Ferroptosis is a form of cell death caused by iron-catalyzed and lipid peroxidation. It plays a central role in many diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Marcus Conrad's work has made a decisive contribution to deciphering the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and unlocking its therapeutic potential. In particular, the researcher has shown how this cell death can be triggered explicitly to combat tumor cells without damaging healthy tissue.
The ECDO award recognizes Conrad's achievements to date and underlines the enormous potential of his future research. As a pioneer in the field of ferroptosis, he shows how the combination of basic research and clinical application can lead to new, effective treatment options—an essential step in the future of medicine.
In October 2024, Conrad also received a new academic appointment: he became Professor of Translational Redox Biology at TUM. The newly created chair is part of an intensified collaboration between TUM and Helmholtz Munich. The aim is to better understand the molecular mechanisms of cell metabolism and cell death and to translate this knowledge into developing new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly noteworthy is the close connection between basic research and clinical applications, supported by the infrastructures of TUM and the TUM University Hospital.
