Dirk Sieger

Dr. Dirk Sieger is a Chancellor's Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences within the School of Neurological and Cardiovascular Sciences. He holds a prestigious Cancer Research UK Career Establishment Award and leads research focused on understanding the complex interactions between microglia (the brain's resident immune cells) and glioblastoma tumors using innovative zebrafish models.

Dr. Sieger's research program investigates why microglia, which normally protect the brain by responding to injuries and infections, instead support tumor growth in glioblastoma cases. His work employs zebrafish larvae for real-time imaging of cellular interactions at high temporal and spatial resolution, combining genetic and pharmacological interventions to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind microglia-glioma interactions. This research aims to identify therapeutic strategies that could reactivate microglia's anti-tumoral capabilities.

His publications reveal a strong focus on brain tumor microenvironment, particularly examining how microglia are recruited to tumors, what signals trigger their pro-tumoral behavior, and whether this behavior can be reversed. His work bridges neuroscience, oncology, and immunology, with significant implications for developing new glioblastoma treatments.

Scientific awards and recognition include:

• Cancer Research UK Career Establishment Award
• University of Edinburgh Chancellor's Fellowship

Dr. Sieger actively supervises PhD students including Kelda Chia and Lloyd Hamilton, and collaborates with researchers across the University of Edinburgh including Dr. Steven Pollard, Dr. Paul Brennan, Dr. Asier Unciti-Broceta, Prof. Catherina Becker, and Prof. David Lyons. His current research is supported by multiple grants including projects funded by Cancer Research UK, University of Glasgow, and University of Dundee investigating microglia's role in glioma formation, neural network-like connections in tumors, and the effects of radiotherapy on neuroinflammation.

His laboratory utilizes advanced technological expertise including confocal microscopy, live imaging, image processing, zebrafish genetics, and xenografts to study brain tumor biology in vivo. The team includes Research Assistant-Lab Manager Katy Astell, Postdoctoral Researcher Julie Mazzolini, PhD students Kelda Chia and Lloyd Hamilton, and Research Technician Gregoire Morisse.