Jeffrey M. Friedman is a distinguished American molecular geneticist renowned for his pioneering contributions to obesity research. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1973 and subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College in 1977. Following his medical education, Dr. Friedman pursued postdoctoral research at Rockefeller University and the Whitehead Institute. Currently, he holds the position of professor at Rockefeller University and serves as an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In 1994, Dr. Friedman and his team made a groundbreaking discovery by cloning the OB gene in mice. This seminal discovery marked a significant milestone in understanding the biological and genetic underpinnings of obesity. Dr. Friedman's exemplary contributions to the field have been widely recognized, earning him prestigious accolades including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 2010, the Gairdner International Award in 2005, and the King Faisal International Prize for Medicine in 2013. His research focuses on elucidating the biological mechanisms governing obesity, metabolic disorders, and energy homeostasis, encompassing the investigation of various hormones and signaling pathways. Through his extensive publication record and seminal discoveries, Dr. Friedman has significantly advanced our understanding of the biology and genetics of obesity, thereby facilitating the development of innovative strategies for its treatment and prevention.

Dr. Tamas Horvath is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine and Professor of Neurobiology and Ob/Gyn at Yale University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Director of the Yale Program on Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism. Dr. Horvath received his D.V.M. from the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences in Budapest, Hungary, and his Ph.D. from the University of Szeged, Hungary. His research focuses on neuronal circuits supporting physiological and pathological homeostatic conditions, particularly reproduction, energy metabolism, and neurodegeneration. His main interest lies in the neuroendocrine regulation of homeostasis, emphasizing metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes and the impact of metabolic signals on higher brain functions and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Horvath's research programs explore the role of synaptic plasticity in mediating the effects of peripheral hormones on the central nervous system and the role of mitochondrial membrane potential in normal and pathological brain functions, particularly regarding neuronal transmission and neuroprotection. By combining classical neurobiological approaches such as electrophysiology and neuroanatomy with endocrine and genetic techniques, Dr. Horvath aims to understand biological events at the organismal level. His selected publications include studies on treating anorexia nervosa, the effects of neonatal loss of FGFR2 in astroglial cells, and responses to RNA-seq batch effects in ataxia telangiectasia research.

Jens Brüning began his academic journey by pursuing medical education at the University of Cologne, where he later completed his doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine. Brüning, whose interests lie in metabolism and obesity, continued his career as a Professor of Metabolism and Obesity Research at the University of Cologne. Additionally, he assumed the role of Director at the Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD). Brüning's research areas generally encompass the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases such as metabolism, obesity, and diabetes. His efforts in understanding the molecular basis of insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism are particularly significant. Leading numerous studies aimed at unraveling the genetic and molecular factors contributing to the development of diseases like obesity and diabetes, Brüning has made substantial contributions to the field. His research endeavors aim to develop new strategies for the treatment and prevention of complex diseases like metabolic syndrome. In this context, his research focusing on metabolism and energy balance aids in understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases and facilitates the development of more effective treatment methods. Brüning is a renowned figure in the international scientific community and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. His scientific contributions have played a significant role in advancing research on understanding and treating metabolic diseases.

Dr. Çağlar received his B.Sc. from Bilkent University and his Ph.D. from The Rockefeller University. His research interests encompass neuroscience, metabolism, behavior, genetics, binge eating, and obesity. By investigating the brain's role in metabolism and obesity, Dr. Çağlar aims to develop novel treatments for these conditions. A distinguished researcher, Dr. Çağlar focuses on the neuronal mechanisms regulating food-related behaviors, particularly binge eating. His innovative research integrates advanced neuroscience and molecular biology techniques to elucidate the brain circuits involved in these behaviors. Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Rockefeller University, Dr. Çağlar's work is published in leading journals including Cell, Neuron, American Journal of Human Genetics, and PNAS.

Dr. Matthias H. Tschöp is a renowned physician, scientist, and science manager who has made groundbreaking contributions to diabetes and obesity research. Among his pioneering discoveries are the hunger hormone ghrelin and gut hormone polyagonists, which significantly improve weight reduction and blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. The drug Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), produced by Lilly and approved in May 2022, was the first polyagonist, with another ten polyagonists currently in clinical trials. Dr. Tschöp's journey began at Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, where he obtained his medical license. He then moved to the United States to work in diabetes research for a pharmaceutical company, co-founded a start-up, and served as a professor and research director at the University of Cincinnati. After more than a decade abroad, he returned to Germany, transforming the Helmholtz Diabetes Center into a world-leading research institution as its founding director and launching the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. Since 2018, Matthias H. Tschöp has been the CEO and Spokesperson for Management at Helmholtz Munich and has held the prestigious title of 'Alexander von Humboldt' Professor at the Technical University of Munich since 2012.

Dr. Elif Oral is a prominent expert and academician in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, serving as a faculty member at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is renowned for her research on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of metabolic diseases. Dr. Oral completed her undergraduate education at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, followed by residency training and a subspecialty fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Michigan. Continuing her academic career at the University of Michigan, she currently holds the position of professor in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr. Oral's research interests focus on rare lipid metabolism disorders, diabetes, and obesity, particularly investigating insulin resistance, energy metabolism, and lipid disorders. Her research has been published in prestigious journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Diabetes, contributing significantly to the understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases. Among her accolades, Dr. Oral has been honored with awards such as the Richard E. Weitzman Award from the Endocrine Society and the Outstanding Physician-Scientist Award from the American Diabetes Association. In conclusion, Dr. Elif Oral is renowned for her pioneering research and clinical studies in the fields of endocrinology and metabolism.

