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International Top Scientist from Helmholtz Munich Honored with Germany's Most Prestigious Research Award
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has awarded Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany's highest scientific honor. The prize recognizes her outstanding research in the field of stem cell biology and early development. The Mexican-born scientist Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is the Head of the Stem Cell Center (rotating) and the Director of the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at Helmholtz Munich, as well as Director of Biomedicine at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, and Professor at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Recognition for Visionary Research
"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Leibniz Prize," said Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla. "Stem cell research has gained tremendous importance in recent years and together with epigenetics offers an entirely new frontier for understanding disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies. This award is a testament to the exceptional work of my team members over the years and continuous support from our collaborators and I thank all of them. It motivates us to continue advancing our research for the benefit of the society."
Prof. Matthias Tschöp, CEO of Helmholtz Munich, emphasized: "Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla has fundamentally changed our understanding of early development and epigenetic regulation with her groundbreaking contributions to stem cell biology. Her scientific excellence and innovative thinking have had a profound impact on the field and inspire researchers worldwide. The Leibniz Prize is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional achievements and lasting influence on biomedicine."
„The second Leibniz award within two years for Helmholtz Munich reflects our success in attracting leading scientists across disciplines - and from all over the world. I could not be more delighted for Maria-Elena, who as director of our Pioneer Campus and Stem Cell Center perfectly embodies Helmholtz Munich’s culture of scientific excellence,” added Tschöp.
Creating "Cells à la Carte"
Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is one of the world’s leading experts in stem cells and their role in early development. Her research is transforming the understanding of how stem cells and epigenetics can be harnessed to develop innovative therapies for diseases such as neurodegenerative conditions, brain injuries, and cancer. A central focus of her work is the reprogramming of cells back into a totipotent state, which allows for the creation of all cell types in the body. This groundbreaking approach, which she refers to as "cells à la carte," holds enormous potential for cell therapies that could cure a wide range of diseases.
"By reprogramming cells back to totipotency—a very early embryonic state—we are conceiving transformative therapies that range from neurodegenerative diseases to brain injuries and leukemia. This is an exciting step toward cell regeneration as the future of personalized therapy and disease prevention," said Torres-Padilla.
Pioneer in Epigenetics and Stem Cell Research
After studying biology at the National University of Mexico, Torres-Padilla completed her PhD at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where she investigated how specific factors regulate liver development. She then continued her research at the Gurdon Institute at the University of Cambridge, where she first demonstrated the crucial role of histone modifications and other molecules in cell fate decision.
In 2008, she founded her own research group, focusing on the epigenetic principles of cell reprogramming and cellular plasticity. Her work has significantly expanded the understanding of how cells can change their identity during early development. Notably, her research into the experimental reprogramming of cells provides new approaches for regenerative medicine, such as treating degenerative diseases and brain injuries.
As a team leader, Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla emphasizes the transformative power of collaboration and diversity in science. “Diversity inspires and drives science forward,” she states, highlighting her commitment to building inclusive teams. For her, diversity extends beyond gender, encompassing individuals from different nationalities, backgrounds, and underrepresented communities. By bringing together unique perspectives and experiences, her teams foster creativity and innovation, essential ingredients for achieving scientific breakthroughs.
In addition, Torres-Padilla is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders. Guided by her motto, “Science has no borders”, she actively works to bridge the gap between science and society while advocating for ethical, inclusive, and responsible research practices. Her leadership serves as a model for how excellence in science can harmonize with a commitment to social responsibility and global collaboration.
About the Leibniz Prize 2025
Out of a total of 142 nominations, 10 researchers from the fields of life sciences, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering have been selected for the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2025. Established in 1985, the Leibniz Program aims to improve the working conditions of outstanding researchers, expand their research opportunities, relieve them from administrative tasks, and support them in hiring particularly qualified young scientists. Each prize provides a maximum of 2.5 million euros. So far, twelve Leibniz Prize laureates have received the Nobel Prize at a later stage in their careers.
Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is the Head of the Stem Cell Center (rotating) and the Director of the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at Helmholtz Munich, as well as Director of Biomedicine at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, and Professor at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Contact: presse@helmholtz-munich.de
https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/newsroom/interviews/interview-with-prof-maria... Interview with Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
Portrait of Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
Petra Nehmeyer
Helmholtz Munich | ©Petra Nehmeyer
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Portrait of Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
Petra Nehmeyer
Helmholtz Munich | ©Petra Nehmeyer
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