Dr. Maliheh Nazari-Jahantigh has been a group leader at IPEK since 2018, focusing on the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, in atherosclerosis. In 2022, she was awarded LMU Medical Scientist of the Year for identifying a role of miR-21 in the circadian regulation of apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions. She received her PhD in Biology from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, in 2013, graduating with highest distinction (“summa cum laude”) and receiving the Borchers Medal. She previously obtained her BSc and MSc in cellular and molecular biology in Iran.