Romana Gerner

Romana Gerner is a tenure-track Assistant Professor for Clinical Microbiome at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the School of Medicine and Health, Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III, and the School of Life Sciences. She leads the Clinical Microbiome research group at the Ziel Institute for Food and Health and is undergoing specialist training in hematology and oncology at Klinikum Rechts der Isar under Prof. Florian Bassermann.

• MD, Medical University of Innsbruck
• PhD in Infectious Diseases and Immunology
• Residency in Internal Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego
• Specialist Training in Hematology & Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar (since 2022)
• Appointed Tenure-Track Professor, TUM (November 2023)

Her research centers on the interactions between the gut microbiome—especially Escherichia coli—and the host immune system, with implications for inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and infections in immunocompromised patients. She integrates molecular microbiology, immunology, and translational models to dissect host-microbe crosstalk and develop microbiome-targeted therapies. Her work emphasizes immunometabolism, iron homeostasis, and mucosal immunity.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on microbiome-immune interactions in disease contexts such as graft-versus-host disease, colitis, and cancer. Key themes include E. coli pathogenesis, siderophore immunization, NAD metabolism, and dysbiosis in IBD and colorectal cancer. Her research leverages multi-omics, gnotobiotic models, and clinical validation, reflecting a robust translational approach.

Scientific awards include:

• Research Fellowship Award, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (2020)
• Max Kade Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018)
• Erwin Wenzl Dissertation Award (2019)
• Wewalka Memorial Award (2018)
• MSD Award for IBD Research (2016)
• Sanofi Aventis Award for Best Publication (2016)
• Award for Best Publication, Austrian Medical Association (2019)

Prof. Gerner leads an independent research group focused on clinical microbiome science, combining basic discovery with patient cohort studies. Her work is supported by prestigious fellowships and awards, and she collaborates extensively across immunology, oncology, and microbiology. While no formal students are listed, her role as a group leader implies mentorship of junior researchers and trainees. Her lab uses advanced preclinical and gnotobiotic models to validate clinical findings.

The research group operates within the Ziel Institute for Food and Health and TranslaTUM, TUM’s Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in microbiome, cancer, and metabolic health.