare.hawkins@sund.ku.dk

Name of Proposer 8: Michael J Davies (SFRR-E Scientific Advisor)
Institution: University of Copenhagen
E-mail: davies@sund.ku.dk

Name of Proposer 10: Aphrodite Vasilaki (SFRR-E Past-Treasurer)
Institution: University of Liverpool
E-mail: vasilaki@liverpool.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 11: Irundika Dias (SFRR-E Treasurer)
Institution: Aston Medical School
Email: diashki1@aston.ac.uk

Name of Proposer: Brigitte Winklhofer-Roob (Meeting Officer)
Institution:  University of Graz, Austria
Email: brigitte.winklhoferroob@uni-graz.at

 

NOMINATION FOR EXECUTIVE POSITION 2026

POSITION: Meeting Officer

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Carmen Veith

Department/Division: In Vitro Pharmacology
Institution: Calliditas Therapeutics
Address: Chem des Aulx 14, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates
Country: Switzerland
E-mail: cveith32@gmail.com

 

Biosketch

Dr. Carmen Veith obtained her PhD in Cell Biology in 2019 from Maastricht University, in collaboration with the University of Vermont. Her doctoral research focused on the NOX4- dependent oxidation of SRC family kinases and its implications for new therapeutic strategies for pulmonary fibrosis.

Following her PhD, Carmen joined the lab of Tobias Dick at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany, as a postdoctoral researcher. During her postdoctoral tenure, she investigated the molecular organization of NADPH Oxidase redox signaling complexes using H2O2-sensitive reporters and oxidative biosensors on the cell membrane.

Since 2023, Carmen has been working as a Scientist at Calliditas in Geneva, Switzerland, aiming to identifying NOX-regulated pathways and evaluating NOX inhibitors as therapeutic targets for rare diseases.

Carmen has been the recipient of various awards and scholarships, including an NWO-Nutrim Graduate Fellowship, short-term fellowships from the Dutch Longfonds and the European Respiratory Society, as well as several travel awards.

She served as chair of the 2022 NOX Family NADPH Oxidase Gordon Research Seminar in Mount Snow, Vermont, and was responsible for the program as well as the speaker list, sponsor acquisition and selection of travel grants. In addition to her fascination by NOXes, Carmen is one of the founding members of the Early Career Researcher (ECR) subcommittee of SFRR-Europe, where she served as chair (2022-2024) and was actively involved in the organization of the ECR events during the SFRR-E conference. She currently serves SFRR-E as a Council member, and has played an active role in the establishment and coordination of new sub-committees of SFRR-E.

Motivation for election to this role

My motivation to take on this role is closely connected to my own experiences during the SFRR-E conference meetings. During my time as ECR subcommittee chair, I helped setup and organize a variety of different events, including the sunrise seminars, ECR networking and Meet-the Professor sessions. These events provide an important platform where early-career researchers and established scientists can exchange ideas, build collaborations, and develop new scientific directions.

In addition, I have also gained practical experience in scientific meeting organization as chair of the Gordon Research Seminar on NADPH Oxidases, which took place in Vermont, US in 2022. This role involved coordinating speakers, contributing to the scientific program, and supporting the overall logistics of the event. This experience gave me my first behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to make a scientific meeting run smoothly—and how rewarding it is to see everything come together to spark connections that make these events so impactful.

My role as an active member of the SFRR-E Council has further provided insights into the structure of the society as well as planning processes for the annual conference and budget considerations. Close interactions with the current Meeting Officer have strengthened my understanding of the role and its responsibilities.

Finally, my career path spanning both academia and industry allows me to bring a broad perspective to this position. I understand the diverse expectations of different stakeholders and can help ensure meetings remain scientifically challenging and accessible across both sectors.

If selected as Meeting Officer, I would aim to support the organization of high-quality and engaging

meetings that promote scientific exchange, interdisciplinarity, and, most importantly, also inclusivity within the redox research community. - 2 -

 

Name of Proposer 1: Brigitte Winklhofer-Roob (current SFRR-E Meeting Officer)
Institution: University of Graz
E-mail: brigitte.winklhoferroob@uni-graz.at

Name of Proposer 2: Michael Davies (SFRR-E Senior Scientific Advisor SFRR-E and SFRR-E Past-President)
Institution: University of Copenhagen
E-mail: davies@sund.ku.dk

Name of Proposer 3: Clare Hawkins (current SFRR-E Secretary-General)
Institution: University of Copenhagen
E-mail: clare.hawkins@sund.ku.dk

