Josef Penninger

Professor Josef Penninger is a leading molecular biotechnologist and Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig since 2023. He previously served as Canada 150 Chair at the Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia (2018-2023), and as Executive Director of the Austrian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) from 2002-2018. His career spans institutions in Austria, Canada, and Japan, with a 2024 PhD in Medical Science from Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

His research focuses on organoid development, glycoproteomics, and host-pathogen interactions, with significant contributions to understanding viral entry mechanisms and immune regulation. His work bridges biomedical engineering and developmental biology, particularly in vascular and intestinal organoid systems.

His recent publications highlight innovative approaches in vascularized organoids, bat antiviral immunity, and metabolic pathways in aging. The 2023-2025 articles demonstrate expertise in CRISPR screening, microfluidic platforms, and glycan-based disease mechanisms.

Scientific honors include the Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine, Descartes Prize, and Wittgenstein Prize (Austria's highest scientific award). He has held multiple ERC Advanced Grants and been recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate.

Penninger mentors through the Penninger Lab in Vienna, Braunschweig, and Vancouver, with former advisees including Gustav Jonsson (PhD 2025) and Max J. Kellner (PhD 2025). His research groups integrate interdisciplinary teams across three continents, focusing on cancer, immunity, and biomedical innovation.