The reappointment, a joint decision by the University of Vienna’s Rector Sebastian Schütze and the Medical University of Vienna’s Rector Markus Müller, reflects their confidence in Alwin Köhler’s leadership and vision as well as his dedication to advancing science, education and the continued growth of the institute.
Since taking on the role of scientific director in 2020, Alwin Köhler has led the Max Perutz Labs through significant changes. Under his leadership, the institute has redefined its mission to emphasize the analysis and reconstitution of complex biological systems across temporal and spatial scales. To support this shift, the Perutz’s talent pool has expanded, with the addition of four full professors and five tenure-track group leaders since 2020.
Reflecting on the institute’s development over the past four years, Alwin Köhler remarked, “It’s clear that to remain at the forefront, we must constantly move forward. As in curiosity-driven research, the path isn’t predefined; we must anticipate the future and stay ahead. This process, much like an experiment, is a creative endeavor, balancing calculated risks with scientific rigor. We must honor our strengths while embracing new perspectives.”
Alwin Köhler, a biochemist and cell biologist, has worked with the Perutz leadership team to strategically position the institute for future success. This included securing increased funding and modernizing scientific facilities, as well as establishing a mentoring program for junior group leaders, which garnered recognition from the Scientific Advisory Board. Köhler also oversaw renovations to the institute’s infrastructure that foster scientific collaboration, as well as numerous scientific outreach efforts, including the “Breathing at High Altitude Exhibition” highlighting Max Perutz’s life and work.
His vision for the Max Perutz Labs is to strengthen its reputation as an internationally leading research institute, renowned for its focus on mechanistic biomedicine. The Perutz aims to attract the very best scientists at all career stages and promote excellence in research and teaching, while fostering a culture of collegiality and scientific integrity.
“I am privileged and honored to continue serving as scientific director of the Max Perutz Labs,” said Alwin Köhler. “It’s a true pleasure to collaborate with our exceptional researchers and staff and my leadership team. I remain committed to advancing the scientific excellence that reflects Max Perutz’s intellectual legacy. After four rewarding years, I look forward with great anticipation to the next chapter in the Perutz story.”
Alwin Köhler is an ERC investigator, NOMIS researcher, EMBO member, member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and a Moore Distinguished Scholar at Caltech. His research group studies the cell nucleus, focusing on the nuclear envelope, nuclear pores and chromatin.