Florian leads a research group at the University of Cambridge as a New York Stem Cell Foundation, Robertson Stem Cell Investigator and Sir Henry Dale Fellow. His research aims to uncover the mechanistic basis of human neurological diseases using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived culture systems in order to facilitate the development of effective treatments. Specifically, his group generates novel differentiation strategies to produce a variety of neural cell types, and develops cellular and animal models of metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. He also helped uncover recurrently acquired structural genetic variants and point mutations in hPSCs, including in the tumour suppressor p53. Florian is therefore also interested in the rational selection of hPSC lines and identifying strategies to suppress the expansion of undesired mutations in vitro in order to improve the reproducibility of fundamental research and the safety of translational approaches.
Florian sits on the steering committee for the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI) where he uses his research experience to influence international policy making.