Lothar Rink

RWTH Aachen University - DE

Dr. Lothar Rink (Professor, Aachen University) is a leading expert in the immunobiology of zinc. He has made seminal contributions to understanding zinc’s essential role as a gatekeeper of immune function, including its involvement in intracellular signalling pathways, regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, and modulation of T-cell responses. His influential reviews and studies highlight how zinc deficiency impairs immunity, while supplementation can restore balance, particularly in aging immune systems and nutritional immunity contexts.

Dr. Rink boasts an exceptionally strong publication record in zinc biology, with numerous high-impact papers advancing our understanding of zinc homeostasis, signalling, transporters, and their roles in immunity, physiology, and disease. He has made significant contributions to ISZB, including as serving as past-president (2019-2021) and actively organizing meetings, committees, and society initiatives that have fostered the field’s growth and visibility. Moreover, he has demonstrated outstanding commitment to training and mentoring the next generation, guiding numerous students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers through his lab, with collaborative projects, and in society activities, thereby ensuring the continued vitality and innovation in zinc biology.