John P.A. Ioannidis

C.F Rehnborg Professor in Disease Prevention in the School
of Medicine and Professor of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology)
and, by courtesy of Statistics

Contact details
Telephone: (650) 725-5465
Email: jioannid(@)stanford.edu

Biography

John P.A. Ioannidis (b. New York, NY, 1965) holds the C.F. Rehnborg Chair in Disease Prevention at Stanford University, and he is Professor of Medicine, and of Health Research and Policy, and Director of the Stanford Prevention Research Center at the School of Medicine; Professor of Statistics (by courtesy) at the School of Humanities and Sciences; one of the two Directors of the Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford; and Director of the PhD program in Epidemiology and Clinical Research. He has previously chaired the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the University of Ioannina School of Medicine in Greece since 1999 (a tenured professor since 2003, on leave since 8/2010).

He was born in New York, NY in 1965 and grew up in Athens, Greece. He was Valedictorian of his class (1984) at Athens College and won a number of early awards, including the National Award of the Greek Mathematical Society, in 1984. He graduated in the top rank of his class from the School of Medicine, University of Athens, in 1990 and earned a doctorate in biopathology. He trained at Harvard and Tufts, specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and then held positions at NIH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine before returning to Greece in 1999. He has been adjunct faculty for the Tufts University School of Medicine since 1996, with the rank of professor since 2002 and led (2008-2010) the Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Modeling.

He is a member of the executive board of the Human Genome Epidemiology Network and Senior Advisor on Knowledge Integration at NCI/NIH and has served as President of the Society for Research Synthesis Methodology, as a member of the editorial board of many leading international journals (including PLoS Medicine, Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, AIDS, International Journal of Epidemiology, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Cancer Treatment Reviews, Open Medicine, and PLoS ONE, among others) and as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation (2010-now). He has given over 350 invited and honorary lectures, has received many awards (e.g. European Award for Excellence in Clinical Science [2007], Medal for Distinguished Service, Teachers College, Columbia University [2015]), and has been inducted in the Association of American Physicians (2009), European Academy of Cancer Sciences (2010) Americal Epidemiological Society (2015), and European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2015). Honorary titles from the Foundation for Research and Technology-

Hellas (FORTH) (2014) and University of Ioannina (2015), honorary doctorate from Erasmus University Rotterdam (2015). The PLoS Medicine paper on Why most Published Research Findings are False, has been the most-accessed article in the history of Public Library of Science (exceeding 1.5 million hits). His books Toccata for the Girl with the Burnt Face (Kedros 2012) and Variations on the Art of the Fugue and a Desparate Ricercar (Kedros 2014) (both in Greek) were shortlisted for best book of the year Anagnostis awards. The Atlantic selected Ioannidis as the Brave Thinker scientist for 2010 claiming that he may be one of the most influential scientists alive.

He has published over 800 papers and is one of the most-cited scientists worldwide according to citation databases for which rankings are available (Web of Science/Highly-Cited Researchers, Scopus, Microsoft Academic Search). His current citation rate (>1,600 new citations per month per Google Scholar, >800 new citations per month per Scopus and Web of Knowledge) places him in the 100 most-cited among all 20+ million authors publishing across science. Citation indices: h=133, m=6, hm=79 per Google Scholar (h=108 per ISI and Scopus), 68% of papers as single/first/senior author. He considers himself privileged to have learnt and to continue to learn from interactions with students and young scientists (of all ages) from all over the world and to be constantly reminded that he knows next to nothing. His work combines skills in clinical research methodology and evidence-based medicine with the challenges of current molecular medicine and genomics.

Maria Knikou

Professor of Physical Medicine, College of Staten Island/CUNY & Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University

Contact details
Telephone: 001 718 982 3316
Email: knikou(@)mail.csi.cuny.edu

Degrees:
Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
M.Sc., Biomechanics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
B.Sc., Physical Education, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
B.Sc., Physical Therapy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Research Interests: Research on motor control, spasticity, spinal cord injury, electrophysiology, sensorimotor recovery of patients with neurological disorders

Biography

Dr. Knikou is a neurophysiologist working for more than 15 years on delineating the neural basis of movement and muscle tone in people with and without an injury and after training. Her recent research work concentrate on 1) functional reorganization of cortico-spinal connections after treadmill training in people with motor incomplete spinal cord injury and stroke, 2) neurophysiological characterization of cervical and thoracic transpinal evoked potentials in humans, and 3) strengthening of corticospinal connections through transpinal stimulation. Her main aim is the use of current available rehabilitation strategies in a more effective way and to develop new rehabilitation strategies to promote functional recovery of impaired movement in people with a spinal cord injury and post-stroke. Findings from Dr. Knikous studies will transform our understanding on the capabilities of the injured human nervous system to reorganize. This will lead to patient-orientated rehabilitation strategies and improvement of clinical decision making.

