Eicke Latz

Prof. Dr. Eicke Latz is the Scientific Director of the German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ, a Leibniz Institute) and holds a professorship in Experimental Rheumatology at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. He studied medicine at Georg-August University Göttingen and Freie Universität Berlin, worked as an intensive care physician at Charité, and conducted postdoctoral research in the US at Boston University and UMass Chan Medical School. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of the innate immune system’s role in health and disease, including rheumatic diseases, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. He co-founded biotech companies to accelerate clinical translation of discoveries and advocates for personalized medicine through molecular profiling. Latz is a leading figure in immunology, recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2024.

• Affiliations: DRFZ (Scientific Director), Charité (Professor)
• Research Groups: Immunobiology of Inflammation
• Key Achievements: Founded Institute for Innate Immunity at Bonn University Hospital (2010), pioneered studies on metabolic crystals (e.g., uric acid) as pro-inflammatory triggers.

His work bridges basic research and clinical applications, emphasizing early intervention and personalized therapies to prevent disease progression and organ damage. He collaborates closely with clinicians like Prof. Gerhard Krönke to integrate immunological insights into rheumatology practice.