Else Kroener Seniorprofessor of Paediatrics, LMU University of Munich, Germany
Prof. Dr. Berthold V. Koletzko is a world-renowned expert in paediatrics, currently serving as the Else Kröner-Seniorprofessor of Paediatrics at LMU Munich’s Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital. With over 1200 scientific publications and 46 books, his work has significantly shaped child nutrition, metabolic health, and disease prevention. His contributions span a global network, having collaborated with numerous international research organizations, including the European Commission and WHO. Prof. Koletzko has received several prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Service Award from ESPGHAN and the Honorary Membership with Distinction of the Colombian Society for Neonatology. He is also a founding member of the Stiftung Kindergesundheit, a charitable foundation dedicated to promoting child health. He holds various leadership roles, including President of the European Academy of Paediatrics and Treasurer of the Biomedical Alliance in Europe. His research has influenced global child health policy and practices.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
- Outstanding Academic and Research Contributions:
- Prof. Berthold V. Koletzko is a globally recognized leader in the fields of pediatric nutrition, metabolic health, and disease prevention.
- With over 1,200 scientific journal articles, 250 book chapters, and 46 books/monographs, Prof. Koletzko’s impact on pediatric health research is profound.
- His H-index of 101 (Web of Science) and 145 (Google Scholar) reflect his long-standing, high-quality research that has significantly advanced the field. Additionally, his 39,427 citations (Web of Science) and 82,549 citations (Google Scholar) further underline his global influence.
- Prof. Koletzko’s research addresses critical topics such as infant nutrition, the role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, breastfeeding, and obesity, making his work foundational in shaping evidence-based child health policies.
- Recognized as a World Expert:
- He has been named the highest-ranked German researcher in pediatrics in 2024 by Research.com, with a D-Index of 130 and an extensive citation record.
- He has been awarded numerous prestigious honors such as the Distinguished Service Award by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) in 2024, the Honorary Membership with Distinction of the Colombian Society for Neonatology, and the Great Medal of Honor from the University of Rzeszow, Poland.
- Expertscape and Web of Science classify him as a World Expert in “Milk” and “Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena,” placing him in the top 0.01% of researchers globally in his areas of expertise.
- Leadership and Mentorship:
- Prof. Koletzko has held pivotal roles in multiple professional societies such as President of the European Academy of Paediatrics, Treasurer of the Biomedical Alliance in Europe, and Past President of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).
- His leadership extends beyond academia into policy advisory roles, having advised bodies like the European Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), and the German Federal Government on critical child health and nutrition issues.
- Research Funding and Impact:
- Prof. Koletzko’s research has been supported by approximately €20 million over a decade from prestigious organizations such as the EU Framework Research Programmes, German Research Council, NIH, and others, emphasizing the importance and impact of his work.
- His studies have contributed directly to global clinical guidelines and health strategies on infant nutrition, including the development of global standards for infant formula composition, and recommendations on the roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy and infancy.
- Charitable and Public Health Engagement:
- Prof. Koletzko’s Stiftung Kindergesundheit (Child Health Foundation) has made a tangible difference in child health through primary school and kindergarten health promotion programs, reaching more than 200,000 children annually in Germany and Austria. This reflects his dedication to applying his research for public benefit, directly impacting child health policy and practice on a national scale.
Areas for Improvement:
While Prof. Koletzko’s credentials and accomplishments are remarkable, there are a few areas in which further attention could enhance his already exceptional profile:
- Expanding Collaborative Networks Beyond Europe and North America:
- Although his work has significantly influenced research in Europe and North America, expanding international collaborations, especially in emerging regions with high pediatric health needs (e.g., Africa, South Asia), could further broaden the global impact of his research.
- More cross-border partnerships could help address regional disparities in child nutrition and health outcomes.
- Increased Focus on Translational Research:
- Although Prof. Koletzko’s work has led to clinical guidelines and policy recommendations, increased focus on the direct translation of research findings into clinical practices in diverse healthcare settings could enhance the practical application of his research, especially in low-resource settings.
- Developing scalable interventions based on his research could help in implementing nutrition strategies in communities with limited access to healthcare.
- Leveraging Emerging Technologies:
- With the growing importance of big data, artificial intelligence, and genomics, Prof. Koletzko could consider integrating these technologies into his research. For example, leveraging genetic and epigenetic data in pediatric nutrition studies could provide even more personalized insights into child health.
Education
Prof. Koletzko’s education spans multiple continents and disciplines. He was trained in paediatrics at various renowned institutions, starting with Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg-Soweto, South Africa, and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania. He further advanced his expertise at the Children’s Hospitals of the Universities of Düsseldorf, Germany, and Toronto, Canada. Prof. Koletzko holds multiple degrees, including Dr. med., Dr. med. habil. (MD, PhD), and honorary degrees such as Dr. h.c. mult. His academic journey reflects a global perspective on paediatrics and child health, with an emphasis on metabolic and nutritional sciences. His extensive training has provided him with a deep understanding of child development, clinical practice, and research methodologies, empowering him to address critical health challenges in paediatrics. His academic career has also included leadership roles, mentoring future generations of clinicians and researchers.
Research Focus
Prof. Koletzko’s research focuses on the metabolic and nutritional determinants of child health, with a special emphasis on disease prevention. His work explores the role of nutrition in early life, particularly in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of breast milk, infant formula, and complementary feeding in shaping infant health and long-term development. His research also delves into the impact of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) on pregnancy, lactation, and infancy. Prof. Koletzko’s studies extend to the genetic and environmental factors influencing nutrition and health in children, making his work a cornerstone in paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. His research has been widely cited globally and continues to shape public health policies, especially in child nutrition and preventive healthcare.
Publications
- Enteral nutrient supply for preterm infants 🌱👶
- Breast-feeding and childhood obesity—a systematic review 🍼🍔
- Complementary feeding: a commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition 🍲🍼
- Breast feeding and obesity: cross-sectional study 🍼👶
- Guidelines on paediatric parenteral nutrition 💉🍽️
- Breast-feeding: A commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition 🍼📚
- The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy 🧑🍼🍼
- Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to age 2 y 🍼📉
- Global standard for the composition of infant formula 🌍🍼
- Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women 🥑🤰
- Common genetic variants of the FADS1 FADS2 gene cluster and their impact on fatty acid composition 🧬🍴
- How much loss to follow-up is acceptable in long-term randomized trials? 📊📉
- Dietary products for treatment and prevention of food allergies in infants 🍞🥛
- Nutrition in adolescents: physiology, metabolism, and nutritional needs 🍏🧑🎓
- Maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, and pregnancy complications 🤰⚖️
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy and childhood obesity 🚬🍔
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and perinatal development 🍼🧠
Conclusion:
Prof. Berthold V. Koletzko is an exceptional candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, extensive research contributions, leadership in global health, and dedication to improving child health worldwide set him apart as a true leader in his field. His remarkable citation record, recognition as a world expert, and ongoing influence on pediatric nutrition policy underscore the significance of his work. While there are areas for potential growth, such as expanding global collaborations and focusing more on translational research, Prof. Koletzko’s overall body of work is groundbreaking and truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.