Fabian Theis Elected Member of the Leopoldina
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has elected Prof. Fabian Theis as a member, honoring his exceptional contributions to computational biology and artificial intelligence in biomedical research. This prestigious membership, awarded through a rigorous multi-stage selection process, stands as one of Germany’s highest scientific distinctions and highlights Theis’ pioneering work in the field.
Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina serves as an independent scientific academy that offers evidence-based policy advice and fosters interdisciplinary research. Bringing together leading scientists from diverse disciplines, its members – renowned experts in their fields – shape the future of scientific inquiry. With his election, Fabian Theis joins this esteemed network of researchers whose work has had a profound impact on their respective fields.
Advancing AI-Driven Biomedical Research
As Head of the Computational Health Center at Helmholtz Munich and Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Theis leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI and life sciences. His work focuses on using machine learning to decode cellular heterogeneity, track cell development, and predict cellular responses – knowledge that is crucial for advancing regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and personalized therapies. His team has made significant contributions to single-cell genomics, helping to map the diversity of cell types in human body.
Theis’ pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany’s highest research honor. As a co-founder of the Human Cell Atlas, a global initiative mapping all human cell types, he has played a key role in advancing AI-driven approaches in biomedical research, shaping the future of precision medicine and cellular biology.
“I am truly honored to join the Leopoldina again, after being part of its “Junge Akademie” more than 10 years ago. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s efforts to encourage scientific collaboration and in particular meeting colleagues and friends across disciplines in this unique setting, discussing especially about AI-driven biomedical research and its impact to improve healthcare for everyone,” said Theis upon his election.
About Leopoldina
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.