Name of Proposer 4: Paraskevi Kritsiligkou (Chair, SFRR-E ECR Subcommittee, 2024-2025)
Institution: University of Liverpool
E-mail: pari@liverpool.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 5: Florian Gruber (Conference Chair, SFRR-E Annual Meeting, Vienna, 2023)
Institution: Medical University of Vienna
E-mail: florian.gruber@meduniwien.ac.at

Name of Proposer 6: Andreas Daiber (Conference Chair, SFRR-E Annual Meeting, Mainz, 2026)
Institution: University Medical Center Mainz
E-mail: daiber@uni-mainz.de

Name of Proposer 7: Antonio Cuadrado (Coordinator, COST Action BenBedPhar, 2021-2025)
Institution: Autonomous University of Madrid
E-mail: antonio.cuadrado@uam.es

 

NOMINATION FOR EXECUTIVE POSITION 2026

POSITION: Meeting officer

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Dr. Kasia Goljanek-Whysall

Department/Division: Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences
Institution: University of Galway
Address: Human Biology Building, Galway, H91 W5P7
Country: Ireland
E-mail: kasia.whysall@universityofgalway.ie

 

Biosketch:

Kasia Goljanek-Whysall is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology University of Galway, Ireland, and previously Vice-Dean in the College of Medicine. She leads the Galway RNA Research Cluster and the ENLIGHT Network REACT initiative on ageing coordinating research and outreach activities among members from 6 Universities. Her research focuses on microRNAs, and their role in muscle ageing, neuromuscular disease and mitochondrial quality control, with recent work examining oxidised RNAs and rare disorders linked to lysosome dysfunction.

She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles. Her work on microRNA regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and senescence has contributed significantly to understanding skeletal muscle ageing and disease. She maintains strong collaboration with industry partners, e.g. TamiRNA.

She has extensive experience in scientific meeting coordination. She co-organised the annual meetings of the British Society for Research into Ageing (2015–2019), the RNA Therapeutics meeting (2022), and coordinates regular scientific meetings of the Galway RNA Research Cluster. She also hosted the All-Ireland RNA Club conference (2025). Kasia Goljanek-Whysall has been actively involved with SFRR-Europe and served as organiser for the SFRR-I meeting hosted by SFRR-Europe in Galway in 2025, including the satellite BenBedPhar and HNE Club symposia.

She has a strong international profile: she serves on editorial boards including Biogerontology, Frontiers in Aging, and Redox Experimental Medicine and is a board member of Breakthrough Cancer Research and V-ATPase Alliance, reflecting her commitment to community. She regularly gives lectures at major conferences, e.g. the Gordon Research Conference (2024), EMBO workshops (2024), the Orthopaedic Research Society, USA (2026), Padua Muscle Days (2026) and SFRR-E conferences, where she was also a panellist for the Women in Science. She is committed to mentoring early-career researchers and has supervised multiple PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have progressed to independent academic careers. She was also nominated for the College Dean’s mentoring award.

 

Motivation for election to this role

Dear SFRR-E members,

I would like to state my willingness to run for the Meeting Officer position of SFRR-E. Through my research programme, I have developed a strong international network within the free radical and ageing research communities, reflected in invitations to speak at international meetings. A major aspect of my work has been building scientific communities and coordinating meetings that bring researchers together. I have extensive experience organising scientific events, including the SFRR-I meeting hosted by SFRR-E in Galway in 2025, which was inclusive of ECRs and established researchers from different geographical regions and gained significant industry interest and sponsorship.

If elected, I would continue to build on the strong tradition of SFRR-E meetings by further strengthening their scientific excellence, inclusivity and international reach. I would work to expand opportunities for ECRs by promoting dedicated networking activities that facilitate interaction between ECRs and established investigators and ensuring that ECRs have meaningful opportunities to present their work to build confidence, visibility and collaborations.

I would also seek to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of SFRR-E meetings by encouraging sessions that connect redox biology with rapidly developing areas such as RNA biology, metabolism and ageing. These intersections represent exciting opportunities for discovery and can help attract new communities of researchers to SFRR-E meetings while maintaining the society’s core focus on redox biology.

In addition, I would support the development of satellite meetings and collaborative sessions with partner societies. Such initiatives can broaden participation, foster new collaborations and increase the visibility of SFRR-E across Europe and internationally. I am committed to inclusive, welcoming meetings, supporting diverse participation across career stages and geographic regions. By continuing to develop innovative, engaging scientific meetings, I hope to contribute to maintaining SFRR-E conferences as a leading platform for advancing redox research and supporting the next generation of scientists in the field.

