Integrative Research Grants

Prof. Jean
KRUTMANN
Molecular Aging Research Specialist

Professor Jean Krutmann is a highly respected medical professional and researcher in the field of Integrative Skin Health. He holds positions in the Leibniz Association and as a University Professor at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the Fudan University. With over 30 years of experience, Professor Krutmann has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in environmental dermatology, dermatoepidemiology and immunodermatology.

Currently, Professor Krutmann serves as the Director of the IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Düsseldorf. He is speaker of the DFG Research Unit “Understanding aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in skin disorders” (FOR 5489), speaker of the Leibniz Research Network “Stem cells and organoids” and co-speaker of the Leibniz Research Alliance “Resilient Ageing”. His research focuses on environmentally induced skin diseases and skin aging, with a specific emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved.

Professor Krutmann has an impressive publication record, with more than 500 publications to his name. In addition to his academic roles, Professor Krutmann holds visiting and adjunct professor positions at various institutions, including Nagoya City University in Japan, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA. He is a member of the National Academy of Science of Germany. Professor Jean Krutmann’s scientific achievements have been widely recognized. He has received several prestigious awards, including the International Arnold-Rikli-Award, the Albert Fleckenstein Award, the Paul Gerson Unna Award, the Oscar Gans Award, the C.E.R.I.E.S. Research Support Award, the Dermopharmacy Innovation Award, the Tanioku Kihei Memorial Award and the Finsen Medal. His contributions to the field of dermatology and environmental medicine have solidified his position as a leading expert in the scientific community.

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prof. Jean
KRUTMANN
Molecular Aging
Research Specialist

Dr. Rajani
KATTA
Dermatologist & Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Rajani Katta founded the Contact Dermatitis Clinic at the Baylor College of Medicine and serves on the Clinical Faculty of the University of Texas Houston. She is the author of over 100 publications and 9 books in the areas of diet and dermatology, contact dermatitis, and medical eductaion.

She serves on the media expert team of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been quoted in many media outlets including The New York Times, Today, Oprah magazine, and others, as well as during multiple TV appearances.

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dr. Rajani
KATTA
Dermatologist
& Nutrition Specialist

Assoc. Prof. Monica
ANDERSEN
Dermatologist & Nutrition Specialist

Monica L. Andersen is Associate Professor at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. She is also chair of the Sleep Biology and Medicine Division at the same institution, and Director of the Sleep Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Andersen was Visiting Professor at Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Disease/Yerkes National Primate Research Center pela Emory University, and at Neuroscience Division of Harvard Medical School/NEPRC in United Stated.

Considering the period of 2000-2025 (first published article to the present date), she published over 680 papers as both first and corresponding author in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Andersen has been active in the literature regarding the circadian balance and sleep regulation as key factors to the skin homeostasis. Her research in Dermatology has been dedicated to the current concepts in respect of the interaction between sleep and skin, based on recent scientific evidence on this integrative clinical interplay.

While mentoring students and establishing collaborations within my university and with other universities in Brazil and abroad, several projects and relevant data have been produced, and Dr. Andersen has been nominated for awards worldwide.

The impact of her research together with the level of productivity in the scientific field has enabled her to maintain the excellence of the research group in the topic of Neurobiology of Sleep, Sleep Health and Sleep Medicine.

Currently, she is the Editor-in-Chief of Sleep Medicine Reviews, one of the most renowned journals in the Sleep field.

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Assoc. Prof. Monica
ANDERSEN
Dermatologist
& Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Keira
BARR
Dermatologist & Mind-Body Specialist

Dr. Keira Barr is the expert every woman dreams of—a compassionate listener and trailblazing doctor who sees the connection between your skin and your soul. A dual board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in somatic trauma therapy, mind-body medicine, and breathwork, she offers a groundbreaking approach to skincare that goes beyond the surface. As the founder of the Center for Mind-Skin Medicine, Dr. Barr is revolutionizing skincare with her resilience-informed, integrative approach, helping women heal deeply and sustainably.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Barr has shared her expertise on global stages and in leading outlets like Oprah Magazine, Vogue, Glamour, and MindBodyGreen. She is the best-selling author of The Skin Whisperer and co-author of “Mind-Body Therapies in Acne” in the Integrative Textbook of Dermatology. As Chief Medical Officer of K’ept Health and Chief Mindfulness Officer of Fleurissent Skincare, she continues to shape the future of skincare and wellness.

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dr. Keira
BARR
Dermatologist
& Mind-Body Specialist

Prof. Alexander
KOLIADA
Gerontologist & Genes Specialist

PhD Alexander Koliada, born in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a biogerontologist and geneticist with 17 years of experience studying aging, the molecular foundations of longevity, and age-related diseases. He earned his PhD in Molecular Genetics in Kyiv, focusing on groundbreaking research in DNA methylation, microbiome studies, and the biology of long-lived individuals.

