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...
Magdalena Sevilla, PhD
Investigator: Magdalena Sevilla, PhD
Research focus: My research aims to better predict who is at risk for type 2 diabetes by combining information about a person’s genes, their biology, and their environment, so we can identify people at higher risk earlier and more accurately.
I’m especially interested in how these factors interact over a lifetime, from genetic predisposition to changes in the body and influences like lifestyle and surroundings, to help develop more personalized and equitable ways to prevent diabetes.
What team are you cheering for? I'll be supporting Mexico, one of the host countries, and my home team!
What team do you think is most likely to win? The team I think is most likely to win the tournament is France.
Alejandro Bertolet Reina, PhD
Investigator: Alejandro Bertolet Reina, PhD
Research focus: My research works to improve how radioactive drugs are used to treat cancer that has spread throughout the body.
These drugs are unique because they can both help doctors locate cancer and treat it at the same time.
In our lab, we focus on finding the right dose, carefully measuring how much radiation reaches the tumor versus healthy tissue.
What team are you cheering for? Spain
What team do you think is most likely to win? Spain (I could elaborate on why, but I'm a little superstitious when it comes to sports, and I don't want to jinx anything.
Hugo Aerts, PhD
Investigator: Hugo Aerts, PhD
Research focus: My work focuses on using artificial intelligence to uncover previously invisible biological information from medical data.
This has led to new insights into cancer, biological aging, and more recently immune health, where our work suggests that the thymus (a long-overlooked immune organ) may play a central role in human resilience, longevity, and response to cancer treatment.
What team are you cheering for? The Netherlands, of course!
Most likely to win? My heart says the Netherlands, but my head says Argentina, France or Spain.
Leonardo Riella, MD, PhD
Investigator: Leonardo Riella, MD, PhD
Research focus: My research focuses on finding ways to “retrain” the immune system so transplanted organs are accepted naturally, without the need for lifelong immune suppressing drugs.
I also work on addressing the shortage of donor organs, including studying the use of kidneys from specially engineered pigs and helping lead the first transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney in a living patient.
What team are you cheering for? Brazil, of course!
Most likely to win? France is probably the favorite based on the strength and depth of their squad.
That said, Brazil’s individual talent is second to none. The question is whether they can come together as a team and fulfill that potential. As a Brazilian, I’m certainly hoping they do.
Jodi Gilman, PhD
Investigator: Jodi Gilman, PhD
Research focus: My research focuses on understanding how substances such as cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol affect the brain and behavior across the lifespan. Using neuroimaging, clinical trials, and large developmental studies, my work aims to identify the biological mechanisms underlying addiction and mental health disorders and to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
What team are you cheering for? USA (With three soccer-playing kids in the house, I don't really have a choice).
Most likely to win? Spain. They have an impressive combination of talent, depth, and momentum, although I'll still be cheering for the USA.
Maria Agustina Battistone, PhD
Investigator: Maria Agustina Battistone, PhD
Research focus: My 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
Show Your Team Some Love
Are you an MGB researcher who wants to see your team represented in our picks list? Email us with a brief description of your work, who you're cheering for, and who you think will ultimately hoist the cup!
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