Kind regards,
Kasia Goljanek-Whysall

 

Name of Proposer 1: Niki Chondrogianni (SFRR-E Meeting Officer)
Institution: National Hellenic Research Foundation
E-mail: nikichon@eie.gr

Name of Proposer 2: Giuseppe Valacchi (SFRR-E President)
Institution: University of Ferrara
E-mail: Giuseppe.valacchi@unife.it

Name of Proposer 3: Joao Laranjinha (SFRR-E President-Elect)
Institution: University of Coimbra
E-mail: laranjin@ci.uc.pt

Name of Proposer 4: Juan Sastre (SFRR-E Past-President)
Institution: University of Valencia
E-mail: juan.sastre@uv.es

Name of Proposer 5: Daniela Caporossi (SFRR-E Past-President, SFRR-E Past Meeting Officer)
Institution: University of Rome Foro Italico
E-mail: daniela.caporossi@uniroma4.it

Name of Proposer 6: Enrique Cadenas (SFRR-E Scientific Advisor)
Institution: University of South California, Los Angeles
E-mail: cadenas@usc.edu

Name of Proposer 7: Giovanni Mann (SFRR-I Past-President and SFRR-E Scientific Advisor)
Institution: King’s College London
E-mail: giovanni.mann@kcl.uk

Name of Proposer 8: Irundika Dias (SFRR-E Treasurer)
Institution: Aston University
E-mail: diashki1@aston.ac.uk 

Name of Proposer 9: Aphrodite Vasilaki (SFRR-E Past-Treasurer)
Institution: University of Liverpool
E-mail: vasilaki@liverpool.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 10: Tilman Grune (SFRR-E Past Meeting Officer)
Institution: German Institute of Human Nutrition
E-mail: scientific.director@dife.de

Name of Proposer 11: Malcolm Jackson (SFRR-E & SFRR-I Past President)
Institution: University of Liverpool
E-mail: M.J.Jackson@liverpool.ac.uk

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Angela Mastaloudis, PhD

Department/Division: Institution: Dynamis Nutrition Science
Address: 4865 S. WANDER LN SLC, UT 84117, USA
Country: USA
E-mail: angela@dynamis-nutrition.com

 

Biosketch

Angela Mastaloudis, PhD is a strategic R&D advisor and expert consultant for science-based companies in the global dietary supplement and natural products industries, with 20+ years of experience spanning basic research, clinical trial design and execution, new ingredient development, and global product innovation. She holds a PhD in Nutrition Biochemistry and a Master's in Exercise Physiology from Oregon State University, where she trained as a Linus Pauling Institute Graduate Fellow under the mentorship of Professors Balz Frei and Maret Traber.

Her early research focused on vitamins E and C and their role in attenuating endurance exercise-induced oxidative damage and inflammation. What distinguishes Dr. Mastaloudis' research profile is the breadth and diversity of her scientific contributions. She began her industry tenure as Principal Scientist at Nu Skin/Pharmanex where she led global product innovation and had the privilege of being mentored by Professor Lester Packer, a Scientific Advisor to the company. That relationship proved foundational in that it fostered a long standing sponsorship of SFRR by Nu Skin/Pharmanex, seeded a number of research collaborations and reinforced her belief that industry-based research, when designed and executed with academic discipline, can make meaningful contributions to the scientific literature.

More recently, she served as Chief Scientific Officer at Brassica Protection Products, where she redesigned the strategic research platform for the company's broccoli seed extract, reorienting the science collaborations and building a cohesive in-house R&D infrastructure. By building and sustaining partnerships with leading academic researchers, many of them SFRR members, she has had the opportunity to investigate a wide range of bioactive compounds across a broad spectrum of health domains.

Her work has encompassed carotenoids, sulforaphane, anthocyanins, omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and multivitamin-mineral-polyphenol formulations, with research spanning healthspan, caloric restriction mimetics, metabolism, mitochondrial function, gut microbiota, intestinal barrier health, nutrigenomics, skin health, detoxification, cognitive function and neuroenergetics.

