Helmut Friess

Prof. Helmut Friess is a Professor and Director of the Department of Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), since 2007. His research focuses on pancreatic cancer mechanisms, molecular signaling pathways, and surgical techniques for tumor resection. He has led multinational clinical trials on adjuvant therapies and holds honorary professorships, including at the RE Kavetsky Institute in Ukraine. Prof. Friess studied medicine at the University of Ulm, earned his professorial qualification at the University of Bern (1998), and held roles at institutions in the US, Switzerland, and Germany before joining TUM.

• Education: Medicine (University of Ulm), Professorial Qualification (University of Bern)
• Professional Path: Assistant/Senior Physician at Inselspital (Bern, 1997–2001), Senior Consultant at Heidelberg University Hospital (2001–2007)

His research emphasizes pancreatic cancer's molecular aggressiveness, metastasis pathways, and surgical outcomes. He has published key articles on postoperative complications, neoadjuvant therapies, and chemoradiotherapy efficacy. Awards include the Dr. Hella Bühler Prize (2005) and the Surgical Research Award (1996).

• Awards: Dr. Hella Bühler Prize, Feldbausch Foundation Award, Health Quality Award, Surgical Research Award

Prof. Friess is actively involved in professional organizations, serving as Secretary of European Digestive Surgery (EDS) and member of the United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEGF). His work bridges clinical surgery and translational oncology, with a focus on improving pancreatic cancer patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.