Strengthening Scientific Leadership Across DKMS: Johannes Schetelig Appointed Global Chief Scientific Officer
With this appointment, we are strengthening scientific leadership across our international organization and creating a dedicated role to further connect research, clinical development, innovation, and patient impact across all DKMS entities.
For more than three decades, DKMS has worked alongside healthcare professionals worldwide to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancer and blood disorders. Scientific progress has always been central to this mission. Today, our activities extend far beyond donor registration and providing stem cell donors, encompassing clinical research, cell therapy, biobanking, data science, and translational research. The establishment of the Global CSO role reflects the growing importance of these activities and our commitment to translating scientific advances into meaningful benefits for patients.
Johannes Schetelig brings extensive experience to this position. He is a hematologist, transplant physician, and Professor of Stem Cell Transplantation at the TU Dresden. He has served as Director of Clinical Research at DKMS and has led our Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) since 2013, which he will continue to do alongside his new responsibilities. Over more than two decades, Johannes has built an international reputation in hematology, stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, and clinical research. He has led numerous national and international studies and is actively involved in scientific organizations and working groups across Europe and beyond.
As Global CSO, Johannes will guide the scientific strategy of the DKMS Group and foster closer collaboration across our research entities, including our Clinical Trials Unit, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, and other scientific programs. He will also serve as a key scientific advisor to the global leadership team of DKMS and represent the organization within the international scientific and medical community.
A particular focus will be on advancing international clinical research and expanding scientific initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in India, South Africa, and Chile. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen global collaboration, generate evidence in diverse healthcare settings, and contribute to improving access to innovative therapies for patients worldwide.
“Scientific progress and collaboration are essential to improving outcomes for patients with blood cancer and other serious hematologic diseases,” says Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of the DKMS Group. “Johannes combines scientific excellence, international recognition, and strategic leadership. His appointment will help us further strengthen our role within the global scientific and healthcare community and accelerate the translation of research into better care for patients.”
Looking ahead, Johannes will work closely with colleagues across all DKMS entities to identify opportunities for collaboration, connect scientific expertise, and advance research initiatives that have the potential to improve survival and quality of life for patients around the world.
“One of the great strengths of DKMS is the breadth of scientific expertise across our organization. By connecting these capabilities even more closely, we can create new opportunities for research and generate knowledge that ultimately benefits patients. I also see great potential in expanding clinical research activities in regions where research opportunities remain underrepresented,” says Johannes Schetelig.
By creating the role of Global Chief Scientific Officer, we are reaffirming our commitment to science, innovation, and international collaboration, helping to give more patients with blood cancer and blood disorders a second chance at life.
Current Research Results