Michael Koutsilieris

Professor of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, University of Athens

Contact details
Telephone: +30 210 746 2506, +30 210 746 2507
Email: mkoutsil(@)med.uoa.gr

Biography

Professor Michael Koutsilieris is a Professor of Experimental Physiology, Chairman of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and a Distinguished Fellow of New Westminster College. He earned a M.D. degree in 1980 from the Medical School of the University of Athens in Greece and a Ph.D. degree in Physiology-Endocrine/Molecular Oncology in 1987 from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Department of Experimental Medicine of McGill University in Canada (Thesis advisor: Dr. David Goltzman). He has language proficiency in English, Greek and French. His postgraduate training includes:

(1987-1988): Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Qc, Canada (Dr. Jean-Guy Lehoux).
(1982-1987): Research & Clinical Fellowship in Endocrinology & Metabolism: Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University (Tutors: Dr. David Goltzman and Dr. George Tolis);

Professor Koutsilieris has a distinguished record of ethical leadership and his professional academic experience includes:
2010 – : Adjunct Professor, Department of Physiology, Medical School, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.
2004 – : Professor of Experimental Physiology & Director of the Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.
2004-2006: Chairman, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.
1997-2004: Associate Professor, Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.
1997-1998: Professor, Departments of Physiology-Endocrinology & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Qc, Canada.
1993-1997: Associate Professor, Departments of Physiology-Endocrinology & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Qc, Canada.
1988-1992: Assistant Professor, Departments of Physiology-Endocrinology & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Qc, Canada.

Professor Koutsilieris professional administrative experience includes:
2013- : Member of the National Committee of Deontology for Clinical Studies, Greek Government.
2013- : Board of Trustees, Medical School, University of Cyprus
2004- : Chairman, Dept of Experimental Physiology, Medical School of Athens
2011-2012: Board of Directors, Alexander Fleming Research Institute, Vari, Greece
2011-2015: Member of the Task force for development of Life Sciences Biomedical Sciences, National Council of Research, Ministry of Education, Greek Government.
2009-2013: Member of the International Scientific Committee for the Designing of the Medical School, University of Cyprus.
2009-2015: President of the Professors Union, Medical School, University of Athens
2007-2011: President of Hellenic Society of Physiology
2005-2008: Board of Directors, Alexander Fleming Research Institute, Vari, Greece
2004-2006: Director, Sector of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School of Athens
1998-2004: Dept of Experimental Physiology, Medical School of Athens
1994-1998: Laboratoire de la Endocrinologie Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Université Laval, Québec, Université, Canada.
1991-1994: Laboratoire de la Bio régulation Hormonale, Centre Hospitalier Université Laval, Québec, Université, Canada.
1988-1991: Directeur, Laboratoire de la Reproduction Humaine, Hôpital St. François d’Assise, Québec, Université, Canada.

Professor Koutsilieris honours and awards include:
2013: Distinguished Fellow, New Westminster College, Vancouver, Canada
2010: Distinguished Researcher Award, Helenic Society of Obesity
2010: Senior Member European Association of Medical Experts (inaugural member)
2009: Distinguished Spartan Award, Prefecture of Laconia
2005: Volunteerism Award, Ministry of Health, Greece
1993-96: Chercheur-Boursier, Fonds de la Recherche an Sante du QuΓ©bec
1989-92: Junior Chercheur-Boursier, Fonds de la Recherche an Sante du QuΓ©bec
1986: Young Scientist Award, American Society for Bone & Mineral Research
1982-87: Research Fellowship Award, Medical Research Council of Canada
1982-85: Research Fellowship Award, Research Committee, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Professor Koutsilieris has over 4,000 published medical citations and 192 publications and his editorial board experience includes: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, International Journal of European Citizens Quality of Life, In Vivo, World Journal of Gastroenterology, World Journal of Methodology, Open Journal of Molecular and Integrated Physiology, World Journal of Experimental Medicine, and Open Journal of Integrative Physiology.

