Thomas Thum MD, PhD, DIC, FESC, FAHA , FHFA

Prof. Thomas Thum is a specialist in cardiology and bioscience, with a clear research focus on the functional characterization and translational potential of novel therapeutic RNA strategies targeting cardiovascular diseases. After his studies of human medicine at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and both clinical and scientific training in Hannover and Würzburg, he did his Ph.D. at the Imperial College London (UK). As professor and director of the Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS) at MHH since 2009, Thum has been engaged in research for many years, in particular in the preclinical field.

He has filed and licensed numerous patents in the area of non-coding RNA and has founded the successful biotech company Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH as a spin-off from MHH. Scientific success and transfer competence as key criteria for the success of a Fraunhofer Institute will contribute decisively to his successful management of Fraunhofer ITEM in tandem with Institute Director Prof. Norbert Krug.