In Memoriam

Professor Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Wilhelm Stoffel
*30.04.1928 - ^†24.06.2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prof. Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Wilhelm Stoffel, who died on June 24, 2025, at the age of 97.

Wilhelm Stoffel was one of the most influential biochemists of the postwar era and a founding figure of the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC). He played a key role in shaping modern molecular medicine and advancing its integration into clinical research.

Thanks to his tireless dedication and extraordinary scientific energy, he significantly contributed to building lasting bridges between basic science and clinical application, extending far beyond the borders of Germany. With his passing, we have lost a remarkable and inquisitive scientific mind whose shaped generations of researchers over many decades. We remember Prof. Wilhelm Stoffel with deep respect and gratitude as a distinguished scientist and an extraordinary person.

We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife and family during this difficult time of loss.

A pioneer in molecular medicine bridging basic science and clinical application.

It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that we bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Wilhelm Stoffel, one of Germany’s most distinguished biochemists and a long-standing professor at the University of Cologne, who passed away at the age of 97. With his death, the scientific community has lost not only a brilliant researcher, but also an inspiring personality who shaped generations of scientists over the decades.

Born in Cologne on April 30, 1928, Wilhelm Stoffel remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life. He began his studies in medicine at the University of Cologne, earning his doctorate in 1952, followed by a degree and doctorate in chemistry in Bonn (1959). His early academic path included prestigious research stays at institutions such as the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Rockefeller University in New York, and ETH Zurich - an international orientation that would define his career.

In 1967, he returned to Cologne as Full Professor and Director of the Institute of Biochemistry. He remained there for decades, leaving a lasting mark on the university’s scientific profile. Despite attractive offers from renowned institutions and places such as Caltech, Rockefeller, Zurich, Basel, and Munich, he chose Cologne - a decision that preserved and nurtured a unique scientific spirit within the faculty.

Prof. Stoffel’s contributions to biochemistry were groundbreaking and enduring. His work fundamentally advanced our understanding of lipid metabolism, membrane structure, and molecular neurobiology. He made significant discoveries in four key areas:

• The enzymatic degradation and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids
• The synthesis and degradation of long-chain sphingosine bases
• Structural analysis of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)
• The molecular organization of the CNS myelin membrane

His foresight extended far beyond pure research. Long before “translational science” became a guiding principle in biomedical research, Prof. Stoffel championed the medical application of scientific findings. One notable achievement is the co-development of LDL apheresis - a therapeutic method now used worldwide to treat severe lipid disorders.

A classically trained biochemist, Prof. Stoffel continuously embraced new molecular methods, maintaining a vigorous research output even after retirement. At the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), he led a senior research group and continued publishing on topics such as the lipid barrier, hair growth, and skin biology until 2022. 

Prof. Wilhelm Stoffel initiated the annual Ernst Klenk Symposium Series in Molecular Medicine in 1982. A distinctive feature of the symposium is its mission to bridge basic science and clinical medicine, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting translational research. From its inception, the symposium earned high recognition from the scientific community for its excellence and relevance attracting leading scientists - including Nobel Laureates – as speakers and serving as a platform for scientific exchange and innovation. The symposium was renamed the CMMC Symposium in Molecular Medicine on the occasion of the CMMC’s 25^th anniversary in 2021, ensuring the continuation and enduring impact of Prof. Stoffel’s visionary commitment to advancing molecular medicine.

As a teacher, he was exceptional. Over 12,000 medical students attended his lectures - many spanning two generations. His charismatic teaching style, memorable exams, and commitment to student success left a lasting impression. He was both a challenging mentor and a generous guide, deeply invested in the development of young scientists.

His scientific legacy is equally reflected in his accolades. He was elected to the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 1968 and also belonged to the European Molecular Biology Organization, North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the German Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His many honors include:

• Heinrich Wieland Prize (1965)
• Otto Warburg Medal (1978)
• Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine (1990)
• Max Planck Research Prize (1992)
• Zülch Prize (1998)
• Honorary doctorates from the Universities of Hamburg (1992) and Cologne (2008)

With over 230 scientific publications, Prof. Stoffel's impact on international biochemistry is immense.

Beyond his academic and scientific brilliance, he was a deeply humane, modest, and sincere individual. A passionate communicator, his office was always open - a place of dialogue and innovation. He listened attentively, encouraged curiosity, and fostered a collaborative spirit. His students and colleagues describe him as honest, generous, and intellectually rigorous. Many now hold leading positions in research, a living testament to his mentorship.

With the passing of Prof. Wilhelm Stoffel, the University of Cologne, the CMMC, and the global scientific community have lost a great mind and a great human being - one who lived science with courage, humility, and passion.

A German-language obituary by the Center for Biochemistry (Medical Faculty, University of Cologne) can be found here.

CV of Prof. Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Wilhelm Stoffel