Introducing the new BMC Speaker: An Interview with Martin Kerschensteiner

Enlarge

In late September, the BMC Board elected Martin Kerschensteiner as the new Speaker of the Center. Under Professor Becker’sleadership, the BMC has developed into a thriving hub for interdisciplinary biomedical research. The BMC now looks forward to continuing this trajectory with Professor Kerschensteiner. In this interview, he speaks about his scientific background, his motivation to take on the role, and his vision for the future of the Center.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about your scientific background?

I spend several years abroad as a postdoctoral researcher — first at ETH Zurich at the Brain Research Institute, and later in the United States at Washington University in St. Louis and at Harvard. When I returned to Munich, I joined the Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology as a group leader and have since progressed to the Director of the Institute.

Scientifically, my main research interests lie in neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis - a debilitating condition that typically affects younger adults. We study how immune cells infiltrate the brain and cause tissue damage leading to disability. In my research group, we aim to understand both sides of this interaction: how the nervous system instructs immune responses, and how immune cells in turn damage neural tissue. Our institute combines clinical and experimental research, with groups working both immunological and neurobiological aspects of multiple sclerosis and related neurological conditions.

2. You have already been a member of the BMC Board. What experiences will you bring into your new role?

I have been part of the BMC Board since its beginning and have already worked closely with Peter in the past. I see the role of the Speaker not as a top-down position, but as one that builds consensus. The BMC Board operates as a 'coalition of the willing' - progress can only be made if we move forward together. Together with the Deputy Speakers Antje Grosche and Michael Kiebler, our task is to find compromises and define directions that benefit the Center and its institutes and members.

Beyond the internal role, it’s important for us to represent the BMC externally - for example, in exchange with the Dean’s Office or our partners on the Campus Martinsried/ Großhadern. Many of our initiatives depend on this cooperation, so maintaining an open dialogue with the faculty leadership is a priority for us.

3. This is the first change in leadership since the BMC was founded ten years ago. How do you look back on the development of the Center over the past decade?

When the BMC was first established, it was primarily a new building that brought together very diverse research groups with little structural connection. Creating a truly cohesive and interconnected scientific Center out of this was a considerable challenge, and Peter’s enthusiasm and integrative leadership style played a key role in achieving this.

Over time, initiatives such as the Science Seasons, the Code of Conduct and the BMC Diversity Initiative have helped foster a genuine sense of community among all researchers at the BMC, not only the group leaders. I believe the most significant achievement of the first decade has been the development of a collaborative community across diverse research disciplines.

4. What motivated you to take on the role of Speaker?

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work in such a well-designed, modern research facility, which is equipped with a cutting edge lab infrastructure, including excellent core facilities and an outstanding animal facility. For me, taking on this role is a way of trying to give something back and contribute to the BMC community.

When I was approached by Peter about continuing this work, I felt honoured. Together with the Board, we discussed how we can build on our existing achievements. I see the BMC as a place that can play a pioneering role within the Medical Faculty, leading the way in establishing innovative research structures and promoting an inclusive and welcoming work environment. In this context I would also like us to develop our “green” initiative further and strengthen the BMC’s role as a model for sustainable biomedical research.

Another important priority is to make the BMC an even more attractive place for early-career researchers, particularly those setting up independent junior groups. While we already have an excellent foundation with our core facilities, I believe we could be more proactive to support and promote early career investigators who are essential for bringing new methods and fresh perspectives to the Center.

5. Which priorities would you like to set for the coming years – scientifically and maybe structurally?

We believe that the BMC should continue to serve as a pilot environment for new initiatives within the Faculty. At the same time, we should focus on making the BMC a vibrant and welcoming place for young scientists from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they feel integrated and supported when they arrive in Munich. We are also exploring ways to collaborate more closely with our partners on the Campus Martinsried/Großhadern. There is great potential for joint technological developments and translational projects that could benefit both academic and industry partners.

From a scientific perspective, I don't believe we can or should pursue a single overarching research theme. The BMC’s strength lies in its diversity. Our task is to foster a culture of openness and collaboration through initiatives such as shared spaces, networking events and initiatives like the Science Seasons, allowing new ideas and collaborations to flourish organically.

6. How do you view the current landscape of biomedical research, and what opportunities or challenges do you see for the BMC in this context?

In the coming years, I think we will face two main challenges. First, financial constraints: funding from the university and the university hospital will likely become tighter and competition for third party funding will increase further. Second, scientific work itself is changing rapidly, particularly with the rise of AI-assisted technologies that will open new possibilities but may also make it harder to stay truly innovative.

To address both challenges, it’s vital to attract and support talented young researchers who can contribute new expertise and secure external funding for the Center. Their fresh insights, whether in data science, AI, or other emerging fields, will help the BMC stay at the cutting edge of biomedical research.

In the long term, I envisage the BMC as a dynamic, collaborative and open-minded community that strives to make important contributions to biomedical progress and supports its members to the best of its ability.