The Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry at the Department of Neurology, MedUni Vienna, mourns the loss of Associate Professor Thomas Ströbel, who passed away far too soon on 8 May 2026 following a serious illness.
Thomas Ströbel was born in Salzburg in 1962, where he grew up with his two brothers. He completed his school education and training in medical diagnostic laboratory services in Salzburg, before going on to complete a degree in biochemistry at the University of Vienna.
He was awarded a Doctor rer. nat. in 1993 and subsequently worked as a research fellow at the Research Institute for Children with Cancer at St Anna Children’s Hospital in Vienna. A job advertisement in the journal Nature led him to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, where he spent four years conducting intensive research in the field of tumour biology. This period was arguably one of the most formative experiences of his life and laid the foundations for his later work in research and diagnostics. After returning to Vienna, he initially worked at the Institute of Molecular Genetics at the University of Vienna, before joining the Clinical Institute of Neurology at MedUni Vienna/University Hospital Vienna in 1999, where he took over as head of the neuromolecular biology laboratory.
From the very beginning, Thomas Ströbel was fascinated by the field of tissue culture, including the analysis of protein expression and genetics, which led to his habilitation in tumour biology in 2002. At a time when tissue banking was not yet commonplace, he established a systematic tissue bank as the basis for much of his research. Although he also played a key role in establishing molecular genetic detection methods for prion diseases, he consistently devoted a great deal of his energy to the research and diagnosis of paediatric and adult brain tumours. This work resulted in numerous publications in highly cited journals. As neuro-oncological diagnostics evolved towards an integrated histological and molecular pathological approach, Thomas Ströbel increasingly focused on establishing genetic and epigenetic diagnostics, including panel sequencing, and, together with his team and medical colleagues, developed the field of neuromolecular pathology at MedUni Vienna. Right up until the end, Thomas Ströbel remained steadfastly dedicated to his professional duties, despite his advancing illness.
Thomas Ströbel was not only an exemplary molecular biologist, but also a passionate mentor. Within his research group, he knew how to motivate others and point out solutions to problems, and his willingness to help knew no bounds. His colleagues held him in particularly high regard for his tireless energy, integrity and warmth. We will all miss his cheerful laughter and his light-hearted words.
It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to a highly dedicated colleague and a much-loved person. His visions and the methods he established will continue to shape our diagnostic work long after he is gone, and will thus always remain part of our work – for the benefit of our patients. It has been an honour for us to have known this special person, friend and mentor.
Our thoughts are particularly with his partner Barbara, his family and loved ones, and all those who were close to him during this difficult time.
Romana Höftberger
On behalf of the staff of the Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry