Mercè Masana is an expert in brain circuit monitoring and modulation using optical tools in mouse models of brain disorders. Currently, she serves as principal investigator at the Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, and is affiliated with the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi in Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and to the CIBERNED (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain).

Her research focuses on understanding neuronal circuitry alterations in brain diseases using advanced techniques such as in-vivo optogenetics, fibre photometry, multimodal MRI and in-vitro calcium imaging. By identifying and modulating altered circuits, her work aims to correct their associated symptoms. This includes motor, cognitive and affective behaviour, associated to neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Chorea Acanthocytosis. In the GlioLighT project, her experience will lead the UB team in testing the efficacy and safety of DLT in glioma mouse models.

Matilde is an experienced neuroscientist with a strong background in neurodegenerative diseases and rodent models. During her PhD at Lund University, Sweden, she developed and studied rat and mouse models of Parkinson’s disease to investigate alterations in brain circuits and conduct functional, histological, genetic, and behavioural analyses. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher under the supervision of Mercè Masana at the University of Barcelona, where her research focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of direct light therapy (DLT) in glioma using in-vitro and in-vivo mouse models. With expertise in a broad array of techniques, including primary cell cultures, adeno-associated virus production, surgical procedures, behavioural assessments, optogenetics, and calcium imaging, Matilde is also expanding her skill set to include multimodal MRI and fiber photometry. Driven by her experience and dedication to advancing therapeutic strategies across a broad range of disease areas and targets, she looks forward to contributing to the GlioLighT project.

Jordi Soriano is the head of an experimental research group focused on understanding the interplay between activity and connectivity in in-vitro living neuronal networks. With more than 15 years of experience, his work combines experimental research with data analysis in the context of complex systems (network and information theory and biophysical modelling). Jordi's research also explores network alterations in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and in synergy with medical teams in Barcelona.

Cristina completed her studies in Biology at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Bilbao. To further broaden her academic horizons, she spent her final undergraduate year studying in Canada and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Biomedical Research at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Her technical expertise focuses on in vitro methodologies, primary cell culture techniques, advanced microscopy, and various molecular and cellular biology assays.

Currently, she works as a Laboratory Technician for the GlioLight project within the Department of Biomedicine (Neurology) at the University of Barcelona (UB). Working hand-in-hand with Dr. Matilde Negrini, she is fully dedicated to managing and executing the practical components of the project. Her responsibilities include performing animal surgeries, maintaining cell cultures, and driving day-to-day data collection forward. Driven by a strong desire to advance in brain cancer research, she is highly motivated to deepen the understanding of how gliomas function and to actively contribute to the development of innovative, non-invasive therapeutic approaches to treat them.

Maryam Givehchi completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology in Mannheim, Germany. Her expertise covers in-vivo techniques, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, and functional assays. With a strong passion for scientific discovery, she is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Barcelona under the supervision of Mercè Masana. As part of the GlioLighT project, she is eager to contribute to the development of an innovative therapeutic approach for glioma.