Benedikt Kaufer

Benedikt Kaufer serves as Professor and Managing Director of the Institute of Virology at Freie Universität Berlin's School of Veterinary Medicine, where he leads the "Viral Integration and Tumorigenesis" research group. Holding the Lichtenberg Professorship, his work centers on molecular mechanisms of viral integration, oncogenesis, and evolution in herpesviruses including Marek's disease virus and human herpesvirus 6, with significant implications for veterinary and human medicine.

His research interests focus on chromosomal integration of herpesviruses, viral-induced tumor development, and host-pathogen coevolution. Key investigations include telomeric repeat-mediated viral integration, immune evasion strategies of oncogenic viruses, and molecular determinants of viral virulence. This work bridges fundamental virology with translational applications in vaccine development and xenotransplantation safety.

Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate consistent emphasis on herpesvirus integration mechanisms (particularly HHV-6 and MDV), antiviral nanotechnology, and xenotransplantation-relevant viral screening. A notable trend involves applying multi-omics approaches to understand viral pathogenesis, with increasing focus on developing broad-spectrum antiviral strategies targeting viral entry and replication.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Lichtenberg Professorship

Prof. Kaufer directs the Berlin Equine Virus Lab (BEVL), which specializes in equine viral pathogens and their zoonotic potential. The lab maintains active collaborations with international xenotransplantation research consortia and contributes to WHO guidelines on porcine virus screening for organ transplantation safety.