 

Motivation for election to this role

I am seeking election to the SFRR-EU board as an Ordinary Member of the Council as I have been a member of the Society for many years and would be honoured to serve it in a more formal capacity. I believe that I bring a unique perspective, fluency in redox biology and nutrition biochemistry combined with 20+ years of experience translating that science into evidence-based products used by consumers worldwide. I understand both the academic rigor that defines the Society's mission and the commercial realities that shape how that science reaches people, and I am interested in strengthening the bridge between the two with the goal that the careful research conducted by this community reaches the general public in a form they can use and benefit from. I share SFRR-EU’s commitment to mentorship and the development of the next generation of scientists.

I currently serve on the board of the Utah STEM Foundation which promotes STEM education in the state and I am an active volunteer with Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), a non-profit dedicated to promoting gender equity within the dietary supplement and natural products industry as well as within academia. I have been fortunate to have had exceptional role models and mentors whose guidance and generosity shaped the trajectory of my career, and I consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to offer that same support to the next generation.

In 2025, I spearheaded WIN's sponsorship of two Young Investigator Awards at the joint SFRR-EU/SFRR-I conference in Galway, Ireland, as one expression of that commitment and I look forward to continuing this support at the upcoming 2026 SFRR-EU Conference in Mainz, Germany. As an Ordinary Member of the Council, I would represent an industry perspective and contribute to SFRR-EU’s mentorship and Early Career Researcher (ECR) initiatives.

 

Name of Proposer 1: Giuseppe Valacchi (SFRR-E President)
Institution: Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
E-mail: Giuseppe.valacchi@unife.it

Name of Proposer 2: Patricia Oteiza (SFRR-I General Secretary)
Institution: Department of Nutrition, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA – USA
E-mail: poteiza@ucdavis.edu

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Bárbara S. Rocha

Department/Division: Faculty of Pharmacy and Center for Neuroscience
Institution: University of Coimbra
Address: Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548
Country: Portugal
E-mail: barbarasrocha@ff.uc.pt

 

Biosketch

Bárbara Rocha (BR) is a researcher and academic at the University of Coimbra, where she earned her BSc and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences alongside an MSc in Medicine. Her doctoral research redefined gastric physiology by demonstrating how dietary polyphenols and nitrate interact to produce NO in vivo. A key discovery of her work is that nitrate-driven nitration of pepsin serves as a protective mechanism against peptic ulcers. Building on a six-year postdoctoral tenure, she is currently investigating host–microbiota crosstalk, focusing on how redox species from nitrate-rich foods mediate inter-kingdom communication to develop clinical interventions for leaky gut syndrome.

Her work is recognized by several honors, including the Young Investigator Award (OCC, Paris, 2011), the Future of Redox Biology Award (OCC, 2022) and the Early Career Research Fellowship (SFRRE/OCC, 2021). The latter enabled her to establish and lead an independent research group as Principal Investigator. BR has published 32 peer-reviewed papers with a strong emphasis on leadership, serving as first or corresponding author on 22 of them (h-index 16).

Her work includes top tier publications in areas such as Clinical Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Surgery (h-index 16). She has been team member of various national (FCT)- and international (Biocodex)-funded projects and participated in a major clinical research netwok, EuroSurg, involving international muticenter clinical trials. Since 2018, BR has served as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, where she has co coordinated the Master of Clinical Analysis since 2019.

Her commitment to scientific governance is reflected in her roles on the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Biochemical Society (since 2019) and the Faculty’s Scientific Council (since 2024). Internationally, she has co-organized major events, including the FEBS Redox Medicine Workshops (2023, 2025) and the IUBMB-FEBS-PABMB Young Scientists Forum (2022). She is currently the Co-Chair for the upcoming SFRRE 2027 meeting in Porto.

 

Motivation for election to this role

My association with the SFRRE dates back to 2011, when I delivered my first presentation as a PhD student at the Istanbul meeting. Since becoming a member in 2015, SFRRE has served as my primary scientific community, providing the framework for my professional progression from trainee to Assistant Professor and Junior PI.

A definitive milestone in this trajectory was being awarded the SFRRE ECR Fellowship in 2021, which was instrumental to establish my independent research group. I am now seeking a seat on the SFRRE Council to contribute to the governance and continued success of the Society. My dedication to SFRRE is demonstrated by a consistent record of active participation and service:

• Scientific programming: I have successfully proposed, organized, and chaired symposia at several major meetings, including SFRRE 2015, SFRRI 2018, and SFRRE 2019.

• Career development of redox researchers: As a co-organizer of the FEBS Redox Medicine Workshops (2023, 2025), I have worked to bridge the gap between fundamental redox research and clinical translation but also to foster young students career development by promoting the close contact with well established researchers in the redox field.

