Dr Christiane Honisch
SVP Head of Diagnostics
Latest update: October 2023
Biography
Christiane Honisch is an esteemed international business leader, innovator, and accomplished scientist with an impressive 25-year track record in research and development in the US and Europe. Currently, she holds the position of Senior Vice President at Evotec International GmbH in Hamburg, where she leads Evotec's Diagnostics Application Business. Christiane's expertise as an independent board member span across various boards and companies, such as IMIDomics, Inc., PathoQuest SAS, and Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY),.
With a background in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in molecular biology, Christiane's contributions to cutting-edge technology and diagnostic assay development are diverse and impactful. Christiane's remarkable journey has seen her in pivotal roles at prominent organizations in the life sciences sector. As the former Head of Global Business Intelligence and Development at Eppendorf AG in Hamburg, she contributed to driving strategic growth and advancements. Moreover, her tenure as the Director of Microbiology Markets at Illumina, Inc., in San Diego, showcased her ability to forge vital partnerships and devise effective market strategies. Prior to that, she made groundbreaking contributions at Roche Molecular Diagnostics in Pleasanton, CA, where she served as the Director of Infectious Disease Research, spearheading crucial in-vitro diagnostics research and microbial surveillance, earning her team the esteemed Roche Innovation Award.
In earlier stages of her career, Christiane played an essential role in pioneering the use of mass spectrometry for DNA sequencing and ultrasensitive detection of cancer mutations at Sequenom, Inc. in San Diego, CA. The groundbreaking monitoring system she developed found its place at prestigious institutions like the CDC in Atlanta, GA, and the Health Protection Agency in London, UK.
At Evotec, as the head of Evognostics, the diagnostic applications department, Christiane leads a dynamic team of scientific, computational, and machine learning innovators. In collaboration with a physician and hospital network, they focus on patient data-centric approaches, utilizing panomics and machine learning to create personalized diagnostic biomarker panels for complex diseases. A resulting deep understanding of disease, stratification of heterogeneous patient populations and personalized treatment strategies will speed up the process of bringing new medicines to the right patients faster. Christiane's passion for cutting-edge technologies and precision medicine drives her team towards groundbreaking advancements in diagnostics and personalized treatments.
Interest and Experience
Christiane finds great joy in her personal interests of sports and travel, which she combines through her passion for triathlon and long-distance racing. Completing 7 Ironman races and numerous Half Ironman events across the globe, she embraces the challenges, cultural experiences, and self-discovery that come with these extreme competitions. Christiane draws inspiration from translating her motivations in sports into business and coaching of her dynamic and engaged Evognostics team. She values the healthy work-life balance that these pursuits provide. Her creativity thrives while gliding along on her bike on a Saturday morning, as well as during brainstorming sessions with her team at Evotec.