Silja Wessler

Silja Wessler is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Salzburg, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, since 2010. Her research focuses on Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, protease function (e.g., HtrA), host-pathogen interactions, and signaling mechanisms in gastric cancer development. She leads research on bacterial virulence factors and their roles in epithelial barrier disruption.

• Education: PhD in Biology (2001, Max-Planck-Institute), Diploma in Biology (1997, Max-Planck-Institute), studies at University of Bielefeld and Free University of Berlin.
• Research Interests: Helicobacter pylori virulence mechanisms, protease-mediated host cell disruption, signal transduction in inflammation and cancer, host-pathogen communication, and antimicrobial drug targets.
• Awards:
  • Postdoctoral fellowship of the Schering Research Foundation (2001–2003)
  • Max-Planck Foundation postdoctoral scholarship (2001)
  • Fonds der Chemischen Industrie scholarship (1998–2000)