The international soccer games bring together countries, cultures, and millions of passionate fans from around the world.
With Mass General Brigham bringing together some of the brightest minds from across the globe, there’s no shortage of opinions on which teams our scientists are supporting—and who they think will ultimately lift the cup in a month or so.
While the action unfolds on the world’s biggest stage, we thought it would be fun to hear from some of the researchers advancing science behind the scenes at Mass General Brigham.
In this special feature, our researchers share a snapshot of their work (because we are a science blog, after all), the team they'll be cheering for, and their prediction for who will take home the trophy.
May the best team win...
Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD
Investigator: Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD | Department of Psychiatry
Research focus: I have a post-baccalaureate program that I run in some of the MGB programs (including Salem and McLean) and also Franciscan’s. I have done research in that program trying to figure out what helps with burnout amongst floor staff (who are key in running our programs) and what keeps them engaged (which means less turnover for our units).
Through that research, I have found that having a mentor who you can rely on is a key factor for reducing burnout and increasing engagement, as well as receiving consistent supervision.
People also tend to stay engaged in work if there’s a strong sense of community, which is fostered by creating opportunities to hang out and share experiences outside of work.
What teams are you cheering for? I’m rooting for Mexico because that’s where I’m from! But I really would like to see a Latin American country win, like Argentina. And if I had to choose another team it would be Spain.
Ioannis Lempesis, MD, PhD
Investigator: Ioannis Lempesis, MD, PhD | Department of Medicine
Research focus: My research explores how the body's internal biological clock influences metabolism and the risk of developing obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
By studying how the timing of eating, sleeping, and other daily behaviors affects metabolic health, I aim to identify practical strategies that can help prevent disease and improve health outcomes.
What team are you cheering for? I support Brazil.
Nicole Zürcher Wimmer, PhD
Investigator: Nicole Zürcher Wimmer, PhD | Department of Radiology
Research focus:
My group uses cutting-edge brain imaging to uncover the biological mechanisms that shape autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
By combining simultaneous PET and MRI scans, we can capture a highly detailed picture of the brain, providing information about how biology relates to behavior.
We work across disciplines, including radiology, neurology, psychology and computer science, and our long-term goal is to advance more personalized approaches to care and improve quality of life.
What team are you cheering for? Switzerland.
Most likely to win? Spain.
Maria Battistone, PhD
Investigator: Maria Battistone, PhD | Department of Medicine
Research focus: Our lab's research focuses on understanding how the immune system and specialized cells work together to maintain healthy kidney and male reproductive tract function and prevent harmful inflammation.
By investigating these mechanisms, we aim to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments for infertility and kidney diseases, conditions that affect millions of individuals and families worldwide.
What team are you cheering for? Argentina.
Most likely to win? Argentina.
Areej El-Jawahri, MD
Investigator: Areej El-Jawahri, MD | Department of Medicine
Research focus: My research is driven by a simple question: how can we make the cancer experience better for patients and families?
By developing and testing innovative supportive care interventions—including digital health tools, behavioral programs, and models of care delivery—we aim to improve quality of life, reduce suffering, and help people live as well as possible throughout their cancer journey.
What team are you cheering for? I am supporting the United States and Germany!
Most likely to win? Germany will win it all!
Shady Abohashem, MD
Investigator: Shady Abohashem, MD | Department of Radiology
Research focus: My research focuses on the intersection of cardiovascular imaging, population health, and environmental, social, and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases.
In particular, I study how factors such as air pollution, social vulnerability, psychosocial stress, inflammation, and lifestyle influence cardiovascular risk and outcomes, with a focus on identifying earlier and more equitable opportunities for prevention.
What team are you cheering for? Egypt, my home country. Win or lose, my heart is with the Pharaohs.
Most likely to win? Spain. I think they have the depth, talent, and current form to go all the way this year.
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