Pascal Steiner
Professor, Environmental Science and Engineering
By advancing translational research, we bridge the gaps between scientific discovery and real solutions for human health
Program Affiliations
Center of Excellence
Biography
Pascal Steiner, Ph.D., is a R&D leader for whom translational research has been a central thread throughout his career, driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between discovery and real-world health impact. From his academic foundations at EPFL and Harvard Medical School, exploring the molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity and memory, to his work at Genentech and Nestlé Research identifying therapeutic and nutritional targets—most recently as Global Head of Medical Nutrition and Aging and Head of the Brain Health Department at the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences—he has consistently connected mechanistic insight with clinical relevance, transforming biological knowledge into actionable strategies to promote healthspan. He has authored over 100 publications (h-index 34, 7,000+ citations), holds 8 patents, and has held senior leadership roles across Nestlé Research, and the Academy of Science in St. Louis. He now joins KAUST as Professor of Translational Research, where he will apply this cross-disciplinary, data-driven, and patient-centered approach to discover novel solutions supporting and promoting Human Health.
Research Interests
Pascal Steiner's research focuses on how metabolism changes during Aging and in Human diseases—including obesity, diabetes depression, and dementia—with particular attention to the role of diets and lifestyles. His translational program integrates multi-omics (metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics), advanced imaging (MRI, fMRI, MRS), cellular models, and computational/machine-learning approaches to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can predict disease risk and imrpove healthspan through both drugs and nutritional interventions. This work builds on a track record of leading drug discovery programs at Genentech in Alzheimer's disease, from target to clinic, founding and leading the Brain Health Department at the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, and serving as Principal Investigator on Nestlé Health Science's largest clinical trial in Mild Cognitive Impairment (NCT06347315)—work reflected in an h-index of 34, over 7,000 citations, 8 filed patents, and multiple commercialized nutrition and pet-health products (e.g., S-26 infat formula, BrainXpert, Bright Mind, Calming Care). At KAUST, he is building a hybrid translational model that pairs internal discovery capabilities with strategic industry and CRO partnerships to accelerate biomarkers, therapeutics, and nutraceuticals from bench to real-world impact.
Translational research
metabolism
aging
neurodegeneration
psychiatric disease
Education Profile
- Ph.D., Neuroscience — EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland), 2004
- Master, Neuroscience — University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 1998
- B.S., Biology — University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 1997