DoC Prof. Daniel Rückert Wins Leibniz Prize

Prof. Daniel Rückert earned his PhD from Imperial in 1997 and subsequently built a distinguished career at the university.

Prof. Daniel Rückert, former Head of the Department of Computing at Imperial, has been awarded the 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany's most prestigious research honor. Now a professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medicine and Healthcare at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Prof. Rueckert is recognized for his transformative contributions to AI-powered medical imaging. The award, valued at €2.5 million, is conferred by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to advance groundbreaking research. 

Prof. Rückert has developed cutting-edge AI techniques that significantly enhance the quality and interpretability of medical imaging technologies such as CT and MRI scans. His innovations enable more accurate diagnostics and improved patient outcomes, positioning him as a global leader in AI-driven healthcare advancements. 

A Global Leader in Medical AI 

Prof. Rückert’s academic journey began with a degree in computer science at the Technical University of Berlin. He earned his PhD from Imperial in 1997 and subsequently built a distinguished career at the university, serving as Professor of Visual Information Processing and Dean of the Department of Computing. During his time at Imperial, he published extensively, led several large-scale research initiatives, and founded a start-up to accelerate clinical trials using his AI discoveries. 

In 2020, supported by an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, Prof. Rückert joined TUM, where he holds dual appointments in the School of Computation, Information and Technology and the School of Medicine and Health. He still holds a part-time appointment as Chair of Visual Information Processing in the Department of Computing. His interdisciplinary work bridges computer science and medicine, fostering collaborative approaches to some of healthcare's most complex challenges. 

A Distinguished Career of Recognition 

Prof. Rückert's many accolades include fellowships from the IEEE, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Academy of Medical Sciences, as well as a 2020 ERC Advanced Grant. In 2023, he was elected to Germany’s National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina. He also serves as Director of the Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) and the Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine, further cementing his leadership in the field. 

Imperial's Enduring Influence 

Prof. Rückert’s award highlights Imperial’s significant role in shaping global research excellence, in particular in the field of AI. It also showcases the strength of the Department of Computing’s reputation as a hub for innovation. 

The recognition of Prof. Rückert’s work demonstrates the profound impact of interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science and medicine. His achievements inspire the next generation of researchers to push the boundaries of AI, ensuring its continued application to address critical societal needs.