Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB

Amann, Ralf Dr.

Deputy Head of Medical Biotechnology Division, Head of Virus-based Therapies, Biberach

Dr. Ralf Amann is an immunologist focusing on viral vector platforms, vaccines, and translational research. His career took him through the Friedrich Loeffler Institute and subsequently the University of Tübingen and Tübingen University Hospital, including several years at Prof. Hans-Georg Rammensee’s institute. He advanced Orf virus (ORFV) vectors from preclinical research to first clinical application in humans, linking vector engineering, immunology, and process development.

At the turn of the year 2025/2026, he joined Fraunhofer IGB to take over as head of research in the field of virus-based technologies and therapies in Stuttgart and Biberach.

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    • Viral vector platforms (incl. poxvirus vectors)
    • Vaccine development and immunogenicity profiling
    • Translational research: from preclinical development to early clinical application
    • GMP-oriented process development and manufacturing readiness (USP/bioprocess)
    • Vector optimization and platform engineering
    • Tumor vaccines and immune-based cancer therapies
    • Oncolytic viruses and virus-based immunotherapy concepts
    • Immunology of virus–host interactions and antigen presentation

  • Scientific and professional career
    Since 2025 Deputy Head of Medical Biotechnology Division | Head of Virus-based Therapies, Biberach | Group Manager Bioprocess Engineering USP at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
    2019 – present Co-founder, CEO & CSO, Prime Vector Technologies GmbH
    2019 – present Group Leader “Viral Vector Vaccines", University of Tübingen / Tübingen University Hospital, Institute of Immunology
    2014 – 2018 Junior Research Group Leader “Orf Virus Vector Vaccines”, University of Tübingen, Institute of Immunology
    2008 – 2014 PhD (Dr. rer. nat.), University of Tübingen, Institute of Immunology & Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Institute of Immunology
    2002 – 2008 Diploma in Biology, University of Tübingen & University of Oslo

    • Excellence in Technology Transfer Award, Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) (2023)
    • 2nd place, Science4Life Business Plan Competition (2020)
    • Award winner, Science2Start (2013, 2016)