Christian Hackenberger

Christian Hackenberger is Professor of Chemical Biology at the Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) and Humboldt University of Berlin, leading research in protein functionalization and therapeutic development. His group pioneers chemoselective reactions and cellular delivery strategies for targeting cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and viral infections.

Educational background:

• MSc in Chemistry (1999, University of Wisconsin-Madison with Samuel H. Gellman)
• PhD in Chemistry (2003, RWTH Aachen University with Carsten Bolm)
• Postdoctoral studies (MIT with Barbara Imperiali)

Research focuses on engineering biomolecules through organic chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics. Key innovations include the P5-labeling platform for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and cell-permeable antibodies enabling intracellular targeting. His work bridges fundamental chemical biology with translational applications in biopharmaceuticals.

Scientific Awards:

• Leonidas Zervas Award (European Peptide Society, 2018)
• Xiaoyu Hu Memorial Award (Chinese Peptide Society, 2023)
• Protein and Peptide Astra Zeneca Award (Royal Society, 2023)
• Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year in Life Sciences (2020)

Co-founded Tubulis (2020) to commercialize ADC technologies. Serves on editorial boards of RSC Chemical Biology, Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, and Chemical Science. Research group at FMP/Humboldt University develops next-generation protein therapeutics with emphasis on tolerability and intracellular delivery mechanisms.