Mohamad Khalil is currently an assistant professor of physiology with scientific ability to associate professor at the University of Bari, his research topics include physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of metabolic diseases focusing on bio-nutraceutical, molecular, and clinical aspects of Mediterranean plant products. Previously, Prof. Khalil earned a PhD from the University of Genoa and the Lebanese University, and a second PhD from the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” where he investigated the clinical, physiological and bio-functional effects of medicinal plant extracts and natural compounds. His research utilized cellular models of hepatic steatosis, endothelial dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, and intestinal permeability. His research experience includes an abroad fellowship at the American University of Beirut, the University of Camerino-Italy, and the Nova University of Lisboa, Portugal. Dr. Khalil's technical skills encompass molecular and cellular biology, electro-physiology, and clinical biology, with expertise in techniques such as PCR, Western Blot, ELISA, Ussing chamber, and cell culture.

Piero Portincasa is full professor of internal medicine, chief of Division of Internal Medicine and vice-director of Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area at University of Bari “Aldo Moro” and Regional Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy. President of the residency program in Internal Medicine, director of the Regional Referral Center for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Editor-in-Chief of Internal and Emergency Medicine – Springer Nature. After training at Guy’s Hospital, University of London, UK, he became PhD at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands. Past-President of European Society of Clinical Investigation (ESCI) and national councillor, secretary of the Italian Society Internal Medicine, with Laurea H. Causa from “C. Davila” University, Bucharest, “I. Hatieganu” University, Cluj-Napoca, and University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu-Mures, Romania. He has American Gastroenterological Fellowship (AGAF) (2020), and General Secretary of Community of Mediterranean Universities. He has been working in basic, translational, and clinical pathophysiological research of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract for more than 30 years and is devoted to the comprehensive treatment of metabolic syndrome, hepatobiliary, gallstone disease, and liver steatosis. He is author of >500 full papers including original articles on specific aspects of lipid, water transport, electrophysiology, functional ultrasonography, inflammation in human health and disease. He an authority in the international field of internal medicine, gastroenterology, hepatology, rheumatology in close contact with undergraduate and postgraduate residents, PhD and post-doc trainees. He is teacher in internal medicine, geriatrics, semeiology, methodology of research and coordinator at the Bari English Medical Curriculum. Prof. Portincasa is totally dedicated to the advancement of Research, under-, post-graduate Education and Health care in the field of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine with strong multidisciplinary approaches. This know how is being reversed in several international projects (i.e., Horizon, PRIMA etc.) dedicated to fulfil several aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also in the Mediterranean basin and worldwide.