Dr Franziska Schneider-Warme, group leader at the Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine at the University Medical Centre Freiburg and researcher at the Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS) Cluster of Excellencein, was presented with the first ever Medical Scientist Award at the Heart Days conference of the German Society of Cardiology (DGK) in Hamburg at the end of September. The prize is endowed with €100,000 and supports her project ‘STOP-VT – Exploring Strategies for Optogenetic Termination of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia,’ which investigates new treatment approaches for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The team uses the method of optogenetics, which allows the electrical activity of the heart to be precisely controlled with light. 

‘This award is a great recognition for my team and our joint work,’ says Schneider-Warme. ‘It gives us the opportunity to develop new ways to treat dangerous cardiac arrhythmias without damaging the heart tissue.’

Research into new ways to treat cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become unbalanced. Particularly dangerous are disturbances in the heart chambers, known as ventricular tachyarrhythmias, which can lead to cardiac arrest. In the STOP-VT project, the research team is using light pulses to investigate how such malfunctions can be specifically terminated. These findings will form the basis for gentler, more precise therapies in the future, thereby improving the treatment of patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias.

CIBSS profile of Dr. Franziska Schneider-Warme

Original press release Medical Center of the University Freiburg