Born 1963 in Munich, Prof. Szeimies studied medicine at the University of Munich and received his MD in 1989. Speciality training in dermatology at the Universities both in Munich and Regensburg. From 1996 to Oct 2009 he hold a position as senior lecturer at the Department of Dermatology, Regensburg University Hospital. Since Nov 2009 he is Head of the Dept. of Dermatology and Allergology, Klinikum Vest, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ruhr-University in Recklinghausen. His PhD thesis was accepted in 1997 for his research in topical photodynamic therapy in dermatology. At present, his main research interests are in dermatooncology, the use of lasers in dermatology and aesthetic dermatology, and photobiology, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT) and UV treatment of patients with atopic eczema and psoriasis vulgaris. Prof. Szeimies published more than 250 articles in peer reviewed journals and over 40 chapters in books. He is member of national and international guideline committees for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer and PDT. Prof. Szeimies is currently Vice-President of the European Society for Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology.