Andre Franke

Prof. Dr. Andre Franke is a Full Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel (CAU) and Managing Director of the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB). He leads the Genetics and Bioinformatics group and oversees high-throughput facilities at the Centre for Molecular Biosciences. Franke serves as the speaker for the DFG Research Training Group 1743 and the research unit miTarget.

Education:

• Diploma in Biology (2003), Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel
• Dr. rer. nat. in Genetics (2006), Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel

His research integrates high-throughput technologies and bioinformatics to investigate genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases. Key interests include:

• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Host-microbiome interactions and microbial genomics
• Immunogenetics of psoriasis and autoimmune disorders
• SARS-CoV-2 genetic susceptibility and COVID-19 severity factors

Recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate a focus on immunopeptidomics, T-cell receptor dynamics, gut microbiome ecology, and inflammatory disease mechanisms. His work frequently combines multi-omics approaches with large-scale clinical cohorts to identify therapeutic targets.

Scientific Awards:

• Thannhauser Prize (2017) - German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases
• Schleswig-Holstein Excellence Chair (2017)
• Ludwig-Demling Research Prize (2012)
• Janssen Prize (2011)
• Hensel Prize (2008)

Franke leads interdisciplinary teams managing genomic data infrastructure, biobanking, and high-throughput sequencing platforms. His collaborations include international consortia like the IBD Genetics Consortium.