Joachim Spatz

Prof. Joachim Spatz is a Full Professor of Biophysical Chemistry at Heidelberg University and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. His academic career includes roles as Director at MPI for Metals Research (2004–2015) and Founding Director of the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE). He holds a PhD from Ulm University and habilitation in Physics, with postdoctoral training at the Institut Curie, Paris. His research spans cellular biophysics, materials science, and synthetic biology, focusing on mechanotransduction, cell-material interactions, and engineered biological systems.

Education:

• 1989–1994: Dipl. Phys. (Physics), Ulm University & Colorado State University
• 1994–1996: PhD (summa cum laude), Ulm University
• 2000: Habilitation in Physics, Ulm University

Research Interests: Spatz’s work integrates biophysics, materials science, and engineering to study cellular mechanics, synthetic cells, and mechanosensing. Key projects include developing synthetic cell models using microfluidics and exploring how mechanical forces regulate cell behavior in health and disease.

Awards:

• 2017 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize
• 2012 ERC Advanced Grant (with Prof. B. Geiger)
• 2002 Alfried Krupp Research Award

Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Cellular Biophysics Department at MPI for Medical Research and collaborates with institutions like the Weizmann Institute and Jackson Laboratory. Active in interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Max Planck School Matter to Life.