Dear readers,
Prof. Dr. Michael Boutros
Dean of Heidelberg Medical Faculty
The Faculty of Medicine at Heidelberg University accomplished a very successful year 2024 marked by groundbreaking developments. In rankings, medicine once again secured top positions – proof of the outstanding quality of research and teaching. Our students also continue to excel, achieving the best results in the first state examination.
As part of the Excellence Strategy Heidelberg University has been granted two new excellence clusters, in addition to an existing one, further strengthening the foundation for its bid to become a leading “Excellence University”. We are particularly proud of the leading role of Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine in the new cluster “SynthImmune – Engineering Immune Function with Synthetic Biology” as well as our involvement in the Cluster “3D Matter Made to Order.”
A special highlight of the excellence embedded within our Faculty is the awarding of the prestigious “BRAIN AWARD” to Prof. Frank Winkler, the highest endowed prize in the field of neuroscience. This recognition is not only a personal achievement of Prof. Winkler, but also a testament to the cutting-edge research in neuroscience, particularly in the area of “NeuroCancerScience,” in which our campus is a leading center worldwide.
We have continued to evolve the structure of our Faculty, to remain excellently positioned and meet future challenges. Two newly established Vice-Dean's offices – the Vice-Dean's Office for Clinical Translation and the Vice-Dean's Office for Digitalization – play a central role in shaping our strategic focus on forward-looking topics and provide important impulses for research, teaching, and social responsibility.
Prof. Dr. Rohini Kuner
Vice-Dean for Research
Univ. Prof. Dr. med. dent. Diana Wolff
Dean of Studies, Dentistry
Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Wick
Vice-Dean for Structure and Development
Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Friederich
Dean of Studies
Prof. Dr. Dr. Eva Winkler
Vice-Dean for Digitalization
Prof. Dr. Norbert Frey
Vice-Dean for Clinical Translation
A key step in advancing this development has been the recruitment of outstanding scientists whose perspectives and expertise enrich our Faculty and contribute significantly to the promotion of new innovations and cutting-edge research.
We are aware that such progress cannot be achieved by individual efforts alone. The launch of new faculty funding programs and the acquisition of third-party funding are crucial to driving this development forward. Notably, we recently succeeded in securing the “Advanced Clinician Scientist” program, funded by Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), which specifically supports medical specialists engaged in research.
Our third-party funding revenues – another important indicator of the Faculty’s capabilities – have more than doubled over the past ten years and have exceeded the amount of state funding for research and teaching for the first time.
Collaboration and networking are core values of our work. The Health + Life Science Alliance innovation campus, supported by the state government of Baden-Württemberg as part of its innovation campus strategy, the planned merger of Heidelberg University's two medical faculties in 2027 represents another significant step toward fostering cooperation, leveraging synergies, and strengthening translation.
We extend our sincere thanks to all those whose commitment and support, continuously drive innovation and excellence within our Faculty.
Your Faculty Board