As a Distinguished Fellow of New Westminster College, Professor Dr. Michael Koutsilieris is dedicated to supporting the highest standards of academic excellence and is committed to the advancement of New Westminster College and its Global Network of Fellows.

Grigorios I. Leontiadis

Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology,
McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Contact details
Telephone: 905 521 2100 Ext 73836
Email: leontia(@)mcmaster.ca

Biography

Dr Grigorios Leontiadis qualified from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 1992 and trained in Gastroenterology in Greece (Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki) and in the UK (Royal Albert Infirmary, Wigan and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead). He was awarded a PhD in 2002 from the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece (title of PhD thesis: The effect of H. pylori infection on gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia). He worked for a short period as a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of North Durham, UK and then moved to Greece where he worked in private practice while being a Research Associate at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In 2006 he was appointed Consultant Gastroenterologist & Senior Lecturer in Internal Medicine at the Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis. In 2008 he moved to McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

He is Joint Coordinating Editor of the Upper GI and Pancreatic Diseases Cochrane Group and Associate Editor for the Systematic Review Section of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. He currently serves as Lead for Practice Affairs at the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, responsible for ongoing clinical training, clinical practice-related issues, knowledge dissemination and clinical practice guidelines. His research interests include management of upper GI bleeding and H. pylori infection, translational evolutionary medicine, and methodology of systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines, especially with regards to the appraisal of the quality of evidence.

Christos S. Mantzoros, MD

Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Contact details
Harvard Medical School
Telephone: (617) 667-8630
Fax: (617) 667-8634
Email: cmantzor(@)bidmc.harvard.edu

EDUCATIONAL TITLES

• Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School
• Director Human Nutrition Unit, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Chief, Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System

DF/HCC PROGRAM AFFILIATION

• Prostate Cancer, Member

Biography

My research program focuses on obesity, diabetes and adipokine biology. My basic research efforts utilize genomics-bioinformatics, animal physiology, and molecular biology studies to elucidate the role of new molecules important in energy homeostasis. My current translational /clinical investigations focus mainly on the role of metabolically important hormones, including leptin, irisin and adiponectin as well as their downstream effectors, on energy homeostasis and metabolic abnormalities. Our work spans the entire spectrum from animal physiology and molecular biology, through observational studies, to physiology and pharmacokinetic interventional proof of concept clinical trials in humans on new therapeutic agents important in the treatment of the above disorders. Recent major contributions by my research group include the elucidation of the physiological role and potential diagnostic and

therapeutic utility of leptin in human physiology and pathophysiology. We were the first to prove the role of leptin in mediating the neuroendocrine response to food deprivation in rodents and later in humans, and the first to publish leptin pharmacokinetic studies in humans. We also were the first to publish proof-of-concept studies demonstrating the role of leptin in the etiology and therapy of conditions such as exercise-induced amenorrhea and HIV-induced lipoatrophy. We have recently extended these findings with further randomized clinical trials and combination therapies. Our work has resulted in more than 475 Scientific papers in Medline, more than 133 reviews and chapters, and two books with more than two editions each. These papers have received more than 25,000 citations in Thompson Reuters and more than 35,000 citations in Google scholar, with an H-index of 102. In addition, two start-up companies have been established, Intekrin Inc. and Pangea Inc.

David Richard Matthews

Professor of Diabetic Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom and Medical Tutor at Harris Manchester College, United Kingdom

Contact details
Telephone: (PA) 01865 271015
GMC number 2223940
Email: david.matthews(@)ocdem.ox.ac.uk

Employment History

Current:

• Professor of Diabetic Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford
• Tutorial and Governing Fellow of Harris Manchester College, Oxford
• Co-Director of the UK Diabetes Research Network
• NIHR Senior Investigator
• Director of the Oxford Health Alliance
• Emeritus Founding Chairman, OCDEM

Other appointments (current):

