Balazs Sarkadi

Dr. Balazs Sarkadi is a Research Professor at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, and Head of the Membrane Biology Research Group at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His career spans institutions including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Fulbright Visiting Professor), the Hospital for Sick Children (Visiting Associate Professor), the University of Chicago (Research Associate), and the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (Head of Department, Scientific Deputy Director).

• Research Professor, Semmelweis University (2008–present)
• Head, Membrane Biology Research Group (1996–present)
• Leadership roles at National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (1972–2008)

His research focuses on biological membrane transport processes, particularly the ABC transporter family. Key areas include multidrug resistance in cancer, pharmacological modulation of transporters, stem cell differentiation, and gene therapy applications using ABCG2 mutants. He has developed diagnostic methods for ABC protein function and pharmacologically relevant compounds targeting drug transporters.

Dr. Sarkadi has published over 140 papers, obtained four international patents, and supervised 14 PhD students. Recent work examines ABCG2's role in cancer resistance and stem cell function, with applications in drug development and gene therapy. His publications and patents reflect a strong emphasis on translational research.

• ABCG2 transporter in cancer and stem cells
• Drug resistance mechanisms
• Membrane transport assays
• Pharmacological compound development
• Gene therapy markers

Scientific accolades include the Denis Gabor Award (2006), Ipolyi Arnold Award (2009), and memberships in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (2004) and Academia Europaea (2005). He has held prestigious fellowships such as the Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship (2000) and Howard Hughes International Fellowship (1995–2004).