Martin Kampmann is an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is also an investigator at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.

Kampmann received his B.A. in biochemistry from Cambridge University and his Ph.D. in biophysics and cell biology from the Rockefeller University. As a postdoctoral fellow at UCSF, he spearheaded the development of a next-generation genetic-screening platform for mammalian cells, which incorporates systematic genetic interaction maps and CRISPR-based gain- and loss-of-function screens.

The goal of Kampmann’s research is to elucidate cellular mechanisms of human diseases and to develop new therapeutic strategies. For this purpose, his lab has pioneered CRISPR-based genetic screening technology in cell types derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). A major focus is the investigation of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases in human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes and microglia. The technology platform co-developed by Kampmann positions him uniquely to uncover cellular mechanisms controlling these diseases.

Kampmann’s achievements have been recognized by the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award (2015), the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group’s Allen Distinguished Investigator Award (2015), a Stand Up To Cancer Innovative Research Grant (2016), a Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator Award (2017) and a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Ben Barres Early Career Acceleration Award (2018).