Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. Wilhelm Stoffel - Curriculum Vitae
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.
Education and professional career
1967 - 1995: Professor of Biochemistry, Director of the Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne
1964: Visiting Professor Rockefeller University New York
1962: University lectureship (Habilitation), University of Cologne
1961 - 1962: Research Associate, Biochemistry, University of Cologne
1959 - 1961: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Biochemistry, ETH Zurich
1959: Ph.D. Chemistry, Rockefeller University New York and University of Cologne
1957 - 1959: Research associate, The Rockefeller University, New York
1957: Diploma, Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Bonn and Stockholm
1953 - 1957: Chemistry, University of Bonn
1952: M. D. degree, Institute of Biochemistry, university of Cologne
1951: Research fellow: Inst. of Biochemistry, University of Uppsala,
1947 - 1952: Medicine, University of Cologne
1938 - 1947: Staatlisches Apostel - Gymnasium, Cologne
Awards, distinctions and professional activities
1998: International Prize for Translational Neuoscience, Max Planck Society
1994: Fogarthy International Scholar
1993 - 1997: Member of the German-American Academic Council
1993 - 1996: Founder and Acting chairman of the First German Interdisciplinary Center of Molecular Medicine (ZMMK, CMMC)
1993: Max-Planck-Forschungspreis
1990: Ernst Jung Preis für Medizin
1984: Rheinisch-Westfälische Akademie der Wissenschaften
1981 - 1983: Gesellschaft für Biologische Chemie, President
1981: Founder of the First Graduate College under the auspices of the Fritz-Thyssen Foundation
1981: Preis der Therapiewoche
1980 - 2002: Scientific Advisory Board Fritz-Thyssen Foundation
1980: European Molecular Biology Organization
1978: Otto Warburg Medal, Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie
1978: Feldberg Prize, Feldberg Foundation, London
1968: Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina
1965: Heinrich-Wieland-Preis