Michael Hoelscher

Prof. Dr. med. Michael Hoelscher serves as Professor and Chair of Infectious Diseases & Global Health at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at LMU Klinikum since 2014, Head of the Unit Global Health at Helmholtz Munich since 2024, and Director of the Fraunhofer Site for Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research since 2021. He also acts as partner site speaker for the German Center of Infection Research (DZIF).

His educational background includes:

• Medical studies at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (1988–1994)
• Clinical and research positions in internal medicine
• HIV molecular biology research at Walter Reed Army Institute, USA (2000–2001)

Hoelscher's research centers on translational solutions for underserved communities, with primary focus on tuberculosis drug development (including BTZ-043 in phase 2c trials), HIV, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic response. His work integrates clinical trials, diagnostic innovation, and capacity building through equitable partnerships in the Global South, exemplified by the Mbeya Medical Research Centre co-founded in Tanzania.

Major initiatives include UNITE4TB (the largest global TB trial network with 4 pharma partners), TB Sequel (landmark post-TB lung disease study), and Germany's pivotal SARS-CoV-2 research identifying the first asymptomatic transmission case.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Bavarian Order of Merit (2022)

As a WHO consultant, Hoelscher shapes global health policy through the state-of-the-art clinical trial unit (iCTU) sponsoring 35+ international studies, maintaining his vision for a tuberculosis-free world through collaborative science.