Nicolas graduated as a Medical Doctor in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at SESAM - Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. He is also a Research Fellow at the Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. With a strong background in clinical research and statistical analysis, his main interests lie in neurosciences, neurology, dementia, and aging. His current work focuses on Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. His Ph.D. thesis, titled "Crosstalk between muscular health, fatty acids, and oxidative stress in cognitive decline and depression" is supervised by Dr. Audun Vik-Mo from the University of Bergen, Norway, with co-supervision by Prof. Dag Aarsland (Stavanger University Hospital and King's College London) and Prof. George Barreto (University of Limerick, Ireland).

Catarina is a Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Pathologist with a Master's degree in Immunology from the Graduate Program in Immunology at the Federal University of Bahia (Brazil). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Translational Neurosciences at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Her doctoral research, supervised by Prof Silvia Costa (Federal University of Bahia) and Prof George Barreto, titled "Investigation of the Neuroprotective and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects and Mechanisms of Terpenoid Compounds in an In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation", focuses on exploring novel therapeutic approaches for this condition. In addition to her academic work, she is very passionate about teaching, reading, listening to music, and swimming. She believes these activities are essential for maintaining balance between a demanding academic routine and moments of relaxation and well-being.

José graduated from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at USP-Piracicaba in Food Science and holds a master’s degree from the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA-USP-Piracicaba) (Brazil), with a focus in Chemistry in Agriculture and Environment. He has consistently worked in the biochemistry and instrumental analysis lab, conducting cell culture studies for intestinal absorption models and investigating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of food compounds. For both his undergraduate and master’s research projects, he explored how different forms of the same compound (such as esters and glycosides) affect his models. His hobbies include biking, playing saxophone, and watching classic films, though during his master's, he dedicated more time to reading research papers.

His Ph.D. project, supervised by Prof. Daniel Granato and Prof. George Barreto, aims to study the effects of apple pomace bioactive molecules on glial cells and adipocytes.

Nikoo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering- Food Technology from Azad University, Iran, and a Master’s degree in Food Safety and Food Risk Management from the University of Parma, Italy. Following her graduation in Iran, she worked as a Food and Chemistry Laboratory Specialist at Azad University, where she supported Master’s and PhD students by preparing samples, operating high-tech analytical instruments such as HPLC, TGA, DSC, FT-IR, and spectrophotometers and analysing instrumental data.

To date, she has contributed to the scientific community through the publication of some peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. Her research interests are broad and integrative, spanning Food Chemistry, Microencapsulation, Food Nanotechnology, Food microbiology  and Food Biopolymers.

Beyond her academic pursuits, she is passionate about the academic environment and teaching. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, carpet weaving, exercising, and swimming. These activities help her create a healthy balance between her research and the enjoyable aspects of life.

Manuela graduated with a degree in Bioscience from the University of Limerick. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research under the supervision of Dr. George E. Barreto, focusing on astrocyte reactivity and the molecular mechanisms linking estrogen synthesis, mitochondrial function, and cognitive health. 

As part of her co-op placement, she further expanded her training at the Cajal Institute in Madrid, where she gained hands-on experience in advanced neuroscience techniques.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Manuela enjoys classical novels, Tarantino' movies, traveling, and family time.