Frank Winkler

Over the past 15 years, Heidelberg neurologist Frank Winkler has gained groundbreaking insights into the functioning of glioblastomas – particularly aggressive, previously incurable brain tumors. In 2025, he received the world-renowned Brain Prize, the highest award in neuroscience. His research shows that tumor cells communicate and network with healthy nerve cells and form a complex network that promotes their growth and gives them enormous resistance to current therapies. But new approaches offer hope. Frank Winkler provides insights into these invisible networks – and presents approaches to specifically influence them.

Prof. Dr. Frank Winkler is a neurologist and brain tumor specialist at Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). Together with Michelle Monje (Stanford University), he was awarded the Brain Prize for his groundbreaking work in the field of Cancer Neuroscience 2025.