Josef Penninger

Prof. Josef Penninger is an Honorary Professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Technische Universität Braunschweig, and Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI). His work focuses on cell and molecular biology, including groundbreaking research on SARS-CoV-2 receptor cloning and organoid development. He leads the 'Innovative Organoid Research' department and strengthens scientific networks across institutions.

Education & Career:

• Studied medicine at the University of Innsbruck.
• Founded the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) in Vienna (2002).
• Directed the Life Sciences Institute at the University of British Columbia (2018).
• Appointed HZI Scientific Director in 2023.

Research Interests: Modifying genes in mice to study disease mechanisms, translational therapies for cancer, immunological disorders, viral infections, and cardiovascular disease. He pioneers organoid systems for heart, blood vessels, and brain modeling.

Grants & Collaborations: Secured EU, North American, and Canadian grants, including ERC Advanced and C150 Canada Chair awards. Collaborates with TU Braunschweig via BRICS initiatives to advance infection modeling and metabolic processes.

Awards:

• World's top 10 cited scientist (multiple times).
• Honorary professorships at Qingdao University.
• Ranked 11th most influential thinker in German-speaking world (2015).

Labs & Teams: Develops one of the largest organoid production facilities in Braunschweig. Mentors junior researchers and strengthens doctoral training programs in cell biology.