Three Helmholtz Munich Researchers Elected to Bavarian Academy

Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is Director (rotating) of the Stem Cell Center, Director of the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at Helmholtz Munich, Director of Biomedicine at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, and Professor at the Faculty of Biology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her research focuses on understanding how stem cells can be generated by uncovering their defining characteristics and properties. A key aspect of her work is the reprogramming of cells into a totipotent state – enabling them to develop into any cell type in the body. She describes this concept as “cells à la carte,” a strategy with the potential to transform regenerative medicine and open new avenues for treating degenerative diseases and brain injuries. In recognition of her pioneering work, she was awarded the Leibniz Prize (2025) and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art (2025).

Prof. Fabian Theis is an internationally recognized pioneer in machine learning in biomedicine and computational health research. He heads the Computational Health Center at Helmholtz Munich, coordinates Helmholtz AI and is Director of Biomedical AI at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. He holds the Chair for Mathematical Modelling of Biological Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and is affiliated with the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK. Theis is a key contributor to the Human Cell Atlas, a global initiative to map all human cells as a foundation for improved diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. His work spans topics such as risk assessment in type 1 diabetes, modeling drug combinations, and predicting diabetic retinopathy. He has received numerous awards, including the Leibniz Prize (2023), the ERC Advanced Grant (2022), the Erwin Schrödinger Prize (2017), and the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (2006).

Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos is a leading researcher in biomedical engineering and molecular imaging. He is Head of the Bioengineering Center and Director of the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Munich, Director of Bioengineering at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, and Professor at TUM. He has been at the forefront of optoacoustic imaging, developing it from a fundamental research technique into a widely applied technology. This approach combines light and ultrasound to achieve high-resolution visualization of tissue beyond the limits of conventional optical imaging. He has also contributed to advances in fluorescence imaging and the development of standardized methods for precise in vivo detection of molecular biomarkers. His research focuses on improving early disease detection, monitoring disease progression, and supporting precision interventions in areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Leibniz Prize (2012) and the Karl Heinz Beckurts Prize.

Election to the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities is one of the highest academic distinctions in Bavaria. Membership is granted only to researchers who have made outstanding contributions to their field – through groundbreaking discoveries, innovative methods, or lasting impact on scientific progress. Candidates are nominated by existing members, and elections are decided by the Academy’s plenary assembly.

The Academy currently comprises 217 full members, 102 corresponding members, 21 associate members, and two honorary members.