معرفی
Werner Held is a full professor at the UNIL Ludwig Center for Cancer Research within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne. He has been a leading researcher in immunology since joining the institution, with a focus on the biology and function of killer immune cells. His appointment as full professor began on January 1, 2011, following a progression from assistant to associate member of the Ludwig Institute and an ad personam associate professorship at UNIL in 2006.
- Born: 1961, Emmental, Switzerland
- Doctorate: 1990, University of Bern, Immunology
- Postdoctoral Training: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Epalinges), University of California, Berkeley
- Key Affiliation: UNIL Ludwig Center for Cancer Research
Werner Held's research centers on understanding how the immune system, particularly natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, identifies and eliminates diseased cells such as cancer cells. His work aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these killer cells differentiate between healthy and abnormal cells and to determine the factors that limit their effectiveness in tumor environments. He investigates the potential to 're-educate' NK cells and improve the formation of cytotoxic T cell memory, which has significant implications for the development of advanced immunotherapies for cancer. His research lies at the intersection of fundamental immunology and translational oncology, contributing to new strategies in cancer treatment.
Although specific publications are not listed, his body of work is focused on immune cell function, particularly within innate and adaptive immunity, with recurring themes in lymphocyte activation, tumor surveillance, and immune memory. His research trajectory emphasizes both basic science and its application to clinical challenges in oncology.
Werner Held has been recognized for his contributions to science, most notably with the Leenaards Prize for the promotion of scientific research in 2006.
- Leenaards Prize for the promotion of scientific research (2006)
Held secured a START grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in 1997, which enabled him to build his research team and establish his independent laboratory in Lausanne. This early-career funding was instrumental in launching his academic career and fostering long-term research in immunology. There is no mention of additional grants or mentoring activities in the provided text, but his leadership in maintaining a research laboratory suggests sustained funding and team supervision. He has not been described as mentoring specific students, but his role as a full professor and lab head implies involvement in training junior scientists.
Werner Held leads a research laboratory at the UNIL Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, where his team conducts fundamental studies on killer cells. The lab focuses on both NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, integrating molecular and cellular immunology approaches to explore immune responses against cancer. The research environment supports innovation in immunotherapy and fosters collaboration within the broader cancer research community at UNIL and affiliated institutions.
