Oliver Bruns

Professor Oliver Bruns is a W3 Professor and Head of the Department of Functional Imaging in Surgical Oncology at the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC Dresden) since February 2022. Previously, he was an Emmy Noether group leader at Helmholtz Pioneer Campus in Munich (2018-2023) and completed postdoctoral training at MIT's Department of Chemistry under Professor Moungi Bawendi (2011-2017). His academic foundation includes a PhD in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from the University of Hamburg (2005-2009).

Professor Bruns' research focuses on advancing short-wave infrared (SWIR) and near-infrared (NIR) imaging technologies for surgical oncology applications. His work centers on developing targeted contrast agents for fluorescence-guided surgery to identify residual cancer and critical structures like nerves, creating label-free imaging methods to visualize lymph nodes and tissue components, and improving SWIR microscopy techniques for enhanced sensitivity, speed, and depth of detection. This research leverages the unique advantages of SWIR imaging including reduced tissue autofluorescence, lower absorption by blood and tissue, and decreased light scattering, which collectively enable unprecedented capabilities in preclinical and clinical imaging.

His publication record demonstrates significant impact in the field, with multiple high-impact papers in journals like Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Methods, and Nature Chemistry. These publications reveal a consistent research trajectory focused on advancing SWIR imaging from fundamental probe development to clinical applications, with increasing translational impact over time.

• Helmholtz High Impact Award (with Ellen Sletten)
• Emmy Noether group leader position (DFG)
• Chan Zuckerberg Initiative funding

Professor Bruns supervises a diverse research team of approximately 10 scientists including PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers working on interdisciplinary projects spanning chemistry, physics, engineering, and clinical applications. His lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including UCLA, NIH, Imperial College London, and Stanford University. The research has significant translational potential for improving cancer surgery outcomes through real-time visualization of tumor margins and critical anatomical structures.

The Functional Imaging in Surgical Oncology department operates state-of-the-art equipment including specialized spectrophotometers and custom-built imaging systems, supporting both fundamental research and clinical translation efforts focused on bringing SWIR imaging technologies to the operating room.