Former president: Otmar D. Wiestler
“Helmholtz Association’s greatest strength is to be found in the eighteen research centers, which distinguish themselves through critical mass, pronounced interdisciplinary expertise, excellent infrastructure and outstanding scientists.”
Image: Helmholtz/Phil Dera
Since taking office in 2015, Otmar D. Wiestler has vigorously driven the digital transformation of the Helmholtz Association, establishing fundamental prerequisites — from implementing digital infrastructures to training and networking in data science, to sustainable data management and the sound and systematic use of artificial intelligence. Promoting young scientific talent has been a particular focus. Under his leadership, a range of programs have been developed to specifically support outstanding researchers from around the world at various stages of their careers. Wiestler has also played a key role in expanding international partnerships — especially with countries such as Israel, the US, Canada, and Australia — thereby strengthening the Helmholtz Association’s global reach and visibility.
From the Helmholtz Center to the top
Otmar D. Wiestler was born in Freiburg (Breisgau, Germany) on 6 November 1956. After completing his medical studies at the University of Freiburg, he obtained his Doctorate in Medicine in 1984 (summa cum laude). Between 1984 and 1987 he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Pathology at the University of California, San Diego, USA. He then changed to the University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland, where he qualified as University Lecturer in Pathology. In 1992 the University of Bonn appointed him as Professor for Neuropathology and Director of the Institut für Neuropathologie where he helped to establish a large neuroscientific research center. Between January 2004 and August 2015 Professor Wiestler led, as Chairman of the Executive Board and Scientific Director, the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg (DKFZ), which is one of the leading institutions in cancer Research in the world.
Current President
