In memory of Dr Frank Misselwitz

The German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) mourns the loss of Dr Frank Misselwitz, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 68. He was a member of the DZHK's Scientific Advisory Board from the very beginning and shaped it for many years with his perspective from clinical research and industry.

Thomas Eschenhagen, former spokesperson for the DZHK Executive Board, recalls: ‘I always found Frank Misselwitz to be an attentive, friendly person who always expressed criticism in a constructive and positive manner. With his attitude and expertise, he played a decisive role in ensuring that we set the right course at the DZHK right from the start.’

Misselwitz worked at Bayer for many years, where he headed clinical development in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis. Under his leadership, the anticoagulant rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) was developed, which is now used worldwide. For this achievement, he and his colleagues were awarded the German Future Prize by the Federal President in 2009.

In his memory, Bayer has established the Frank Misselwitz Memorial Award for Excellence in Thrombosis Research. The one-time prize is endowed with €20,000 and is aimed at outstanding young scientists in the field of thrombosis research in German-speaking countries. Selection is based on nominations according to the criteria of the Bayer Thrombosis Research Award. Nominations can be submitted until 12 October 2025. Further information can be found on the Bayer Foundation website.

The DZHK will honour Frank Misselwitz's memory for his scientific work and his kindness toward others.