Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Werner E.G. Müller is a renowned molecular biologist and pioneer in enzyme-mediated biomineralization, biopolymers, and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. His groundbreaking contributions span molecular evolution, the discovery of novel antiviral and anticancer agents, and the development of innovative materials for tissue regeneration. He has been awarded an ERC Advanced Investigator Grant and three ERC Proof-of-Concept Grants, underscoring the translational relevance and excellence of his research. His recent work explores energy-delivering biomaterials and nanoparticles, particularly inorganic polyphosphates, for applications in wound healing and bone/cartilage regeneration. He has coordinated numerous national and international research projects, including major EU consortia, and has been honored with several prestigious awards, most notably the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class. He is the author of over 1,300 scientific publications and holds an H-index of 123 (Google Scholar), making him one of the most highly cited researchers in his field.
Heinz C. Schröder received his doctorate in both chemistry and medicine with distinction. After postdoctoral research at the University of Mainz and the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, supported by a Liebig Fellowship, as well as at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, he has been a professor at Mainz University since 1985. He is an expert in enzymology of biomineral and RNA metabolism (discovery of several polyadenylate/2-5A enzymes). His current interest lies in the mode of action of biogenic nanoparticles. He has received several awards and authored/co-authored over 600 publications. Together with W.E.G. Müller, he was coordinator/partner in 20 EU projects.
Dr. Xiaohong Wang is a materials scientist and a professor of inorganic chemistry since 2005. Her research centers on regeneratively active biomaterials and bionanoparticles. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of biosilica and calcium carbonate formation in marine sponges, as well as biomineralization processes in human bone, including hydroxyapatite formation. Since 2006, she has actively collaborated with the group of Prof. W.E.G. Müller, joining the team formally in 2009. She has led multiple national and international research projects as principal investigator or coordinator, supported by the EU and BMBF. She has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, with a H-index of 52 (Google Scholar), reflecting her strong influence in the fields of biomaterials, bioinorganic chemistry, and nanomedicine.