Scientific Advisory Board
Independent perspectives. Shared scientific ambition.
MTTlab’s Scientific Advisory Board brings together experienced scientists with complementary expertise to support the scientific development of the company.
The Board provides independent scientific perspectives, contributes to strategic discussions and helps us critically evaluate new research approaches, emerging technologies and future scientific directions. Its purpose is not simply to add names to MTTlab, but to add perspective to the science we do.
Different perspectives make better science.
Preclinical research is evolving rapidly. Established in vivo approaches increasingly intersect with advanced in vitro models, emerging technologies and more integrated translational strategies.
Our Scientific Advisory Board helps MTTlab look beyond its existing capabilities, challenge established approaches and explore new scientific opportunities with a broader perspective. Scientific Advisors provide independent, evidence-based opinions while remaining external to the operational and managerial activities of MTTlab.
Founding Scientific Advisors
Expertise shaped by different scientific questions.
Dr Laura Calvillo
Founding Scientific Advisor, MTTlab Scientific Advisory Board
Senior Scientist, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Italy
Cardiovascular Research · NAMs · Animal Welfare · Neuro-inflammation · Quantum Biology
Dr Laura Calvillo is a Senior Scientist at Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS with expertise in cardiovascular research, neuro-immune interactions and hypertension. Her research combines cardiovascular pathophysiology with the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including advanced in vitro nervous-vascular models and dynamic culture systems.
Her scientific interests also include animal welfare, neuro-inflammation and emerging approaches in quantum biology. She is actively involved in the 3Rs and has received international recognition for research aimed at refining, reducing and replacing animal experimentation, including the 2022 Global 3Rs Award and the Alan and Helene Goldberg Grant as Principal Investigator.
Contribution to MTTlab
Laura contributes expertise in cardiovascular research, NAMs and translational study design, supporting MTTlab in scientific strategy, project review and the development of advanced experimental approaches. She also contributes to scientific publications, grant applications, international collaborations and educational activities.
Dr Johnny Roughan
Founding Scientific Advisor, MTTlab Scientific Advisory Board
Former Staff Scientist, Newcastle University, UK
Laboratory Animal Welfare · Pain & Analgesia · Experimental Design · Behavioural Assessment · Research Methodology
Dr Johnny Roughan has extensive research experience in laboratory animal welfare, pain assessment and the refinement of experimental procedures. During his scientific career at Newcastle University, his research focused on developing methods to assess and alleviate pain and distress in laboratory animals and on improving welfare standards in biomedical research.
His expertise spans experimental design, behavioural assessment, analgesia, research methodology and statistics, including work on rodent models and automated approaches to behavioural and welfare assessment.
Contribution to MTTlab
Johnny contributes expertise in experimental design, research methodology and laboratory animal welfare, supporting the critical evaluation of preclinical research strategies and, where appropriate, the scientific review and dissemination of MTTlab research.
Scientific advice that can become scientific action.
The Scientific Advisory Board supports MTTlab through independent scientific discussion and critical evaluation. Depending on the scientific question and expertise required, individual Advisors may contribute to:
Scientific strategy — Independent perspectives on emerging research directions and experimental approaches.
Study and project review — Critical scientific discussion of selected research projects.
Research interpretation — Discussion of experimental findings, limitations and potential next steps.
Scientific communication — Contribution, where appropriate and agreed case by case, to publications, abstracts, presentations and other scientific communications arising from MTTlab research.
Research and collaboration — Support for grant applications, educational initiatives and international scientific collaborations.
Independent advice. Shared scientific purpose.
Scientific Advisors contribute impartial, evidence-based perspectives while remaining independent from MTTlab’s operational and managerial activities. Participation in individual research projects is considered separately, according to the scientific question and the expertise required.
As MTTlab’s activities evolve, additional Scientific Advisors may be appointed by the Founder & CEO following consultation with the Founding Scientific Advisors, helping the Board develop as a coherent scientific group with complementary expertise.
Part of a broader Scientific Platform
Perspective, expertise and technology working together.
The Scientific Advisory Board is one part of MTTlab’s evolving scientific environment. Our Advisors contribute perspective and critical evaluation. Our scientific and technology partners contribute complementary capabilities and technologies. Our internal team brings these elements together around the scientific question and the experimental strategy.