Dr. Fabian Fries | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Fabian Fries , Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes , Germany

Dr. Fabian N. Fries is a German ophthalmologist and senior consultant at Saarland University Medical Center. Born on July 18, 1990, in Germany, he has cultivated a career marked by clinical excellence, research productivity, and international experience. Following his medical studies at Saarland University, he gained practical experience across the U.S., Brazil, and Germany. Dr. Fries has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications and earned an H-index of 16, reflecting his impactful contributions in ophthalmology. A polyglot and DAAD scholar, he is also actively engaged in professional societies like the German Ophthalmological Society. His research interests include corneal diseases, ocular surface disorders, and regenerative therapies involving limbal stem cells. Apart from his medical pursuits, he’s a competitive athlete, excelling in tennis and athletics. Dr. Fries combines clinical competence, research acumen, and a collaborative mindset, positioning him as an outstanding candidate for early-career research recognition.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths:

1. 📈 Strong Research Metrics

   • H-index: 16, i10-index: 22, and 742 citations—solid indicators of impactful and consistent academic output.

   • Authored 15 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like The Ocular Surface, Experimental Eye Research, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

2. 🧬 Innovative Research Focus

   • His work bridges molecular biology and clinical ophthalmology, especially in limbal stem cell deficiency, PAX6 gene regulation, miRNA expression, and corneal diseases.

   • Focus on translational science with direct implications for therapy and regenerative medicine.

3. 🌍 International Exposure

   • Completed clinical internships in USA, Brazil, and Germany, showcasing adaptability, cultural competence, and international collaboration.

4. 💼 Professional Leadership

   • Currently a Senior Consultant at Saarland University Medical Center.

   • Certified teaching assistant, actively mentoring young medical professionals.

5. 🏅 Recognized Excellence & Extracurriculars

   • Multiple scholarships: DAAD, e-fellows.net, and Saarland University.

   • Athlete-scholar with national-level performance in tennis and athletics, highlighting discipline, commitment, and well-rounded personality.

6. 🧠 Tech-Savvy & Multilingual

   • Proficient in SPSS, Java, SAP ERP, and fluent in 6 languages, positioning him uniquely for cross-disciplinary, global projects.

📉 Areas for Improvement:

1. 🌐 Global Research Fellowships or Visiting Scientist Roles

   • While he has international clinical experience, postdoctoral research fellowships abroad (e.g., US, UK, or Japan) could further enrich his research perspective and expand collaborations.

2. 📣 Greater Visibility as a Lead Investigator

   • Most of his studies are in collaboration with senior figures. More first-author or corresponding-author publications, and leading independent research grants, would bolster his profile.

3. 🎤 Science Communication/Public Engagement

   • Active roles in public engagement, conferences, or science communication platforms would amplify his influence and visibility outside academic circles.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Fries completed his Abitur in Saarland, Germany in 2009 and subsequently pursued medicine at Saarland University, completing his state medical examination in 2016. His medical education was enriched by several international internships: Children’s of Alabama (USA), Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba (Brazil), and various institutions in Germany. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in global healthcare environments and interdisciplinary approaches to medical problems. His training emphasized ophthalmology, medical technology, and corneal research. In addition to his clinical education, he developed proficiency in research methodologies, statistical software (SPSS), and even programming in Java—an uncommon strength among clinicians. His multilingualism (German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin) further reflects a well-rounded academic and professional profile. He has also received scholarships from the DAAD, Saarland University, and e-fellows.net. This robust educational background is a solid base for his continued clinical and academic excellence in ophthalmology.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Fries is currently a Senior Consultant in Ophthalmology at Saarland University Medical Center (since 2021), where he also completed his residency (2016–2021). He brings over a decade of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. His clinical roles have spanned multiple specialties and continents, including stints at Children’s of Alabama, the Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, and top institutions in Germany. He has participated in pioneering electronic health record integration projects and led efforts in corneal transplant innovations. His experience also includes medical internships in both hospitals and private practices, providing a broad spectrum of exposure from surgical practice to patient-centered outpatient care. Additionally, he is a certified teaching assistant at Saarland University and has been actively involved in the supervision of junior residents and students. His commitment to high-standard care and continuous education is evident in his leadership roles and collaborative projects.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Fries has received several academic and research accolades that highlight his potential as a leading young scientist. He was awarded scholarships from the prestigious DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), Saarland University, and e-fellows.net, reflecting academic excellence and leadership. His athletic achievements include participation in the German University Tennis Championships (2015, 2016), where he won multiple regional titles and achieved a 5th place ranking in the German Team Athletics Championships (2014). In research, his contributions are recognized through a strong H-index of 16, 742 citations, and an i10-index of 22, underlining consistent and impactful scientific productivity. He is a member of key academic societies, including the German Ophthalmological Society, Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, and others since 2016. His well-rounded excellence in science, teaching, international exposure, and sports makes him an exceptional candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Fabian Fries focuses his research on ocular surface diseases, particularly limbal stem cell deficiency, corneal dystrophies, and regenerative approaches in ophthalmology. His work dives deep into molecular mechanisms, such as PAX6 signaling, microRNA pathways, and retinoic acid signaling, all pivotal in corneal health and disease. Using advanced cell culture models and patient tissue analysis, his research offers insights into pathophysiological processes affecting corneal epithelial integrity. Additionally, he explores the impact of genetic mutations and inflammatory mediators on disease progression. Dr. Fries has contributed significantly to translational research, bringing lab discoveries into clinical settings, notably in corneal transplantation and novel therapeutic strategies. He also examines digital integration in ophthalmology via projects like FIDUS EHR implementation. His interdisciplinary, collaborative, and bench-to-bedside approach places him at the forefront of young clinician-scientists driving innovation in ophthalmology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

1. 🧬 Effect of MiRNA 204-5P Mimics and LPS on Retinoic Acid Signaling in Limbal Epithelial Cells

2. 🔬 Decreased PAX6 and DSG1 in Corneal Epithelium of EBMD, SND, and Pterygium Patients

3. 🧫 FABP5 and DSG1 Downregulation after PAX6 Knockdown in Limbal Cells

4. 💻 Employee Survey Post-FIDUS EHR Introduction at Saarland Eye Hospital

5. 👁 Endothelial Cell Density and Corneal Thickness Post-Keratoplasty for Acanthamoeba Keratitis

6. 🩸 Intravenous Fibrinolysis for Nonarteritic Central Retinal Artery Occlusion – Feasibility Study

7. ⚠️ Pronounced Band Keratopathy in Refsum’s Syndrome – Case Report

8. 🔎 Unilateral Macular Pigment Epitheliitis in a 38-Year-Old – Diagnostic Insights

9. 🧬 MicroRNA and Gene Expression Changes in Limbal Deficiency Modulated by PAX6 Mutation

10. 🧠 Acute Visual Loss from Basilar Artery Aneurysm-induced Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

🏁 Conclusion:

Dr. Fabian N. Fries stands out as a highly qualified, ambitious, and impactful early-career scientist whose research bridges the gap between basic science and clinical innovation in ophthalmology. His contributions to ocular surface research, particularly in the context of limbal stem cells and gene regulation, are of significant academic and therapeutic value. He brings a unique mix of clinical excellence, internationalism, technological proficiency, and scientific curiosity.