Thomas Martinetz

Thomas Martinetz has been C4 Professor and Director of the Institute of Neuro- and Bioinformatics (INB) at the University of Lübeck since 1999. In parallel he serves as spokesperson of the university’s Center for Artificial Intelligence Lübeck (ZKIL) and has repeatedly chaired the Academic Senate. His career spans fundamental research in theoretical biophysics, industrial R&D at Siemens AG, and the founding of four successful spin-off companies.

Education:

• Diploma in Physics & Mathematics, TU Munich & University of Cologne (1981–1986)
• Diploma thesis in Theoretical Biophysics, TU Munich (1987)
• Dr. rer. nat. in Theoretical Biophysics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Beckman Institute (1988–1991)

Research Interests:
Prof. Martinetz focuses on neuroinformatics, bioinformatics, deep learning and neural networks. His group develops machine-learning models for pattern recognition, computer vision and AI-driven biomedical applications, bridging theoretical neuroscience with practical AI solutions.

Leadership & Service:

• 2004–2006: Vice-Dean, Faculty of Technology and Natural Sciences
• 2006–2008: Vice-Rector, University of Lübeck
• 2007–2008 & 2014–2018: Chairman, Academic Senate
• 2008–2011: Vice-President for Research
• 2011–2013: Member of the Board of Trustees, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Plön
• since 2020: Spokesperson, Center for Artificial Intelligence Lübeck (ZKIL)

Awards & Recognition:

• German Business Innovation Award (with ZN GmbH)
• “Courageous Entrepreneur” – Awarded by the Federal President of Germany
• Technology Transfer Prize of Schleswig-Holstein
• Euroimmun Transfer Prize
• Special Prize “BioMed” (WT.SH GmbH ideas competition 2014)
• Thomas Fredenhagen Prize of the Merchants of Lübeck (2018)

Entrepreneurship & Tech Transfer:
Co-founder of four university spin-offs: Consideo GmbH, Pattern Recognition GmbH, Gestigon GmbH, Handyzirkel. Holds multiple patents and actively supports start-ups through the Hanse Innovation Campus Lübeck.