Bernhard Holzmann

Prof. Bernhard Holzmann is a Professor of Surgery at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Medicine and Health. His research focuses on innate immunity, particularly nucleic acid-driven immune responses and neuroimmune interactions. He investigates these mechanisms in contexts of organ regeneration (liver/pancreas) and carcinogenesis.

Education: Studied human medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). Research affiliations include Stanford University (USA) and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (Germany). Joined TUM in 1991, initially at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, later transferring to the Department of Surgery at Klinikum rechts der Isar.

Leadership roles: Headed the DFG Clinical Research Unit 'Immunosuppression and Postoperative Sepsis' (1995–2000), and was spokesperson for DFG Collaborative Research Center 576 'Facultative Microbial Pathogenicity and Innate Immunity' (2001–2011).

Key research themes include the interplay between sensory nervous system signals (e.g., CGRP) and immune regulation, with implications for cancer and tissue repair. His work bridges immunology, neurobiology, and surgical medicine.

Awards: Walter Brendel Award (1998), Gerhard Hess Program (1993–1998), Johann Georg Zimmermann Prize (1987). His publications span immunological mechanisms in health and disease, emphasizing translational relevance to clinical medicine.