Current position:
Scientific Director of the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbruck
Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
Education and Training:
- Diploma in Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne (1994–1995).
- PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne (1995–1997).
- Postdoctoral training in quantitative biology and systems research at The Rockefeller University, New York (1999–2002).
Work Experience:
- 2003–2006: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University (tenure track).
- Since 2006: Full Professor of Systems Biology, Charité / Max Delbrück Center (MDC), Berlin.
- Since 2008: Scientific Director, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB).
Scientific Expertise:
- Systems Biology – integration of mathematical modelling, high‑throughput experiments and computational analysis.
- Gene Regulation and Cellular Networks.
- Quantitative approaches bridging theoretical physics, biology, and medicine.
Methodological Expertise:
- Mathematical models of gene regulatory networks.
- Large‑scale omics data analysis.
- Quantitative methods to dissect disease mechanisms.
Research Activities
Main Research Areas:
1. Gene Regulation and Cellular Networks
- Mechanistic understanding of regulatory circuits controlling cellular states.
2. Systems Biology in Medicine
- Linking molecular mechanisms to disease phenotypes.
3. Quantitative and Omics‑based Approaches
- Integration of high‑throughput data with mathematical models to understand disease mechanisms.
- Postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University, New York.
- Global Distinguished Professor, New York University (2008–2012).
- Participation in large translational consortia connecting systems biology with clinical research.
- Extensive publication record in systems biology and gene regulation.
- Major awards: DFG Leibniz Prize (2012), Honorary PhD, Sapienza University of Rome (2014), Marie Curie Training Grant (2017).