Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker

Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker is a distinguished Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, with a career spanning decades in molecular biology and related fields. His roles include serving as Secretary General of the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) since 2009, first Secretary General of the European Research Council (ERC), and President of the German Research Foundation (1998-2006).

• 1968 Doctorate
• 1968-1972 Postdoctorates at University of California, Berkeley and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm

His research focuses on virus/cell interactions, gene expression mechanisms in higher cells, and prion diseases. His work bridges molecular biology, genetics, and virology.

He has received numerous international honors, including prestigious orders, medals, and memberships in elite academies such as the Academy of Natural Scientists Leopoldina and the Academia Europaea.

• 1992 Bavarian Order of Merit
• 1994 Arthur Burckhardt Prize
• 2006 Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
• 2011 Robert Koch Gold Medal
• Member of the Inventors Gallery of the German Patent Office
• International Science Committee of the National Academy of Science in Beijing