# Manfred Claassen

> German biochemist and computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q91917016](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q91917016)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/manfred-claassen

## Summary
Manfred Claassen is a German biochemist and computer scientist specializing in computational biology and molecular systems biology. He has held significant academic positions at ETH Zurich and Stanford University, and is affiliated with the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. Claassen is recognized for bridging the gap between experimental biochemistry and computer science methodologies.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1977
- **Nationality:** German
- **Education:**
    - **Diplom, Biochemistry:** University of Tübingen (2000–2004)
    - **Diplom, Computer Science:** University of Tübingen (2001–2006)
    - **Doctor of Sciences:** ETH Zurich (2006–2010)
- **Known for:** Integrating computer science and biochemistry in the study of molecular systems.
- **Employer(s):**
    - University of Tübingen (2020–Present)
    - SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (2014–2019)
    - ETH Zurich (2006–2010; 2013–2019)
    - Stanford University (2011–2012)
- **Field(s):** Biochemistry, Computer Science

## Contributions
Manfred Claassen has established a career focused on the intersection of computer science and biochemistry. His academic contributions are marked by a rigorous dual background, holding "Diplom" degrees in both biochemistry and computer science from the University of Tübingen, which he completed in the mid-2000s.

Following his doctoral work at ETH Zurich, which concluded in 2010, Claassen expanded his research scope through a postdoctoral appointment at Stanford University in 2011 and 2012. He returned to ETH Zurich in 2013 as a researcher, concurrently affiliating with the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics in 2014. During this period, he was also associated with the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology. His professional trajectory demonstrates a sustained contribution to the field of molecular systems biology, utilizing computational approaches to solve biochemical problems. In 2020, he continued his academic career at the University of Tübingen.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Manfred Claassen's educational background?
A: Claassen holds Diplom degrees in both biochemistry and computer science from the University of Tübingen, as well as a Doctor of Sciences degree from ETH Zurich obtained in 2010.

### Q: Which institutions has Manfred Claassen worked for?
A: He has been employed by ETH Zurich (in two separate periods), Stanford University, the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, and currently the University of Tübingen.

### Q: What specific field does Manfred Claassen specialize in?
A: He specializes in the intersection of biochemistry and computer science, specifically within the domain of molecular systems biology.

## Why They Matter
Manfred Claassen represents a modern generation of scientists who integrate distinct disciplines to advance biological understanding. His specific combination of expertise—formal education in both biochemistry and computer science—allows for a unique approach to molecular systems biology that purely theoretical or purely experimental scientists cannot achieve alone.

His career trajectory through elite institutions such as ETH Zurich, Stanford University, and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics underscores the value of his interdisciplinary skill set. By moving between these major research hubs, Claassen has contributed to the computational analysis of complex biological data, a critical component in modern life sciences. His return to the University of Tübingen in 2020 signifies his ongoing role in academia, likely influencing the next generation of bioinformaticians and systems biologists.

## Notable For
- **Dual Discipline Expertise:** Achieving degrees in both biochemistry and computer science simultaneously during his undergraduate/graduate studies.
- **Doctor of Sciences:** Earning his doctorate from the prestigious ETH Zurich in 2010.
- **International Research Experience:** Holding positions at major institutions in Switzerland (ETH Zurich, SIB) and the United States (Stanford University).
- **Institute of Molecular Systems Biology:** Serving as a member of the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at ETH Zurich from 2013 to 2020.

## Body

### Education and Early Training
Manfred Claassen laid a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary career at the University of Tübingen. Between October 2000 and December 2004, he pursued a Diplom in Biochemistry. Concurrently, from April 2001 to July 2006, he studied for a Diplom in Computer Science. This dual focus equipped him with the necessary skills to bridge wet-lab science and computational analysis.

He subsequently pursued a Doctor of Sciences degree at ETH Zurich. This program ran from September 1, 2006, to May 12, 2010.

### Academic Appointments and Affiliations
Claassen's career is characterized by movement between leading research institutions:
- **ETH Zurich (2006–2010):** His initial tenure coincided with his doctoral studies.
- **Stanford University (2011–2012):** Following his PhD, he moved to the United States to work at Stanford University for two years.
- **ETH Zurich and SIB (2013–2019):** He returned to Switzerland in January 2013, remaining until December 2019. During this period (starting June 2014), he was also employed by the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. He was affiliated with the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology during this time.
- **University of Tübingen (2020–Present):** In January 2020, he commenced his current role at the University of Tübingen.

### Identifiers and Recognition
Claassen is listed under several authoritative scientific identifiers, confirming his standing in the academic community:
- **GND ID:** 1021992437
- **VIAF ID:** 316464117
- **Scopus Author ID:** 26640261400
- **SNSF Person ID:** 583676

## References

1. [ORCID Public Data File 2021](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-4583-9083/education/10612385)
2. [ORCID Public Data File 2021](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-4583-9083/education/10612390)
3. [ORCID Public Data File 2021](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-4583-9083/education/10612399)
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-4583-9083/employment/10611704)
6. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-4583-9083/employment/10611740)
7. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-4583-9083/employment/10611753)
8. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-4583-9083/employment/10611798)
9. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-4583-9083/employment/10611836)
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-4583-9083/external-identifiers/1668957)
12. [Source](https://imsb.ethz.ch/the-institute/history.html)