Research at the Interface of Pediatrics and Metabolism
Antje Körner is Professor of Metabolism Research at Leipzig University. She heads the Pediatric Research Center as well as the “Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Research” department at the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) at Helmholtz Munich. Her research focuses on the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders in children, the mechanisms of fat tissue development and dysfunction, and the genetic causes of childhood obesity.
Contributing to the Excellence Strategy
The jury of the Leipzig Science Award emphasized the significance of Körner’s work for Leipzig as a center of scientific excellence. Her research is not only internationally leading but also played a key role in the successful application for the new “Leipzig Center of Metabolism” excellence cluster, which will be funded from 2026 as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy.
Translational Research with Clinical Impact
In her dual role at Leipzig University and Helmholtz Munich, Körner bridges basic research and clinical practice. Her team at HI-MAG investigates, among other topics, the genetic underpinnings of childhood obesity and the role of fat tissue in the development of metabolic diseases. The goal of her work is to lay the scientific groundwork for early prevention and personalized therapies – aiming to identify and treat chronic metabolic conditions in children at an early stage.
An Award with Tradition
The Leipzig Science Award is presented every two years by the City of Leipzig, Leipzig University, and the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Leipzig. It honors scientific achievements that enhance Leipzig’s national and international visibility as a research hub.
In addition to Professor Körner, Professor Dr.-Ing. Alexander Stahr (HTWK Leipzig) was also honored this year for his contributions to structural and construction research.
