The Team
People Behind SIMCR
A multidisciplinary team of physicians, researchers, educators, and professionals committed to advancing responsible cannabinoid science.
The Swiss Institute for Medical Cannabis Research brings together individuals with deep expertise across medicine, science, education, and institutional development. By combining education, scientific collaboration, and clinical investigation, SIMCR seeks to contribute to the responsible integration of cannabinoid science into modern medical practice.
Leadership
Olivier Eldad Gershony
Founder & Director
Founder of the Swiss Institute for Medical Cannabis Research, Olivier Eldad Gershony leads the institute's strategic development, partnerships, and overall vision. His work focuses on building international collaborations that support rigorous research, education, and responsible integration of cannabinoid science into healthcare systems.
Dmitrii Bondarenko
Secretary, Treasurer & Data Systems Analyst
Dmitrii Bondarenko oversees the institute's legal documentation, internal governance, and financial recordkeeping. He also contributes to the development of SIMCR's data systems and research infrastructure.
Scientific Leadership
Dr. Miri Halperin-Wernli
Founding Scientific Director
Dr. Halperin-Wernli contributes to the scientific direction of SIMCR and supports the development of its research framework. With extensive experience in biopharmaceutical development and clinical science, she helps guide the institute's commitment to rigorous and responsible medical research.
Dr. Aslı Kisim-Blatti
Founding Director of Oncology Research
Dr. Aslı Kisim-Blatti is a translational cancer biologist specializing in tumor microenvironments, cancer stem cell biology, and advanced non-animal research models. At SIMCR she contributes to the development of oncology research initiatives involving full-spectrum cannabinoid extracts.
SIMCR Academy
Dr. Stefan Broselid
Scientific Educator - Endocannabinoid System Specialist
Dr. Stefan Broselid is a molecular pharmacologist specializing in GPCR signalling and endocannabinoid system physiology. Through the SIMCR Academy he contributes to the development of structured educational modules designed to support physicians and healthcare professionals.
Karen Jaynes
Scientific Roundtable Member - Education
Karen Jaynes is an integrative health professional and educator with a Master's degree in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She contributes to the development of educational programs and patient-centered perspectives.
Research & Scientific Contributors
Yashi Patel
Honorary Research Associate - Pre-Clinical Research
Yashi Patel holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and is completing a Master's degree in Neuroscience at the University of Freiburg. At SIMCR she contributes to literature analysis, pre-clinical research review, and scientific support.
Dr. Dinesh Thapa
Scientific Roundtable Member
Dr. Dinesh Thapa is a pharmacist and biomedical scientist specializing in cannabinoid pharmacology and ethnomedicine. His work explores the intersection between traditional cannabis knowledge and modern biomedical research.
Dr. Geoffrey Cutter
Scientific Roundtable Member
Dr. Geoffrey Cutter is a physician with extensive experience in emergency medicine, rural health practice, and integrative medicine. He contributes clinical insight into cannabinoid-based therapeutic applications and patient-centered medical practice.
Dr. Hanna Gul
Scientific Roundtable Member
Dr. Hanna Gul is a rheumatologist with experience in clinical research design, real-world evidence studies, and cannabinoid-based medicine. Her work focuses on translating scientific knowledge into clinically meaningful patient outcomes.
Technology & Data Infrastructure
Likhitha Vutukuri
AI & Technology Lead
Likhitha Vutukuri contributes to the development of SIMCR's technological infrastructure, including data systems and research support tools. Her work focuses on building reliable digital frameworks that support collaboration and scientific research.
Development & Global Health
Gunjan Jain
Founding Member - Development & Health Finance
Gunjan Jain contributes to institutional development, international partnerships, and fundraising initiatives. His background in pharmacy and global health supports SIMCR's long-term development and outreach.
Technical Advisory Board
Peter Vermeul
Technical Advisor - Whole-Plant Extraction
Peter Vermeul is a specialist in whole-plant cannabis extraction and formulation science. At SIMCR he contributes technical expertise related to extraction methodologies and the development of research-grade full-spectrum extracts.
Outreach & Collaboration
Lucas Greven
Scientific Development Collaborator - Oncology
Lucas Greven is a PhD candidate in hematological cancer research at RWTH Aachen University. He collaborates with SIMCR on research development and contributes to the exploration of cannabinoid-related oncology research.
Maximilian Balser
Strategic Outreach - Germany
Maximilian Balser supports outreach efforts in Germany by facilitating introductions to physicians, clinics, researchers, and organizations aligned with the institute's mission.