Dr. Nefertiti Chaves focused her dissertation on the pro-regenerative microRNAs of the human amniotic membrane, the tissue that surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy. While often dismissed in medicine as a by-product, this tissue reveals itself, upon closer examination, as a reservoir of therapeutic potential. Her research provides new learnings about how tiny RNA molecules can trigger healing processes and thereby specifically support the body’s own regeneration. Nefertiti completed her dissertation at BOKU Vienna.

Dr. Magda Tyszkiewicz also took a bold and novel approach to her project: under the title “Therapeutic Transfer of Functional Mitochondria to Muscle Using Cargocytes”, she investigated how functional mitochondria can be delivered into muscle cells using newly developed “cargocytes.” Her work was carried out under the supervision of Johannes Grillari at BOKU Vienna, with input from Heinz Redl and in close collaboration with Trauma Care Consult. The project was funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

We warmly congratulate Nefertiti and Magda, who with curiosity and passion have realised two extraordinary projects. We look forward to seeing the mark they will leave on science in the years to come.