The renowned hematologist and expert in clinical trials will further expand the organization’s international research strategy and accelerate the translation of scientific innovation into improved patient care.
Tuebingen, July 1, 2026 – DKMS has created the new position of Global Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and has named Professor Dr. Johannes Schetelig to this role, effective July 1, 2026. With this strategic step, the international nonprofit organization is strengthening its scientific leadership and further integrating its global research and innovation activities to advance stem cell transplantation and improve treatment outcomes and cure rates for people with blood cancer and other disorders of the blood-forming system.
As Global CSO, Professor Schetelig will further develop the organization’s scientific strategy, drive its worldwide clinical research activities, and represent the organization within the international scientific and medical community. A key priority will be expanding new research initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in India, South Africa, and Chile.
“Every advance in blood cancer research has the potential to save lives. As Global CSO, I will bring together the scientific expertise across DKMS and strengthen international research collaborations to translate new discoveries into tangible improvements for patients around the world more quickly,” said Schetelig.
Internationally Recognized Expert in Stem Cell Transplantation
Professor Schetelig is Professor of Stem Cell Transplantation at TU Dresden and one of Europe’s leading experts in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies. Since 2013, he has served as Director of Clinical Research at the DKMS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) in Dresden. Under his leadership, the CTU has evolved into an internationally connected research platform for independent clinical trials in stem cell transplantation. The unit initiates and coordinates major multicenter studies (ASAP1, HAMLET2, GRAPPA3) and advances research in transplant medicine in close collaboration with the Collaborative Biobank (CoBi) and the DKMS Life Science Lab. DKMS funds these research projects.
In addition, Professor Schetelig serves on the executive boards of the German Working Group for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (DAG-HSZT) and the German Registry for Stem Cell Transplantation (DRST), as well as on several other national and international scientific committees.
“The appointment of Johannes Schetelig as Global Chief Scientific Officer further strengthens our position as a trusted partner within the global scientific and healthcare community. With more than two decades of experience in hematology, transplantation medicine, and clinical research, he brings the ideal combination of scientific excellence, international collaboration, and strategic leadership to drive our research strategy forward,” said Dr. Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of the DKMS Group.
With the creation of the Global Chief Scientific Officer position, DKMS is placing an even stronger emphasis on research, clinical development, and scientific innovation at the heart of its global mission to give as many patients as possible around the world a second chance at life.
References
1. Stelljes, M. et al. Disease risk but not remission status determines transplant outcomes in AML: long-term outcomes of the ASAP trial. Blood 2025; 146 (19): 2293-2305. doi: 10.1182/blood.2025028730.
2. Stölzel, F. et al. The Randomized Controlled Trial shows no Survival Difference between HAploidentical Related and Single HLA-Loci Mismatched UnreLatEd Donor Transplantation in Patients with High Risk AML/ALL/MDS. Presented at DGHO 2025, Cologne, October, 24th-27th, P492. Available here (last accessed June 2026).
3. Stelljes, M. et al. GVHD prophylaxis including ATG remains standard of care for HLA-compatible unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation: Results from a large randomized controlled trial comparing ATG and PTCy. Presented at EHA 2026, Stockholm, June, 11th-14th. Available here (last accessed June 2026).
About DKMS
DKMS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of patients with blood cancer and blood disorders. It was founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf and has since worked to ensure that more and more patients receive a lifesaving stem cell donation. More than 13 million potential donors are registered with DKMS, and to date, the organization has facilitated more than 135,000 blood stem cell donations. In addition to Germany, DKMS is active in the U.S., Poland, the U.K., Chile, India, and South Africa. Through international projects and support programs, DKMS provides even more people worldwide with access to lifesaving therapy. In addition, DKMS is committed to advancing medicine, science, and research to improve patients’ chances of recovery. In its state-of-the-art laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organization sets global standards in the typing of potential stem cell donors to find the perfect match for a transplant.