Current Positions:
Director of "Preclinical Pediatric Oncology", Hopp Children's Cancer Center, Heidelberg, Germany
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
Division head of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Germany
Education and Training:
- MD, University of Tübingen, Germany.
- Clinical training in Pediatrics at Mannheim and Heidelberg University Hospitals, Germany.
- Postdoctoral fellow, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School, Boston (with Christopher Rudd).
- Postdoctoral fellow, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genetics (with Peter Lichter).
Scientific Expertise:
- Pediatric Neurooncology – internationally recognised leader.
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics of childhood brain tumours.
- Next‑generation profiling (DNA, RNA, methylation).
- Precision Medicine in pediatric oncology.
Methodological Expertise:
- Large‑scale next‑generation sequencing and epigenomic profiling.
- Development of faithful preclinical models (PDX, genetically engineered mouse models, organoids).
- Functional validation of candidate genetic alterations.
- Preclinical testing of novel treatment options using advanced models.
Research Activities
Main Research Areas:
1. Genetic and Epigenetic Characterisation of Childhood Brain Tumours
- Comprehensive molecular profiling using NGS technologies.
- DNA methylation‑based tumour classification.
- Identification of driver mutations and therapeutic targets.
2. Development of Faithful Preclinical Models
- Patient‑derived xenografts, genetically engineered mouse models, and organoids.
- Molecular characterisation and comparison with primary tumours.
3. Preclinical Testing of New Treatment Options
- Drug screening and combination studies in preclinical models.
- Study of resistance mechanisms and biomarkers of response.
4. Translational Research and Precision Medicine
- Translation of molecular findings into clinical protocols.
- Implementation of molecular profiling into clinical decision‑making.
Awards and Impact:
- German Cancer Award (2012) for translational neurooncology projects.
- Member, National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (since 2020).
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz‑Preis (2023), one of Germany’s most prestigious research awards.
- Postdoctoral fellowship at Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Ongoing work at DKFZ and Hopp Children’s Cancer Center within highly international collaborative networks in pediatric neurooncology.
- Strong translational focus with involvement in precision medicine clinical studies for childhood brain tumours, based on genomic/epigenomic profiling and preclinical modelling.
- Extensive publication record on the molecular underpinnings of childhood brain tumours, with major contributions to molecular classification and targeted therapy concepts.
- Widely recognised for pioneering work in DNA methylation‑based diagnostics and stratification of pediatric brain tumours.