Matthias Giese has studied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Saarland University/Germany. He got a first PhD in Tumor Immunology in the German Cancer Research Center/ Heidelberg. After his PostDoc, Matthias Giese joined the pharmaceutical industry. His team in Vienna/ Austria started the first European multicenter clinical trial with a personalized genetic engineered anti-melanoma vaccine. Also animal health was interested in his expertise in modern vaccine technologies and so he changed the company and headed from now on a global portfolio on innovative vaccine approaches for the next years. His sabbatical leave from the industry was a return back to his academic roots. At Leipzig University/ Germany Matthias Giese got a major PhD (venia legendi) in Molecular Virology. He developed a therapeutical DNA vaccine against a chronic viral infection. This vaccine was able to eliminate the virus and to cure the patient. Currently he is working again for the human pharmaceutical industry as independent consultant (IMV Heidelberg) and additionally he teaches graduate students as associate professor. His focus is on neoantigenes, therapeutical vaccines, and the interaction with immune checkpoint modifiers as combination therapy. Matthias Giese is author of the textbook “Introduction to Molecular Vaccinology“ and other specialized books on modern vaccines. He is an enthusiastic mountain marathon runner.

Therapeutical vaccines, cancer vaccines, neoantigens, novel adjuvants, chronic infections,neurological disorders, modulation of checkpoint inhibitors, signal cascades and immune responses.

Giulio Tarro graduated from Medicine School, Naples University (1962). Research Associate, Division of Virology and Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital (1965-1968), Assistant Professor of Research Pediatrics, College Medicine (1968-1969), Cincinnati University, Ohio. Oncological Virology Professor, Naples University (1972-1985). Chief Division Virology (1973-2003), Head Department Diagnostic Laboratories, (2003-2006). D. Cotugno Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Naples; Emeritus, 2006 -. Since 2007 Chairman Committee of Biotechnologies and VirusSphere, World Academy Biomedical Technologies, UNESCO, Adjunct Professor Department Biology, Temple University, College of Science and Technology, Philadelphia, recipient of the Sbarro Health Research Organization lifetime achievement award (2010). His researches have been concerned with the characterization of specific virus-induced tumour antigens, which were the "finger-prints" left behind in human cancer. Achievements include patents in field; discovery of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in infant deaths in Naples and of tumor liberated protein as a tumor associated antigen, 55 kilodalton protein overexpressed in lung tumors and other epithelial adenocarcinomas.

Murine Virology, Antiviral Chemotherapy, Effects of inhibitors on viraI replication , Studies on the role of herpes viruses in cancer , Tumor immunology, Pathology of AIDS

Pierre A. Morgon is CEO of MRGN Advisors and Regional Partner for Switzerland at Merieux Development. He is also Chairman of the Board of Virometix, as well as Non-Executive Director to the Boards of Theradiag, of Eurocine Vaccines, and of Vaccitech. Pierre has over 30 years of experience in the global life science industry, especially with specialty care, vaccines and immunotherapy, at the helm of international operations, in C-level positions at global level in multinational corporations and as CEO of start-up companies. He is a lecturer in several MBA programs in world-class business schools and in life science conferences, and at the Mass Challenge biotechnology incubator in Switzerland. He holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy, a Master in Business Law and a MBA. He is also an alumnus of INSEAD and IMD.

Immunology, Biological industry and in healthcare