• Organizational Commitment: I am currently serving as Co-Chair for the SFRRE 2027 meeting in Porto, focusing on the strategic development of the scientific and social program as well as logistics.

As a Council member, I intend to represent the interests of early-to-mid-career researchers, ensuring they have the institutional support necessary to advance.

My ultimate goal is to ensure that SFRRE remains the preeminent European authority for excellence and innovation in redox biology.

 

Name of Proposer 1: Enrique Cadenas
Institution: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
E-mail: cadenas@usc.edu

Name of Proposer 2: Giovanni Mann
Institution: Kings College London, UK
E-mail: giovanni.mann@kcl.ac.uk

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Cátia F. Lourenço Marques

Department/Division: Faculty of Pharmacy
Institution: University of Coimbra
Address: Azinhaga Sta. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra Country: Portugal
E-mail: cflmarques@uc.pt

 

Biosketch

Cátia F. Lourenço Marques is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, whose research focuses on nitric oxide (NO) biology, neurovascular coupling (NVC), and redox mechanisms underlying brain function and disease. She obtained her degree in Biology from the University of Porto (2004), followed by an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology (University of Coimbra, 2007), and a PhD in Sciences and Health Technology (2011).

Her research has provided key mechanistic advances in understanding NO as a central mediator of neurovascular coupling, addressing a long-standing question in the field. By developing innovative in vivo methodologies enabling the simultaneous measurement of NO and cerebral blood flow, she generated direct experimental evidence supporting NO-driven regulation of cerebral blood perfusion. This work has become a reference framework for subsequent studies on neurovascular function.

She has further contributed to establishing neurovascular dysfunction as an early event across different conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Vascular dementia), demonstrating that impairments in NVC precede neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline.

Her work supports the paradigm linking redox imbalance, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. She has published 38 peer-reviewed articles (27 original papers), with approximately 1200 citations and an h-index of 24 (Scopus), with ~60% of publications in top-decile journals. Her work has been recognized through several awards, including from the SFRR-E (e.g. Young Investigator Award @ Meeting SFRR-Europe 2007).

She is an active member of the SFRR-E community, with regular participation in major conferences, and is currently co-chairing the SFRR-E 2027 meeting in Porto.

She also contributes as an ad hoc reviewer for leading redox journals (e.g FRBM) and co-organizes advanced training initiatives, including international PhD-level courses, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary training and early-career development.

 

Motivation for election to this role

I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Council of the Society for Free Radical Research Europe, a community that has played an important role in my scientific development and with which I have been actively engaged.

Over the past 20 years, my research has been closely aligned with the society’s core themes, particularly in advancing the understanding of redox mechanisms in brain physiology and disease. Throughout this period, I have witnessed the central role of SFRR-E in promoting scientific exchange and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, which has shaped my perspective on the importance of building an inclusive, dynamic, and collaborative scientific community and motivates me to contribute actively to its mission and strategic development.

I am particularly motivated to contribute to initiatives that foster engagement with emerging research communities, enhance networking and training opportunities, and advance early-career development and interdisciplinary integration across basic and clinical research.

 

Name of Proposer 1: Enrique Cadenas
Institution: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US
E-mail: cadenas@usc.edu

Name of Proposer 2: Giovanni Mann
Institution: King´s College, London, UK
E-mail: giovanni.mann@kcl.ac.uk

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Cristina Mas Bargues

Department/Division: Department of Physiology
Institution: Universitat de València
Address: Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia
Country: Spain
E-mail: Cristina.mas@uv.es

 

Biosketch

Cristina Mas-Bargues, PhD is a Professor (Profesora Permanente Laboral) at the Department of Physiology, Universitat de València, Spain, where she conducts research on ageing biology and regenerative medicine. She obtained her Pharmacy degree with Honors (2012), followed by an MSc in Physiology (2013) and a PhD (2017) under the supervision of Dr. Consuelo Borrás, Dr. José Viña, and Dr. Juan Gambini.

She has completed international research stays at the University of California, Berkeley (USA) under Dr. Danica Chen supervision, and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (USA), with Dr. Ana María Cuervo.

Her research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ageing, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of intercellular communication. She has contributed to advancing the understanding of EVs as both biomarkers of biological ageing and potential therapeutic tools. Her work includes studies demonstrating how physiological oxygen conditions preserve stem cell function and reduce senescence, as well as the ability of EVs to modulate senescence in vitro and in vivo. Dr. Mas-Bargues has published 66 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Science Advances, Redox Biology, and One Health, with an h-index of 25 (Web of Science) and over 2,400 citations. She has been recognized among the top 2% most influential scientists worldwide (Stanford University ranking).