• Hon Consultant Physician, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals.
• Founding Trustee and Director, Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA)
• EASD Council member
• EASD Chairman of Panel on Global Statements
• Chair and founding lead, Robert Turner Research Course (EASD)
• Chair of Advisory Committee, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation
• Chair of Appointment Committee, Novo Nordisk Foundation
• Co-chairman of the CANVAS trial
• Co-Chair and lead of the VERIFY trial
• Editorial Board, Diabetic Medicine
• Editorial Board, European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
• Editorial Board, Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research
• Lay Preacher, Methodist Church
• Member of the Methodist Church Council

Other appointments (past):

• Founding Chairman, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism.
• Executive Director Global Alliance for Chronic disease.
• Vice Principal, Harris Manchester College, Oxford.
• Member of UKPDS Policy Advisory Board, Executive committee; chair of endpoints committee
• Chairman, Methodist Relief and Development Fund
• Founding and organising Chairmen of the Annual Oxford Symposium
• Chairman of the Central Oxford Research Ethics Committee.
• Trustee, Diabetes UK.
• Social responsibility board of the Methodist Church: committee on health and healing.
• Secretary of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ workshop group: Artificial Insulin Delivery Systems and Pancreatic and Islet Transplantation.
• Chairman of Diabetes UK research grants committee
• Board of Trustees, Diabetes UK, by election
• Member Regional A+B award committee
• Consultant Physician, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust

Academic Awards (all awarded in open competition):

• Senior Scholar, Corpus Christi College, Oxford, 1970
• Medical Research Council Scholar, 1970
• Nuffield Junior Research Fellow, Balliol, Oxford, 1981
• Joan and Richard Doll Senior Research Fellow, Green College, 1984
• University of Oxford, Reader in Diabetic Medicine, 2000
• University of Oxford, Professor of Diabetic Medicine, 2002

Invited Lectures:

I have lectured widely, including many invited lectures and state-of-the-art lectures on the subjects of the World Pandemic of diabetes, insulin resistance and ß-cell failure, mathematical modelling, the incretin axis and GLP-1, pulsatile insulin secretion, the aetiopathology of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the analysis of pulsations in endocrinology, medical ethics, theology and chaos, lipids, and the care of the terminally ill. I gave the Banting Lecture at Diabetes UK (their most prestigious lecture) in 2010 on the subject of type 2 diabetes viewed as an infectious disease.

Academic Research Interests:

• The world pandemic of type 2 diabetes: founding director and trustee of the Oxford Health Alliance, a group co-ordinating activity in the prevention and containment of the epidemic.
• Type 2 diabetes: including mathematical modelling of insulin resistance and the analysis of pulsatile insulin (and other hormones, especially Growth Hormone) using time-series analysis.
• Insulin resistance and beta-cell failure: HOMA model of beta-cell function and insulin resistance: (described first by us in 1985) and now widely used in epidemiology and in 2013 iHOMA (Published in Diabetes Care)
• We have developed the concept of the Coefficient of failure to allow comparisons between trials aimed at preservation of beta-cell function
• Trials: deputy co-ordinator and member of the Executive and Policy Advisory Committees of the UK Prospective Study of Diabetes (UKPDS). Co-author on many major papers. The UKPDS is the basis for much of the evidence-base for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and was the largest study in type 2 diabetes ever undertaken.
• Glucose and Ketone sensing in hand-held meters: our work is the basis of the published guidelines for home-ketone sensing.
• Therapeutic agents in type 2 diabetes: studies using sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, GLP-1, and insulin.
• Retinopathy: especially in type 2 diabetes.
• Dynamic insulin theory
• Long-acting and short-acting insulin in man
• Pulsatile insulin secretion in man
  • We were the first group in the world to describe insulin oscillations using time-series analysis and pioneered the use of Fourier analysis in short signals for use in endocrinology research. We have now developed a suite of time-seris analysis programmes (Graph++) for use in this field.
• Growth Hormone secretion: its analysis and physiology.
• GLP-1 and the incretin axis.
• The history of diabetes an oral history project. Funded (twice) by the Wellcome trust

Academic and Clinical Work:

Teaching: Medical Tutor, Harris Manchester College.

Co-ordinator of several courses including the EASD Robert Turner Clinical Training course, and the Oxford Steno clinical training course.