Thomas Höfer

Thomas Höfer serves as Professor of Theoretical Systems Biology (W3) at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Biosciences and heads the Theoretical Systems Biology Division at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). His work bridges mathematical modeling with experimental biology to decipher complex cellular processes.

His research focuses on theoretical systems biology with emphasis on cancer evolution, hematopoietic stem cell dynamics, immune cell regulation, and transcriptional control mechanisms. Höfer's group develops quantitative frameworks to understand spatio-temporal organization in cellular signaling, particularly in glioblastoma progression, T-cell differentiation, and DNA repair processes.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward single-cell resolution modeling integrated with high-throughput experimental data, particularly in cancer heterogeneity and immune responses. His work frequently employs stochastic modeling and multi-scale approaches connecting molecular events to cellular phenotypes.

Awards and recognitions include:

• Reinhart Heinrich Lecture (2011)
• Landahl Award from Society for Mathematical Biology (1994)
• Jowett Senior Scholar at Balliol College Oxford (1994-1996)
• Visiting professorship at École Normale Supérieur (2019/2020)

Höfer coordinates major research consortia including the ERA CoSysMed OPTIMIZE-NB project optimizing neuroblastoma therapies and previously led the E:Bio ImmunoQuant consortium. His division at DKFZ collaborates extensively with experimental groups at BioQuant Center and within the CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence.

He serves on editorial boards for Cell Systems and European Journal of Immunology, reflecting his interdisciplinary impact across computational biology and immunology.