She has participated in over 100 international conferences and received several awards, including the “Future of Redox Biology Award” (2022) and the “Young Investigator Award” (2021).

She is an active member of the Society for Free Radical Research Europe, and has been part of the Early Career Researchers (ECR) Subcommittee since its foundation on December 18, 2021, contributing to community building, scientific dissemination, and support of early-stage researchers across Europe.

 

Motivation for election to this role

I am willing to contribute actively to the continued growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability of the Society for Free Radical Research Europe.

Over recent years, the Society has experienced a remarkable expansion in membership and scientific activity, reflecting the strength and relevance of the redox field. I am particularly inspired by this momentum and would be committed to supporting its consolidation and future development.

Having been a member of the Early Career Researchers (ECR) Subcommittee since its foundation in December 2021, I have witnessed first-hand how a dynamic, collaborative, and proactive approach can significantly strengthen engagement within the community. Starting from a small group, the ECR has grown into an active network that promotes scientific exchange, visibility, and networking opportunities, while also attracting new members to the Society. This experience has provided me with practical insight into community building, communication strategies, and the importance of creating inclusive and engaging initiatives.

If elected, I would aim to contribute to the Council by fostering initiatives that enhance member participation across all career stages, strengthen connections between established and early-career researchers, and further expand the Society’s reach.

I am particularly interested in supporting activities that promote visibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and external funding opportunities, ensuring that the Society continues to evolve in a rapidly changing scientific landscape.

I strongly believe that building on the Society’s solid foundations, while encouraging fresh perspectives and active engagement, will be key to its future success. I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and commitment to this collective effort.

 

Name of Proposer 1: Prof. Juan Sastre Belloch
Institution: Department of Physiology, Universitat de València, Spain
E-mail: juan.sastre@uv.es

Name of Proposer 2: Prof. José Viña Ribes
Institution: Department of Physiology, Universitat de València, Spain
E-mail: jose.vina@uv.es

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Marzia Perluigi

Department/Division: Biochemical Sciences
Institution: Sapienza University of Rome Address: P.le Aldo Moro, 5
Country: ITALY
E-mail: marzia.perluigi@uniroma1.it

 

Biosketch

Marzia Perluigi, Pharm.D., Ph.D. is Full Professor of Biochemistry at Sapienza University of Rome, where she leads a research program focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. She obtained her Pharm.D. in Medicinal Chemistry (1999) and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2003) from Sapienza University, followed by postdoctoral training in Neurochemistry at the University of Kentucky (USA). She joined Sapienza as Assistant Professor in 2006, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2012, and to Full Professor in 2019.

Her research investigates the role of redox imbalance, protein dysfunction, and metabolic alterations in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.

Her work has elucidated key molecular links between oxidative stress, impaired proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Through the integration of redox proteomics, human samples, and experimental models, her studies have identified critical determinants of cognitive decline and highlighted novel therapeutic targets aimed at restoring cellular homeostasis.

She has authored over 160 peer-reviewed publications, with more than 10,000 citations and an h-index of 60, reflecting her strong international impact in neuroscience and biochemistry. Prof. Perluigi is an active member of the global scientific community and has been invited to speak at numerous international conferences on redox biology and neurodegeneration.

Her leadership roles include Chair of the EU Chapter of the Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) and Chair of its Sponsoring and Membership Committee. She is also involved in international collaborative initiatives such as COST Action CA20121.

As principal investigator, she has secured competitive funding for projects addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin signaling, and Alzheimer-like pathology in Down syndrome. Marzia Perluigi has been actively involved with SFRR-Europe and this year she is organizing the SFRR E Summer School in Spetses together with Fabio Di Domenico and Niki Chondrogianni.

 

Motivation for election to this role

Dear SFRR-E members, It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my candidacy for election as a Council Member of SFRR Europe. I am an internationally recognized researcher in redox biology, and my work has focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

My research has highlighted the central role of oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired proteostasis in conditions such as Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Through interdisciplinary approaches, I have contributed to identifying key molecular pathways linking redox imbalance to cognitive decline and to exploring novel therapeutic strategies. Alongside my research, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to the scientific community.

As Chair of the EU Chapter of the Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) and a member of its Executive Board, I have contributed to strengthening international collaborations, organizing scientific initiatives, and promoting opportunities for early-career researchers.

