Our Team

PD Dr. Arijit Biswas

Group Leader

Arijit stands out as one of the most passionate individuals among us, particularly in the realm of structural analyses, making him the driving force of our group. He possesses professional expertise in computational biology and effectively manages the in-silico workflow. Having earned his PhD from AIIMS, New Delhi, India, he embarked on his career journey by joining IHT-Bonn as a postdoctoral fellow in 2008. Following his academic habilitation in 2015, he currently holds the esteemed position of Staff Scientist (Sr.) at IHT-Bonn. Beyond his professional pursuits, Arijit finds joy in watching movies and playing cricket.

Contact: arijit.biswas@ukbonn.de

Prof. Dr. med. Johannes Oldenburg

Institute Director

Professor Johannes Oldenburg is a globally renowned hematologist and scientist, currently serving as the Director of the Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. His boundless energy, unwavering passion, and can-do attitude inspire and motivate everyone around him. Prof. Oldenburg has played a pivotal role in establishing cutting-edge infrastructure at the institute, for which we are deeply grateful. Under his guidance, we have had the privilege to evolve into the Biswas Lab at IHT-Bonn. His research is centered around blood coagulation factors, with a particular focus on hemophilia, as well as the vitamin K pathway, including the genetics of VKCFD2 phenotype and the discovery of VKORC1. Throughout the years, he has chaired numerous global congresses such as ISTH and GTH. We extend our heartfelt thanks and acknowledgment to him for his unwavering support.

Contact: johannes.oldenburg@ukbonn.de

Dr. Sneha Singh

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Sneha Singh became a valued member of our group in 2014, embarking on her journey as a Ph.D. student under the guidance of Prof. Oldenburg and the direct mentorship of Dr. Biswas. Throughout her doctoral studies, she dedicated her efforts to the structural characterization of the coagulation FXIII complex, culminating in the attainment of her Ph.D. degree. With a rich training background at MPI Biophysics and CAESER Bonn, Dr. Singh has fostered close collaborations, notably with Prof. Imhof at the Pharmacy Institute. Currently, she is passionately engaged in her self-funded projects, focusing on the networking of FXIII and Fibrinogen. We extend our heartfelt best wishes to her as she pursues her plans and future endeavors.

Contact: Sneha.Singh@ukbonn.de

Haroon Javed, M.Sc.

Ph.D. Student

Haroon joined the Arijit Biswas lab in 2020 through a DFG program. Currently, he is immersed in researching the structure-functional characterization of FXIII-A and FXIII-B subunit missense mutations, with a keen focus on understanding the implications of mild FXIII deficiency in humans. Initially trained as a cell biologist, he is gradually transitioning into an RDT (Research and Development Technology) specialist within our lab. Outside of his academic pursuits, Haroon finds joy in playing squash, a hobby that not only keeps him physically fit but also mentally engaged, much like his dedication to his thesis.

Contact: haroon.javed@ukbonn.de

Samhitha Urs R, M.Sc.

Ph.D. Student

Samhitha joined the Arijit Biswas lab in 2020, where she is currently focused on the structural characterization of the FVIII B-domain. With a robust background in protein structural biochemistry, she is an enthusiastic learner, honing both dry-lab and wet-lab skills simultaneously throughout her Ph.D. journey. Moreover, she has dedicated herself to learning and mastering Indian Classical-Carnatic vocal music.

Contact: samhitha_urs.ramaraje_urs@ukbonn.de

 

Md Mubassherul Islam, M.Sc.

Ph.D. Student

Mubassher is a computational biologist whose journey in the field of structural bioinformatics has been shaped by a combination of rigorous training, academic pursuits, and rich professional experiences. His Master’s degree from the prestigious University of Bonn marked the beginning of a path of scientific exploration that ultimately led him to join the esteemed Arijit Biswas Lab in 2023. His expertise primarily lies in structural bioinformatics, where he is currently immersed in diverse projects. These include intricate structural modeling of the Factor XIII protein, precise modification of drug-like molecules, molecular docking, virtual screening, MD simulations, and molecular analysis of cryo-electronic data. Leveraging a wide range of software, programming languages, and simulation tools, Mubassher carries out these endeavors with precision and dedication. Beyond the realms of science, Mubassher finds solace and pleasure in various pursuits. These include traveling, the art of video editing, and curating a collection of model cars.

Contact: MD.Islam@ukbonn.de

 

Dr. Amit Sharma, Ph.D.

Guest Scientist

Dr. Amit is a very experienced scientist has joined Arijit Biswas’s lab in 2022 as a Guest Scientist. He has finished his Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral research at the All India Institute Of Medical Science and currently also working in the same institute as a Research Associate. He has a strong background in Hematology. His specific specialized interest of work is in hemostasis, thrombosis, molecular genetics and diagnostic, platelet function defects.

Contact: sharmaaiims@gmail.com

 

Previous members

Dr. rer. nat. Anne Thomas

Presently working as Clinical research Associate at the IQVIA, Germany. Dr Thomas worked in the Biswas lab for her Ph.D, characterization of FXIII missense mutations, establishing the role and burden of mild FXIII deficiency.

We wish her all the best for her future endeavors

Dr. Biol. Mohd. Suhail Akhter

Presently appointed as Assistant Prof. at the Jizan University, Saudi Arabia. Dr Akter worked in the Biswas lab for 3 years towards characterization of FXIII-B subunit sushi domains.

We wish him all the best for his future endeavors

Ms Nadia Mir-Montazeri

Presently working in as a medical intern in Bern. Ms Montazeri worked in Biswas lab for 1 year, helping towards WFH-CRGP study, aimed towards FXIII behavior among German population.

We wish her all the best for her future endeavors

Ms Sophie Lyonga

Presently working at the ZotzKlimas-Düsseldorf. Ms Lyonga served at the Biswas lab as an MTA keeping everything in order and the best of shape. We are always thankful to her for her dedication towards work.

We wish her all the best for her future endeavors