I am a professor and Chair of Intestinal Microbiome at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where I lead research into the intricate relationships between host, microbiome, and pathogens. My scientific journey has been deeply rooted in microbiology, with a particular focus on the gut ecosystem—a dynamic community that plays a crucial role in human health and disease. After studying microbiology, immunology, and genetics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), I earned my PhD from ETH Zurich, where I investigated the pathogenesis of Salmonella. This work ignited a lasting interest in enteric pathogens and their interactions with the microbiota. My postdoctoral training at ETH Zurich and McMaster University (Canada) further deepened my expertise in microbial ecology and host-microbe interactions. From 2010 to 2024, I led a research group at the Max von Pettenkofer Institute at LMU. During this time, my team and I pioneered the use of gnotobiotic mouse models and developed synthetic microbial communities (such as the Oligo-Mouse-Microbiota) to investigate how specific gut microbes influence colonization resistance, immune modulation, and infection outcomes. Since joining TUM, I have continued to explore how the microbiome can be harnessed to prevent and treat infections, particularly in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. I am also a coordinator at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), where I oversee translational research projects focused on mucosal infections and microbial therapeutics.
W3 Professorship (2024-Current): Technical University of Munich, Germany
Professor (W2) (2011 – 2024): Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
Staff Scientist and Lecturer (2007-2010): Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoctoral Researcher (2005-2007): Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
PhD in Microbiology (2001-2005): ETH Zürich, Switzerland under the supervision of Prof. Wolf-Dietrich Hardt
Diploma in Biology (1995-2001): Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany and University of Warwick, England
- Since 2022: Coordinator TTU Gastrointestinal Infections, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
- Since 2019: Deputy Speaker DFG CRC1371
- 2015-2019: Speaker of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) section "Probiotics, Microbiota and Host"
- Since 2014: Speaker of the DZIF Center for Gastrointestinal Microbiome Research (CEGIMIR)
- Since 2013: Member of the European Consortium for Gnotobiology (ECGnoto)
- Since 2012: Head of the Animal Facility (Tierhausleitung) at Max von Pettenkofer-Institute
- 2019: European Research Council (ERC), Consolidator Grant 2019
- 2017: German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), Main Award 2017
- 2011: Yakult-Prize ‘Science for Health’
- 2009: Robert Koch Society ‘Postdoctoral Prize’
- 2009: FEMS Travel Grant for the 3rd Congress of European Microbiologists
- 2008: Swiss Society of Microbiology (SSM) Encouragement Award
- 2008: Member of the TANDEM plus IDEA program