Herbert Tilg is a distinguished Austrian medical scientist and leading authority in gastroenterology and hepatology. He currently serves as University Professor and Director of the University Clinic for Internal Medicine I at the Medical University of Innsbruck, where he has held this leadership position since 2012. Born on August 4, 1962 in Zams, Tyrol, he completed his secondary education at the Gymnasium Landeck and earned his medical degree from the Leopold-Franzens-University in Innsbruck between 1980 and 1986. His clinical training culminated in board certification as a specialist in internal medicine in 1992, followed by additional certifications in gastroenterology and hepatology in 1996, oncology in 1997, and intensive care medicine in 2001.
Professor Tilg's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced the understanding of chronic inflammation and inflammatory mediators such as cytokines in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. His pioneering work on fatty liver disease has provided critical insights into the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic disorders with hepatic inflammation, establishing new paradigms for diagnosis and treatment approaches. His investigations into chronic inflammatory bowel diseases have significantly contributed to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies that modulate the immune response while preserving essential gastrointestinal functions. The profound impact of his scholarly contributions is evidenced by his recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher in Clinical Medicine in 2023, placing him among the top 1% of researchers globally based on citation impact.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Tilg has been instrumental in shaping the global discourse on gastrointestinal inflammation through his role as co-editor of the prestigious journal GUT since 2009. He leads the CD Laboratory for Inflammation Research in Gastroenterological Diseases, fostering translational research that bridges basic science with clinical applications. His leadership extends to the Department of Internal Medicine, where he oversees specialized clinics including gastroenterology, hepatology, endocrinology, and metabolism services at the Innsbruck University Hospital. Professor Tilg continues to advance innovative approaches to inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions, with his current research focusing on personalized treatment strategies for fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disorders, positioning his work at the forefront of precision medicine in gastroenterology.
