The fast and the curious – optimized development of high performing AAV vectors

Prof. Grimm is an expert in AAV vector design and engineering who pioneered the use of molecular evolution technologies for generation of AAV capsids with altered cell specificities and other improved properties. Located in the BioQuant building in the center of the Heidelberg University life sciences campus, his large team of scientists and technicians exploits these technologies to create novel AAV vectors for human gene therapies of diseases such as infection with viral or parasital pathogens, or of monogenic disorders affecting major organs such as skeletal muscle, heart or lung. Documented in over 80 peer-reviewed publications. Prof. Grimm is an integral member of several comprehensive and international research consortia such as the EU H2020 program MYOCURE, in which he and his team essentially contribute to the preclinical and clinical development of novel AAV-based human gene therapies.

Dr. Schaffer is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and Neuroscience at University of California, Berkeley, where he also serves as the Director of the Berkeley Stem Cell Center and the Director of QB3-Berkeley.

Dr. Schaffer applies engineering principles to enhance stem cell and gene therapy approaches for neuroregeneration. This work includes mechanistic investigation of stem cell control, as well as molecular evolution and engineering of viral gene delivery vehicles. David Schaffer has received an NSF CAREER Award, Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, Whitaker Foundation Young Investigator Award, and was named a Technology Review Top 100 Innovator. He was also awarded the American Chemical Society BIOT Division Young Investigator Award in 2006, the Biomedical Engineering Society Rita Shaffer Young Investigator Award in 2000 and was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering in 2010.