Prof. Koliada is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications and serves on editorial boards of biomedical journals. His research contributions have advanced understanding of aging processes and genetic diagnostics, solidifying his role as a leader in biogerontology.

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Prof. Alexander
KOLIADA
Gerontologist
& Genes Specialist

Prof. Jean
KRUTMANN
Molecular Aging Research Specialist

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prof. Jean
KRUTMANN
Molecular Aging
Research Specialist

Prof. Ncoza
DLOVA
Dermatologist, Ethnic skin, Hair and Global health specialist

Professor Ncoza Dlova is the Head of Dermatology, Full Professor and the immediate past Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM), UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
She has many accolades and leadership awards behind her name and is the first African Medical School Dean in the 73yrs of the school.
She is a well-published dermatologist with an interest in Ethnic skin and Hair, Global Health, and Medical Education. She has more than 135 scientific publications and is a “B” National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher, which speaks to her impactful research which is recognized both locally and internationally.

She is a member of numerous international dermatology boards and societies and has numerous awards to her name. She has been invited as guest speaker in numerous countries and is a member of the prestigious American Dermatology Association (ADA) and Recipient of the Maria Duran award from the International Society of Dermatology (ISD). She is the board member of the International League of Dermatology Society (ILDS) and represents Africa as the first fully elected African representative in the 89yrs since it was established.
In 2024, Prof. Dlova received the Gold Medal Scientific Merit Award from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the South African Medical Association (SAMA).

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Prof. Ncoza
DLOVA
Dermatologist, Ethnic skin,
Hair and Global health specialist

Prof. Bianca
PIRACCINI
Dermatology, Nail and Hair specialist

Prof. Bianca Maria Piraccini is a leading figure in the field of Dermatology. With a prolific career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the field through her academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care.
She is Head of the Dermatology Unit of Sant' Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic of the University of Bologna, where she overses crucial research and patient care initiatives in the area of skin and sexually transmitted diseases. She run the Outpatient Consultation of Hair and Nail Disease, a reference in Italy and in the International Community for Nail and Hair Diseases. In fact, it is the only Italian hospital that performs nail surgery for neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathologies.

She also created and directed the Mycology and Parasitology Laboratory, a metropolitan reference for the diagnosis of fungal and parasitic diseases.
At the University of Bologna, she held positions of responsibility, including Director of the School of Specialization in Dermatology, as well as vice Coordinator of the Doctorate Program in Surgical Sciences.
She has written more than 500 original articles in national and international journals, more than 10 monographies on hair and nail disease and has been recognized for her innovative research on nail and hair biology and pathology, fungal infections and the development of innovative diagnostic techniques.

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Prof. Bianca
PIRACCINI
Dermatologist
Nail and Hair specialist

Prof. Daniel Fernandes
MELO
Dermatologist, Hair and Scalp specialist

Prof. Daniel Fernandes Melo is a distinguished Brazilian dermatologist specialized in hair and scalp disorders, holding both a master's and a doctorate (PhD) from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Throughout his career, he has contributed to almost 100 publications, accumulating more than 570 citations. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honored with the 2023 Young Dermatologist International Achievement Award by the International League of Dermatological Societies.

Prof. Melo is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Hair Research Society, the European Hair Research Society, the International Trichoscopy Society. Additionally, he served on the board of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, where he was responsible for the Trichology Department for 10 years.

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Prof. Daniel Fernandes
MELO
Dermatologist,
Hair and Scalp specialist

Ass. Prof. Victoria
BARBOSA
Dermatologist, MPH, MBA, Hair and Skin specialist

Victoria Barbosa is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Section of Dermatology and the Director of the Hair Loss Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard University and her medical degree cum laude from the Yale University School of Medicine, where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and her residency in dermatology at Yale. She completed the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Dr. Barbosa is an internationally recognized expert in hair and scalp disorders and in treating dermatological conditions in skin of color. She joined the University of Chicago faculty in 2019. She has previously been the owner of a successful private practice, Millennium Park Dermatology, and was a Vice President in Research and Development at L’Oréal USA where she built and managed the L’Oréal Institute for Ethnic Hair and Skin Research.
Dr. Barbosa is the Immediate Past President of the Chicago Dermatological Society, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois Dermatological Society, and a Scientific Advisor for the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation. She was a founding board member of the Skin of Color Society.

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Ass. Prof. Victoria
BARBOSA
Dermatologist, MPH, MBA,
Hair and Skin specialist