Monika Hegi

Monika Hegi is a full Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), where she has been appointed since August 1, 2018. She is based at CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), leading the Laboratory of Brain Tumor Biology and Genetics within the Department of Neurosurgery. She is actively engaged in translational research and clinical studies in neuro-oncology, with strong collaborations across Swiss and international institutions including the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and EPFL.

• 1981–1986: Studies in Natural Sciences (specialization in Biochemistry), ETH Zurich
• 1986–1989: PhD in Natural Sciences, ETH Zurich
• 1989–1992: Visiting Fellow, Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, NIEHS, USA
• 1992–1993: Visiting Associate, Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, NIEHS, USA
• 1993–1997: Researcher, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich
• 1998–present: Director, Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of Brain Tumors, CHUV
• 2005: Senior Lecturer & Postdoctoral Fellow (SEA & PD), UNIL
• 2009: Associate Professor, UNIL
• 2018: Full Professor, UNIL

Monika Hegi's research centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of brain tumors, particularly gliomas. She is renowned for her work on predictive biomarkers in neuro-oncology, especially the MGMT gene's role in determining response to chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients. Her research bridges fundamental science and clinical application, emphasizing translational approaches to improve patient outcomes. She investigates tumor genetics, DNA repair pathways, and treatment resistance mechanisms, contributing significantly to personalized medicine in brain cancer.

Although no specific publications are listed in the source text, her body of work reflects a consistent focus on molecular oncology, biomarker validation, and integration of genomic data into clinical trial design, particularly within multinational consortia like the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

While no formal awards are mentioned in the provided text, her election to the Board of Directors of the EORTC in 2018 underscores her leadership and recognition in the field of cancer research.

Monika Hegi mentors junior scientists and leads a research team focused on brain tumor biology. She has secured long-term institutional support through her leadership roles at CHUV and UNIL. Her research is embedded within collaborative networks involving clinical neuro-oncology, imaging, and bioinformatics, enabling multidisciplinary approaches to brain tumor research. She plays a key role in designing and implementing translational components of clinical trials, ensuring that laboratory findings inform patient care.

She leads the Laboratory of Brain Tumor Biology and Genetics at CHUV, which operates at the intersection of clinical neurosurgery and neuroscience research. The lab is part of the Neuroscience Research Center (CRN) and collaborates extensively with national and international partners, including the EORTC, to advance understanding and treatment of malignant brain tumors.