It is with deep regret that RESIST bids farewell to Prof. Manns, who passed away on 15 August 2025 at the age of 73. Prof. Manns was former President of the MHH, Clinical Director of the HZI and world-renowned gastroenterologist as well as co-founder and formative member of our RESIST Cluster of Excellence.
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Michael Manns – an exceptional physician and scientist as well as a valued companion. We will greatly miss his charismatic, approachable and appreciative manner, his enormous expertise as well as his energy and drive,” says RESIST speaker Prof. Förster. “On behalf of the RESIST team, we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and closest companions.”
From 1991 to 2020, Professor Manns headed the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at the MHH, where his focus was on liver diseases. He was one of the world’s leading scientists, was one of the most cited researchers and chaired numerous renowned specialist societies. He remained active in research until the end, driving forward the scientific organisation of the CiiM, which he co-founded, and was highly committed to our RESIST Cluster of Excellence.
As Principal Investigator, he was instrumental in the success of the first RESIST application in 2018. From 2019, he was actively involved in the RESIST Research Management Board as MHH President – always as an outstanding researcher, communicator and organiser. The continuation of RESIST beyond the first funding period was particularly important to him: since 2023, he has been working with the Board members on planning the future research priorities and structuring the research areas. He held talks with Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture, Falko Mohrs, about the application for the new funding period. Prof. Manns also supported RESIST with full commitment on site during the review of the cluster in Bonn in January 2025 – even though he had already handed over the office of MHH President to Prof. Dr. Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner at the end of 2024.
Prof. Manns was always fully committed and passionate about our common cause. His work will continue to guide and inspire us.