Professor at Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.
Dr. Michael Steinert is a distinguished Professor of Microbiology at the Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany, and Managing Director of its Institute for Microbiology. With a PhD in Microbiology from Universität Würzburg under Prof. Jörg Hacker, Dr. Steinert’s career has spanned globally, including postdoctoral work at the CDC, USA. His research on microbial pathogenicity, particularly Legionella pneumophila, has significantly impacted the fields of infection biology and microbial systems. He is a Flying Faculty Member at Türk-Alman Üniversitesi, Istanbul, and active in numerous advisory and graduate education boards. A recognized leader in microbial research, education, and international collaboration, Dr. Steinert is a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award, embodying excellence in scientific inquiry, mentorship, and international engagement.
Professional Profiles
Scopus
ORCID
Education 
Dr. Michael Steinert began his academic journey with a Biology degree at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany (1992–1995). During his studies, he conducted his diploma thesis under Prof. Jörg Hacker and was awarded a Max-Buchner Research Scholarship. He pursued his doctoral research in Microbiology at Universität Würzburg (1992–1996), again under Prof. Hacker’s mentorship. His PhD focused on bacterial pathogenicity, laying the foundation for his lifelong research interest in microbial virulence and host-pathogen interactions. His academic excellence and early exposure to high-impact microbiological research prepared him for an internationally recognized career, including postdoctoral training at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, where he deepened his expertise in infectious disease microbiology.
Professional Experience
Dr. Steinert’s professional trajectory spans nearly three decades of academic and research excellence. After his postdoctoral fellowship at the CDC (1996–1998), he became Group Leader (1998–2003) and Privatdozent (2003–2007) at Universität Würzburg. He was appointed Professor of Microbiology at TU Braunschweig in 2007, where he now serves as Managing Director of the Institute. His roles include ERASMUS+ coordinator, Flying Faculty Member in Istanbul, and voting member of the Faculty of Life Sciences. His experience extends to advisory roles in top institutions like HZI and DSMZ. He has organized international workshops and led innovative teaching projects. His broad-ranging leadership in research, teaching, and policy development demonstrates unmatched dedication and qualifies him as a leader in his field.
Research Focus 🔍
Dr. Steinert’s research centers on infection biology, microbial pathogenesis, and host-pathogen interactions. His work on Legionella pneumophila has unveiled critical molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial survival and virulence, influencing both academic research and public health strategies. He employs systems biology and molecular techniques to dissect microbial behavior in complex environments, including intracellular survival and communication. His research contributes to risk profiling, therapeutic targeting, and the understanding of microbial natural products. As a member of the Braunschweiger Zentrum für Systembiologie (BRICS) and co-leader in several interdisciplinary initiatives, Dr. Steinert advances translational research with real-world applications. His integration of research and teaching, along with global collaborations, reinforces his status as a frontrunner in microbiological sciences.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Michael Steinert has earned prestigious roles and recognitions throughout his career. He received the Max-Buchner Research Scholarship during his early academic years and was later invited for a competitive postdoctoral position at the CDC, Atlanta. His successful habilitation in 2003 on Legionella pneumophila pathogenicity marked him as a leading authority in infection biology. He has been elected to multiple scientific boards, including DSMZ and HZI Graduate School, underscoring his impact on national science strategy. His roles in international education, such as ERASMUS+ and ProDiGi, reflect his dedication to global scientific exchange. While not awards in the traditional sense, these appointments and trust by high-ranking institutions highlight sustained excellence, leadership, and recognition across the microbiological research community.
Conclusion 
Highly Suitable for the Best Researcher Award.
Professor Steinert’s career reflects a well-rounded, deeply committed researcher who not only advances microbiological science but also strengthens global academic networks and inspires future scientists. His profile aligns strongly with the values and expectations of this award.
Publications to Noted
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🦠 Studies on the uptake and intracellular replication of Legionella pneumophila in protozoa and in macrophage-like cells – 1994 – cited ~? – pioneering insights into host–pathogen dynamics mdpi.com+11academic.oup.com+11onlinelibrary.wiley.com+11
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🌊 Legionella pneumophila: an aquatic microbe goes astray – 2002 – cited ~361 times – comprehensive review of environmental and clinical roles research.com+2onlinelibrary.wiley.com+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2
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🧬 Virulence properties of the Legionella pneumophila cell envelope – 2011 – cited ? – analysis of cell envelope mediators in host interaction frontiersin.org
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🧪 Zinc metalloprotease ProA of Legionella pneumophila increases alveolar septal thickness in human lung tissue explants by collagen IV degradation – 2021 – cited ~8 – functional study on ProA and lung tissue effects academic.oup.com+6onlinelibrary.wiley.com+6mdpi.com+6
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🧫 Protein sociology of ProA, Mip and other secreted virulence factors at the Legionella pneumophila surface – 2023 – cited ? – interactomics of Legionella surface proteins frontiersin.org+1ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
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💧 Characterization of Legionella pneumophila Populations by MLVA Genotyping…West Bank – 2020 – cited ? – epidemiological genotyping of environmental strains mdpi.com