Thomas Hank, MD, is a pancreatic surgeon and Vice Director of the Pancreas Surgery Program at Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany. After completing his surgical residency in Heidelberg, he conducted a postdoctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, supported by a Mildred-Scheel Fellowship from the German Cancer Aid, focusing on tumor epigenetics and the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. As a junior professor, Dr. Hank leads a translational research group investigating pancreatic cancer in the context of neoadjuvant therapy, including the development of prognostic tools such as the PANAMA and HELPP scores, as well as microbiome analyses during multimodal treatment. His clinical research has contributed to a better understanding of pathological response parameters, such as the R status and the role of conversion surgery after induction therapy in pancreatic cancer. He received his Venia legendi in surgery in 2023 and has authored several impactful publications. In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Hank is actively involved in medical education and the training of junior faculty. He also contributes to international surgical societies, including his role on the Innovation Committee of the E-AHPBA. He is an alumnus of the Pancreas 2000 program and has received multiple international honors, including the 2024 YOUPPIE Award of the European Pancreatic Club, reflecting his academic profile and commitment to individualized treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer.