Annkristin Heine has been appointed University Professor of Internal Medicine and Hematology at the Medical University of Graz starting on 1 March 2025. She will also become the head of the Division of Hematology at University Hospital Graz. The internationally renowned tumor immunologist has extensive scientific and clinical expertise that she will draw upon to develop new therapies in hematology and further expand state-of-the-art patient-oriented care.
Annkristin Heine was born in Hannover in 1979 and graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Tübingen. She gained international experience during her clinical practice year at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and Institut Bergonié in Bordeaux. In 2005 she completed her dissertation with distinction at the Medical Clinic II for Hematology and Oncology at University Hospital Tübingen.
After completing her specialist training in internal medicine with an emphasis on hematology, oncology and immuno-oncology, she finished her habilitation in the field of internal medicine at the University of Bonn in 2018. She has been a senior physician at the Medical Clinic III of University Hospital Bonn since 2013 and its deputy clinical director since 2018. In 2018 she also accepted a tumor immunology professorship at the University of Bonn. Since 2024 she has been Vice Dean for International Affairs and Career Development at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn.
Annkristin Heine's research focuses on the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune response as well as their role in hematological diseases and inflammatory reactions. She is particularly interested in:
Since 2015 she has been a member of the ImmunoSensation cluster of excellence, and she has been head of the working group for tumor immunology at University Hospital Bonn since 2019. Annkristin Heine is also one of the two main applicants and co-spokesperson for the Bonn ACCENT Advanced Clinician Scientist Program, which has received more than EUR 10 million from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and whose goal is to support specialists who conduct research.
Annkristin Heine has received numerous awards for her outstanding scientific achievements.
At the Medical University of Graz, she plans to develop the Division of Haematology into a leading research institution for hematologic neoplasia with a special focus on patient-oriented cutting-edge medicine according to the biopsychosocial model and innovative immunotherapy.
Furthermore, she would like to enrich education by using new technologies that make clinical situations more tangible for students and sustainably promote junior medical professionals.
"Hematology is developing rapidly, and immunotherapy plays a key role in treating serious diseases. I look forward to researching new therapeutic concepts with a committed team and providing the best possible care for patients at Med Uni Graz," says Annkristin Heine.
