Dr. Csaba Szabó is a distinguished pharmacologist and internationally recognized expert in oxidative and nitrosative stress, gaseous transmitters, and cell death mechanisms. He currently serves as Director of the Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology and Chair of the Pharmacology Section at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, positions he has held since 2024 and 2018 respectively. A native of Győr, Hungary, Dr. Szabó earned his M.D. from Semmelweis University Medical School in Budapest in 1992 and subsequently completed his Ph.D. in pharmacology at the William Harvey Research Institute in London under Nobel Laureate Sir John Vane. His distinguished career spans multiple prestigious institutions including the University of Texas Medical Branch where he held the Laura B. McDaniel Chair, UMDNJ, and the University of Cincinnati, establishing him as a leading figure in translational pharmacology.
Dr. Szabó's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the biological roles of labile, diffusible molecules including nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide, with particular emphasis on their pathophysiological implications in inflammation and cellular injury. His seminal work on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase has transformed the field, demonstrating this enzyme's critical role in various pathophysiological processes from vascular injury to circulatory shock. Recognized by PLOS Biology in 2019 as one of the world's most cited researchers with over 93,000 citations, his contributions have established foundational knowledge in free radical biology and opened new therapeutic avenues. His innovative approach to repurposing clinically used PARP inhibitors for non-oncological diseases represents a paradigm shift in therapeutic strategy with significant potential clinical impact.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Szabó has profoundly influenced the scientific community through his extensive mentorship and leadership in advancing pharmacological research globally. His current work continues to bridge basic science with clinical applications, focusing on the therapeutic potential of PARP modulation in acute lung injury supported by the Swiss National Foundation. As an elected member of the Academy of Europe, he contributes to shaping scientific discourse across continental Europe. Dr. Szabó remains at the forefront of his field, leading his research group at the University of Fribourg in exploring novel therapeutic approaches that address critical unmet medical needs through innovative pharmacological interventions.
