We extend our warmest congratulations to Professors and CeMM Adjunct PI's Georg Stary and Kaan Boztug on the occasion of their inaugural lectures at the Medical University of Vienna. Their remarkable contributions to medical research and their dedication to bridging fundamental science with clinical applications continue to inspire the scientific and medical communities. During the event, CeMM Scientific Director Giulio Superti-Furga and Professor Emeritus Georg Stingl honored their exceptional achievements, recognizing them as true physician-scientists whose work is shaping the future of medicine. 

Kaan Boztug – Professor of Pediatrics and Inflammation Research

Lecture Title: Learning from Rare Diseases: Precision Medicine for Congenital Immune System and Hematopoietic Disorders

Professor Kaan Boztug specializes in the genetic and molecular basis of congenital immune deficiencies and hematopoietic disorders. His team has identified over 20 novel genetic defects, contributing to precision medicine approaches for these conditions.

After studying medicine in Düsseldorf, Freiburg, and London, he completed his doctorate in La Jolla/San Diego and postdoctoral research in Hannover. Since 2011, he has been a Principal Investigator at CeMM (now Adjunct PI) and MedUni Vienna, leading efforts in rare disease research. From 2019-2024 Kaan Boztug took over the agendas of scientific director at CCRI St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute. 

As Director of the CeRUD Vienna Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, and former Director of LBI-RUD, his work continues to shape the field of rare genetic disorders and improve patient care. 

Georg Stary – Professor of Dermatology

Lecture Title: Molecular Immunology in Dermatology – Bridging Basic Research and Clinical Application

Professor Georg Stary's research focuses on understanding the immune system of the skin and mucosal tissues to develop new strategies for disease prevention and treatment. His early exposure to dermatological research during his medical studies led him to specialize in dermatology at MedUni Vienna.

After completing his residency, he pursued postdoctoral research in Boston, where he contributed to developing a Chlamydia vaccine and explored the role of tissue-resident memory T cells in mucosal immunity. Since returning to MedUni Vienna in 2015, he has led a research group investigating immune mechanisms in skin diseases, the effects of tick bites, and drug repurposing for innovative treatments.

As an Adjunct Principal Investigator at CeMM since 2018, and former Co-Director of LBI-RUD, he fosters scientific collaborations and has played a key role in establishing the Comprehensive Center for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases at MedUni Vienna.

On this Rare Disease Day, we proudly celebrate two pioneers in rare disease research. Congratulations, Georg and Kaan, from your colleagues and friends at CeMM!