Fabian Theis is among the internationally renowned researchers in the field of computational biology. A focus of his work is on machine and deep learning methods for analyzing and modeling biomedical data, especially from single-cell genomics.

With AI-based methods and software ecosystems such as Scanpy, CellRank, and moscot, large amounts of single-cell data can be systematically analyzed. Instead of merely considering static average values of different cells, cell states can be differentiated and developmental processes can be spatially and temporally investigated.

The DGKL particularly honors Theis for his work in AI-supported omics medicine, single-cell and cell atlas research, as well as in the analysis of high-dimensional genomic and transcriptomic data.

From cell atlases to the virtual cell

Theis also plays an important role in the international Human Cell Atlas, which creates reference maps of human cells. Such cell atlases are intended to help understand differences between healthy and diseased tissue in more detail and thus identify new approaches for diagnostics and therapy.

The research increasingly extends from analyzing existing data to predicting biological processes. A long-term vision is the development of a "virtual cell": Generative AI models are expected to simulate cellular reactions to changes like drugs or mutations on the computer.

In the future, AI could thus help plan biological experiments more precisely, better understand mechanisms of action, and identify new biomarkers for medical diagnostics. Theis has also recently highlighted the connection between AI models and experimental biology at BAIOSPHERE events.

Award for AI-supported omics medicine

The Award for Biochemical Analytics is considered, according to the DGKL, one of the significant medico-scientific awards in Germany. It recognizes methodological advances and scientific insights in biochemical and molecular analytics. The award, sponsored by Sarstedt, is endowed with 50,000 euros . In 2026, Fabian Theis and protein biochemist John D. Lambris were awarded.

The award ceremony took place on September 30 at the Congress Center Hamburg as part of the MedLabAwards at the start of the German Congress for Laboratory Medicine.

Chairman of the Bavarian AI Council

In addition to his scientific work, Theis also contributes to the strategic development of the Bavarian AI ecosystem. As Chairman of the Bavarian AI Council, he, together with other experts, advises the Bavarian State Government on AI strategy and sets impulses for the BAIOSPHERE.

We warmly congratulate Fabian Theis on the Award for Biochemical Analytics 2026 and on this special recognition of his AI research for biomedicine and personalized medicine.