Franz Schilling

Prof. Franz Schilling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance at the TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München. His research focuses on developing novel molecular imaging techniques using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly hyperpolarized ¹³C-based methods for biomarker validation and interdisciplinary applications combining physics, chemistry, and medicine. He leads an independent research group at Klinikum rechts der Isar since 2017, following postdoctoral studies at the University of Cambridge and a PhD in nuclear magnetic resonance from TUM (2013).

Education:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Physics, University of Würzburg and University of California, Berkeley
• PhD in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Technische Universität München, 2013)

Research interests emphasize MRI biomarker development, hyperpolarized agents for pH/temperature sensing, and metabolic imaging in oncology. His lab integrates physical method development, molecular sensor synthesis, and clinical translation. Key achievements include pioneering pH-sensitive imaging with zymonic acid and hyperpolarized pyruvate.

Awards:

• Emmy Noether Research Group (2018)
• Summa Cum Laude Merit Award (2017)
• Arnold-Sommerfeld Prize (2016)
• Feodor Lynen Fellowship (2014)
• Ernst Award (2013)

His work has been supported by grants enabling studies on metabolic heterogeneity, gene therapy imaging, and multimodal imaging systems. The lab collaborates across disciplines, with recent advances in parahydrogen-based imaging and tissue engineering scaffolds.