Prof. em. Dr. Frank Rösch: A Lifetime of Innovation in Radiometal Theranostics
Building a Legacy in Nuclear Chemistry
Prof. em. Dr. Frank Rösch, born in 1955 in Chemnitz, has devoted his career to advancing the frontiers of radiochemistry and nuclear medicine, with groundbreaking contributions to radiometal theranostics. After earning his diploma and PhD in radiochemistry at TU Dresden, he focused on the chemistry of astatine and novel thermochromatography methods before broadening his international research career in the Soviet Union and at Germany’s Jülich research center.
In 1996, he was appointed Full Professor of Nuclear Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, where he established a radiochemistry program dedicated to life sciences and the clinical application of radiometals. Over the decades, Prof. Rösch’s leadership has transformed Mainz into a hub of radiopharmaceutical research and innovation, training the next generation of experts in nuclear chemistry.
Pioneering Advances in Radiometal Theranostics
Throughout his career, Prof. Rösch has been a pioneer in translating nuclear chemistry into clinical practice. He played a pivotal role in developing 68Ge/68Ga generators, enabling widespread access to gallium‑68 PET tracers, and in reactor-based production of 177Lu, a key isotope in targeted cancer therapy. His work on bifunctional chelators, including AAZTA and DATA, revolutionized kit-type labeling for theranostic tracers, simplifying preparation for clinical use worldwide.
He also introduced the 86Y/90Y radionuclide pair, a milestone that combined precise PET imaging with targeted therapy, laying the foundation for modern theranostics in precision oncology. His research has set global standards, making radiometal-based theranostics a cornerstone of cancer treatment.
Prof. Rösch has published more than 380 peer-reviewed papers, co-edited the Handbook of Nuclear Chemistry, and supervised over 45 PhD students along with numerous fellows and visiting scientists. Beyond research, he has fostered knowledge exchange through international training schools on generator-based PET radiochemistry and by coordinating European COST actions that strengthened collaboration in radiometal science.
Honors, Leadership, and Global Impact
Prof. Rösch’s career is marked by international recognition and leadership. In 2022, he received the Hevesy Medal, the highest distinction in radiochemistry, honoring his lifelong contributions to the field. He is also a two-time recipient of the Inventor Award of Rhineland-Palatinate, alongside early career awards from TU Dresden and Rossendorf.
As a co-initiator of the World Congress on Gallium-68 and PRRNT, which later evolved into the Theranostics World Congress series, Prof. Rösch helped create a global stage for the exchange of theranostics research. Today, he continues to influence the field through editorial roles in leading journals, including Radiochimica Acta, EJNMMI Radiopharmacy & Chemistry, and the American Journal of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging.
With his visionary research, commitment to education, and leadership in international collaboration, Prof. Rösch has left an indelible mark on radiometal theranostics and nuclear chemistry. His lifetime of innovation continues to shape the way cancer is diagnosed and treated worldwide.