Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Koenig stands as a preeminent figure in cardiovascular medicine with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He currently holds the position of Senior Physician and Professor of Medicine/Cardiology at the German Heart Center Munich, affiliated with the Technical University of Munich. Prior to joining TUM in April 2015, he served as an Oberarzt at the University of Ulm Medical Center, where he established himself as a leader in clinical cardiology research. His extensive training and expertise in internal medicine and cardiology have positioned him at the forefront of cardiovascular disease research and treatment innovation.
Professor Koenig has made transformative contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, particularly through his pioneering research on the interrelationship between inflammation, hemostasis, and cardiovascular complications. His work has been fundamental in advancing the inflammation hypothesis of atherosclerosis, reshaping how the medical community understands cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. With an impressive publication record exceeding 900 peer-reviewed articles, he has consistently ranked among the most influential cardiovascular researchers globally, placing sixteenth among the most frequently cited German-speaking researchers in the field from 2008 to 2017. His leadership in major international clinical trials and epidemiological studies, including his former role as Director of the WHO-MONICA Augsburg Myocardial Infarction Register, has significantly advanced cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Beyond his research contributions, Professor Koenig maintains influential roles in the global cardiovascular community through his editorial positions with Clinical Chemistry and Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy. He serves on steering committees for multiple large-scale international randomized clinical trials that are evaluating innovative therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular disease. As Head of the Cardiometabolic Unit at the German Heart Center Munich and an established investigator with the Munich Heart Alliance, he continues to shape cardiovascular research directions and mentor the next generation of researchers. His ongoing work on the clinical pharmacology of cardiovascular active compounds and the development of novel biomarkers for cardiometabolic diseases ensures his continued impact on advancing cardiovascular medicine and improving patient outcomes.