My team has been selected to host the 5th international T21RS Conference (2024), where I served as program Committee chair. I have also been actively involved in European collaborative networks, including COST Action CA20121, hosting in Rome the meeting in 2025. I am deeply committed to mentoring young scientists and fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment.

I believe that my experience, leadership, and collaborative mindset align closely with the mission of SFRR-E. If elected, I will contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration in redox research, supporting early-career investigators, and enhancing the society’s visibility. In particular, I am co-organizing the SFRR-E/FEBS Advanced Summer School 2026, which will serve as a platform for high-level training and scientific exchange within the SFRR-E community. I aim to build on this experience to further expand training initiatives and collaborative networks.

I would be honoured to contribute to the continued growth and impact of SFRR-E. Kind Regards, Marzia Perluigi

 

Name of Proposer 1: Niki Chondrogianni (SFRR-E Meeting Officer)
Institution: National Hellenic Research Foundation
E-mail: nikichon@eie.gr

Name of Proposer 2: Giuseppe Valacchi (SFRR-E President)
Institution: University of Ferrara
E-mail: Giuseppe.valacchi@unife.it

Name of Proposer 3: Aphrodite Vasilaki (SFRR-E Past-Treasurer)
Institution: University of Liverpool
E-mail: vasilaki@liverpool.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 4: Daniela Caporossi (SFRR-E Past-President, SFRR-E Past Meeting Officer)
Institution: University of Rome Foro Italico
E-mail: daniela.caporossi@uniroma4.it

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Dr Opeyemi Stella Ademowo

Department/Division: Biomedical and Forensic Science
Institution: University of Derby
Address: Kedleston Road Derbyshire, DE22 1GB Country: UK
E-mail: s.ademowo@derby.ac.uk

 

Biosketch

I am a Senior Lecturer in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Programme Leader for Human Biology and the deputy lead for the Healthy Ageing and Mental Wellbeing Research Centre at Derby. I supervise and teach students from undergraduate to PhD levels, and I am one of the producers of our research centre bulletin. My research expertise lies in biomarker discovery, redox biochemistry, and the molecular mechanisms of ageing, with a particular focus on age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

My first degree was in Biochemistry, I have a master’s degree in Biomedical Diagnostics (DCU, Ireland) and a PhD in Translational Medicine (UCD, Ireland). I have postdoctoral experiences from Aston University, Birmingham and University of Cambridge. I am a fellow of the Higher Education academy and trained in diversity leadership through the Advance HE Diversity Leadership Programme.

The central aim of my research is the development of novel biomarkers for AD and translating fundamental research into impactful clinical applications.

My current research investigates oxidative lipid modifications, exploring their roles in inflammation and degenerative conditions associated with ageing. Lipid peroxidation, driven by the buildup of free radicals, disrupts normal lipid interactions and progressively impairs cell signalling, membrane fluidity, membrane permeability, and ion balance, making it a key contributor to age‑related diseases. Our mechanistic approach supports the creation of precision health-risk profiles beyond genetics, contributing to preventive strategies and prognostic biomarkers in inflammaging. By validating biomarkers in vivo, I aim to foster industry collaborations that advance therapeutic target development and promote healthy longevity medicine.

I have 13 publications to date with over 800 citations. I have excellent administrative, inter-personal and communication skills as demonstrated by my collaborative work in teaching and research with positive attitude, ethical standards and excellent dissemination of high-quality research. I have presented my research in a few national and international conferences.

 

Motivation for election to this role

I am keen on promoting the Society for Free Radical Research-Europe by helping researchers to discover opportunities within the society, shaping scientific events and providing input into the society’s strategic planning and research direction. I have interest and enjoy organising and coordinating research talks as these help me to connect with more people in the field.

During my postdoctoral position at Aston University, I worked closely with the Director for the Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, ARCHA to organise and coordinate the monthly seminars and I was also one of the organisers of the early career researchers’ talk at the Dementia Research Institute, DRI, University of Cambridge. In my current role as the deputy lead for the Healthy Ageing Research Centre at Derby, I am involved in organising sponsored seminars, guide scientific directions and priorities.

If given the opportunity to be a SFRRE council member, I will work closely with other council members to plan high-quality scientific programs, support early career researchers, foster international collaborations and effective governance and continuity of the society. This opportunity will help me to do more in organising, supporting and delivering larger scientific events and activities such as the summer school, conferences and meetings.

