Professor Michael W. Pfaffl is a distinguished molecular biologist and internationally recognized authority in quantitative molecular analysis techniques at the forefront of molecular diagnostics innovation. He currently serves as Professor of Molecular Physiology at the Technical University of Munich's School of Life Sciences in Freising-Weihenstephan where he leads pioneering research at the intersection of physiology and nucleic acid quantification. Following his doctoral studies in Physiology at TUM completed in 1997 and habilitation in 2003, he was appointed to his current professorship in 2010. His academic journey began at TUM in 1986 where he established himself as a transformative researcher in gene expression analysis, eventually founding bioMCC - Bioscience Marketing Communication Consulting to advance scientific communication in molecular diagnostics.
Professor Pfaffl's groundbreaking contributions to quantitative real-time PCR methodology have fundamentally transformed molecular diagnostic standards worldwide through his development of the Pfaffl method for relative quantification in real-time RT-PCR. His seminal 2001 paper introducing this mathematical model has garnered over 37,500 citations, establishing it as the gold standard for accurate gene expression analysis across laboratories globally. He further revolutionized the field through his instrumental role in creating the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines that ensure reproducibility and data integrity in nucleic acid-based assays. These contributions have been cited collectively over 105,000 times across his 380+ peer-reviewed publications, reflecting their profound impact on molecular biology research methodology and their adoption as international standards in both academic and clinical diagnostic settings.
Beyond his methodological innovations, Professor Pfaffl has significantly shaped the global molecular diagnostics community through his leadership in international scientific conferences and his role as Corporate Officer at TATAA Biocenter AB where he influences quality control standards across the pharmaceutical industry. His ongoing research continues to advance the field through investigations into extracellular vesicles and nucleic acid-based biomarkers for non-physiological conditions, bridging fundamental physiology with clinical applications. As founder of the Gene Quantification initiative and editor of the associated resource platform, he maintains his commitment to education and standardization in molecular diagnostics, providing essential resources for researchers worldwide. His current work focuses on refining liquid biopsy techniques and developing novel molecular signatures for health monitoring, positioning his laboratory at the forefront of next-generation diagnostic methodologies with significant implications for personalized medicine and animal welfare assessment.
