Kurt Zatloukal

Kurt Zatloukal has been Professor of Pathology at the Medical University of Graz since 1997. His career includes postdoctoral training at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna and residency at the Institute of Pathology, University of Graz. He is a member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and has held leadership roles in European biobanking initiatives.

Research Focus:

• Molecular pathology of metabolic liver diseases and cancer.
• Development of high-quality biobanking standards and infrastructures.
• Harmonization of ethical and legal frameworks for biobank operations.
• Medical aspects of long-duration space flights.

His work has been pivotal in establishing BBMRI-ERIC and leading the SPIDIA project under the EU FP7 framework, both aimed at improving biobank interoperability and standardization across Europe.

Scientific Awards & Recognitions:

• Santa Chiara Chair, University of Siena (2009)
• Honorary Professor, University of Dundee (2009–2012)
• Director, Christian Doppler Laboratory “Biospecimen Research and Biobanking Technologies” (2010)
• Founder and former CEO of Oridis-Biomed (2001–2005)

Leadership & Advisory Roles:

• Member, Austrian Science Fund board (2000–2003)
• Member, Bioethics Commission at the Austrian Federal Chancellery (2001–2009)
• President, Austrian Society of Genetics and Gene Technology (2002–2005)
• Member, OECD task force on biological resource centres (2002–2007)
• Member, ESFRI Roadmap Working Group (2004–2011)