With my research directly aligned with oxidative stress, free radical biology, redox signalling, I am willing to use my skills, acquire more skills and network to foster collaborations in this field. I am also willing to be involved with other SFRR-linked societies.

This role will provide an excellent opportunity for me to raise the profile and visibility of the SFRRE society, and it offers a strong basis for recruiting new members as an academic with training in diversity leadership through Advance Higher Education. I am looking forward to work with the president and organisers to maintain communication and support society initiatives.

Name of Proposer 1: Dr Irundika Dias
Institution: Aston University, Birmingham, UK
E-mail: diashki1@aston.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 2: Professor Helen Griffiths
Institution: Swansea University
E-mail: h.r.griffiths@swansea.ac.uk -

 

POSITION: SFRR-E Council member (2027 – 2028)

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Sander Bekeschus

Department/Division: Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology
Institution: Rostock University Medical Center
Address: Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock
Country: Germany
E-mail: sander.bekeschus@med.uni-rostock.de

 

Biosketch

Sander Bekeschus moved from Berlin to Greifswald (Germany) to study human biology and, after research missions to Boston (USA) and Christchurch (New Zealand, Christine Winterbourn's lab), to receive his Ph.D. from the Department of Immunology (thesis co-promoter: Mark Hampton). His main interest is oxidants, especially those produced in versatile qualities and quantities by employing medical gas plasma technology, and their effects and therapeutic utilization to target diseases, focusing Sander's works on basic and applied redox biology and medicine. Becoming a junior group leader in 2016 and permanently in charge of research activities as Assistant Professor since 2023, he has been the PI of several national and international research projects focusing on redox processes in dermatology, oncology, and immunology. For instance, as initiator and speaker of the plasmACT Marie-Curie EU Doctoral Training School, new redox-based modalities on actinic keratosis treatment are being investigated. Sander has received a travel award of the Gordon Research Conference on Oxygen Radicals (USA), the Young Investigator Award (YIA) of the Society for Free Radical Research International (SFRR-I), as well as the Early Career Research Award of the International Society for Plasma Medicine (ICPM), in which since 2023 he also gained experience as Secretary and Executive Board Member as likewise in the German National Center of Plasma Medicine (NZPM) since 2017. Sander has contributed scientifically to the field of redox biology in multiple ways, such as being Editor of the Redox Biology in Plasma Medicine book (published in 2024) within Helmut Sies' and Enrique Cadenas' prestigious Oxidative Stress and Disease book series. He also served the Society as a participant of the Early Career Researchers Group and later as a mentor in its Mentoring Program, as well as Junior Editor of the journal Redox Biology, in which he published 11 articles to date. His h-index is 66.

 

Motivation for election to this role

Having dedicated the past fifteen years to investigating reactive species and oxidative stress, I have developed a profound appreciation for the vital role this Society I joined in 2012 plays in fostering scientific excellence and international collaboration. My motivation for joining the Council is rooted in a desire to give back to a community that has been central to my professional development and to ensure its continued growth in an evolving scientific landscape. If elected, my primary focus will be on advancing interdisciplinary research. The field of redox biology is increasingly intersectional, and my experience has taught me that significant breakthroughs occur when we bridge the gap between fundamental molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. I intend to advocate for initiatives that encourage these cross-disciplinary partnerships, ensuring that SFRR-E remains at the forefront of innovative research methodologies. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to supporting early-career researchers. The future of our Society depends on the next generation, and I aim to expand mentorship programs and networking opportunities that provide young scientists with the visibility and resources necessary to thrive in competitive environments. As a standing example of my young researcher career development support, a PhD student who had started in my lab in 2017 has obtained an ERC Starting Grant in my Department starting this year. Finally, I am eager to help strengthen European connectivity. SFRR-E serves as crucial hub for scientific exchange across the continent, and I wish to support the Council in streamlining communication between national societies and enhancing the impact of our annual meetings. By promoting collaborative efforts, we can ensure that European redox research continues to lead on a global stage. I am prepared to contribute my organizational experience and scientific perspective to the Council to advance our shared understanding of free radical biology in health and disease.

 

Name of Proposer 1: Aldona Mzyk, PhD, Associate Professor
Institution: Institute of Photonics and Physical Sciences and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
E-mail: A.Mzyk@hw.ac.uk

Name of Proposer 2: Claudia Lennicke, PhD
Institution: MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences & Imperial College London, UK
E-mail: c.lennicke@lms.mrc.ac.uk