Dr. Kaya Bilguvar holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biology and Genetics from Marmara University, obtained in 2022, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University in 2007, following his M.D. from Marmara University in 2000. His primary research interests encompass neuroendocrine regulation, metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, and the impact of metabolic signals on higher brain functions and neurodegeneration. Combining classical neurobiological techniques with endocrine and genetic methods, Dr. Bilguvar aims to comprehensively understand biological events at the organismal level and translate basic biomedical research into personalized prevention and precision therapies. Currently, Dr. Bilguvar is a professor at Acıbadem University School of Medicine in the Medical Genetics department, where he specializes in identifying the genetic bases of human diseases that affect the structure and function of the nervous system. His research employs multi-omic approaches and patient-derived 2D and 3D induced neuronal systems, with a particular focus on cerebral cortical malformations, schizophrenia, early-onset neurodegenerative syndromes, and migraine. Additionally, Dr. Bilguvar is dedicated to developing high-throughput omics methods for the early detection and profiling of brain tumors.

Professor Stephen O'Rahilly is widely recognized as a leading scholar and academician in the field of endocrinology and metabolic diseases. Following his medical education at the University of Cambridge, he pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Oxford, establishing a solid foundation in the medical sciences. O'Rahilly's research endeavors have been notably focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying rare metabolic syndromes and insulin resistance, addressing fundamental issues related to obesity and diabetes, two prevalent global health concerns. Presently, O'Rahilly holds the position of Director of the Department of Genetics and Metabolism at the University of Cambridge, concurrently serving in the Clinical Biochemistry Department at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Under his leadership, his research team has conducted groundbreaking studies in metabolism and obesity, earning recognition through numerous prestigious awards. One of O'Rahilly's primary research interests lies in exploring the genetic predisposition to obesity and diabetes, uncovering crucial insights into the genetic underpinnings of these diseases and paving the way for personalized medical interventions. Furthermore, O'Rahilly has been at the forefront of developing novel therapeutic approaches to metabolic disorders. His laboratory's investigations have been dedicated to identifying potential drugs and treatment strategies for metabolic diseases. The scientific contributions of O'Rahilly have been widely disseminated through publications in renowned journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell, and have been extensively cited by peers in the scientific community.

Sadaf Farooqi is a Wellcome Principal Research Fellow and Professor of Metabolism and Medicine at the University of Cambridge, UK. She is an internationally leading Clinician Scientist who has made seminal contributions to understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms that underlie obesity and its complications. The work of Sadaf Farooqi and her colleagues has fundamentally altered the understanding of how body weight is regulated. With colleagues, she discovered and characterised the first genetic disorders that cause severe childhood obesity and established that the principal driver of obesity in these conditions was a failure of the control of appetite. Her work is often cited as an exemplar of how the translation of research into the mechanisms of disease can lead to patient benefit. She has received a number of awards including the 2024 Outstanding Clinical Investigator Award from the Endocrine Society. In 2021, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her exceptional contribution to science.

Dr. Ruth Loos, a distinguished scientist specializing in the genetics of obesity and metabolic traits, was born in Belgium and pursued her academic journey with great enthusiasm and determination. She completed her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Ghent University and later earned her Ph.D. in genetic epidemiology at Leuven University. Throughout her career, Dr. Loos has been a pioneer in genetic research related to obesity and metabolic disorders. Her research has focused on identifying genetic variants associated with body mass index (BMI), adiposity, and other obesity-related traits, aiming to unravel the complex genetic architecture underlying these conditions. Dr. Loos has held academic positions at prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine and the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Loos actively participates in collaborative research initiatives aimed at understanding the genetic basis of obesity and developing personalized interventions for obesity prevention and treatment. Recognized for her contributions to the field, Dr. Loos has received numerous awards and honors, including the Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship, European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Award, and British Medical Association Science Book Award. These prestigious awards acknowledge Dr. Loos's valuable contributions and scientific excellence in the field of obesity genetics.

Dr. Onur Emre Onat began his academic journey at Boğaziçi University and obtained his undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2004. Later, he continued his advanced studies at Bilkent University, focusing on the genetic foundations of rare diseases, particularly cerebellar hypoplasia, during his master's and doctoral programs. His research has significantly contributed to the identification of disease-causing genes, especially in the context of cerebellar hypoplasia. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Onat collaborated on groundbreaking research aimed at unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing hunger and satiety regulation in the hypothalamus region of the brain. Dr. Onat's expertise extends to omics data analysis, and his research findings have been published in prestigious scientific journals, underscoring his contributions to the field. Currently affiliated with Bezmialem Vakif University, Dr. Onat leads the Onat Lab, where he spearheads efforts to develop innovative analysis methods for investigating disease-causing mutations and genes using next-generation sequencing data. His research interests encompass a wide range of topics in human genetics, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and behavioral phenotypes. Honored with numerous awards and fellowships in recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Onat is considered a leading figure in the field of human genetics and genomics.