ICPO Foundation Strengthens Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Guidance towards Sustainable Patient Access to Theranostics

Prof. Frederik L. Giesel is taking the new position of Co-Chair, and Prof. Akram Al-Ibraheem is joining as the first SAB member from the Middle East.

March 5, 2026 – Wiesbaden, Germany. The International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) Foundation announced key evolution to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). This Board is contributing with their visionary scientific leadership and groundbreaking expertise in Theranostics to all ICPO activities around the world, including the ICPO Center´s accreditation, the Academy for Theranostics, the evaluation of grants, as well as the creation of education and innovation-driven programs. Prof. Frederik L. Giesel, Head of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Germany, has been appointed Co-Chair of the SAB. He will collaborate with Prof. Richard P. Baum, Chair of the SAB. In addition, Prof. Akram Al Ibraheem, Chairman of the Nuclear Medicine Department at King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan, has joined the SAB, further expanding the international span to 19 members across 9 countries, now including the Middle-East region.

“I am delighted to welcome Prof. Frederik L. Giesel as Co-Chair of the ICPO Scientific Advisory Board. His outstanding scientific expertise and deep commitment to advancing Theranostics make him an ideal partner in guiding the Board’s scientific agenda. I am also pleased to welcome Prof. Akram Al-Ibraheem as a new member of the SAB from the Middle-East. His collaboration with numerous leading global nuclear medicine associations will make a significant impact on our mission. I greatly value them both and look forward to working closely together to further strengthen the scientific impact and global mission of the ICPO Foundation”, stated Prof. Richard P. Baum, Chair of the ICPO Scientific Advisory Board, President of the ICPO Academy for Theranostics, and Trustee of the ICPO Foundation.

Commenting on his new role, Prof. Frederik L. Giesel, Head of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Germany, said: “It is an honor to serve as Co-Chair of the ICPO Scientific Advisory Board. Collaborating with Prof. Richard P. Baum and our esteemed colleagues from around the world creates a powerful environment for advancing Theranostics. By harnessing our global expertise, we are committed to supporting groundbreaking research and ensuring that scientific progress translates into meaningful clinical benefits for cancer patients around the world.”

The SAB plays a central role in the ICPO Research Grants process by selecting and evaluating research proposals submitted by scientists worldwide, but also a growing role in the ICPO Centers growth guidance as many new initiatives are being crafted and soon will be offered to Theranostics centers from the ICPO accredited network. The SAB interdisciplinary composition ensures that projects are reviewed by experts actively engaged in the respective research areas, enabling a robust and high-quality methodology and clinical relevance, this through structured and transparent procedures as well as open scientific exchange.

Prof. Akram Al-Ibraheem, Chairman at Nuclear Medicine Department, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan, and President of the Asia Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOFNMB), highlighted the importance of global access to Theranostics and collaboration: “It is a privilege to serve on the ICPO Scientific Advisory Board at a time when Theranostics is becoming a central pillar of precision oncology. My priority is to advance structured education, harmonized quality standards, and international collaboration that enable safe and sustainable Theranostics programs worldwide, particularly in underserved regions. Equally important is expanding access to high-quality research and clinical trials, ensuring that patients in the developing world, together with their qualified physicians, actively contribute to shaping the future of precision oncology.”

Odile Jaume, CEO of the ICPO Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of the appointments: “With Prof. Frederik L. Giesel as Co-Chair and Prof. Akram Al-Ibraheem as new member, we are further strengthening the global expertise of our Scientific Advisory Board. Their leadership and vision are essential to tailor our initiatives and ensure they are scientifically meaningful and sustainable, thus impactful for cancer patients around the world.”

With this evolution, the ICPO Foundation continues to build a strong global network of scientific leaders dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and equitable access in Theranostics.

In addition to the Chair, Prof. Richard P. Baum, and Co-Chair, Prof. Frederik L. Giesel, the ICPO Scientific Advisory Board includes leading international experts from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Current members include Prof. Thomas Beyer (Austria), Prof. Désirée Deandreis (France), Prof. Patrick Flamen (Belgium), Prof. Axel Heidenreich (Germany), Prof. Michael Hofman (Australia), Dr. Sze Ting Lee (Australia), Prof. Chen Liu (China), Prof. Cristina Müller (Switzerland), Prof. Marianne Pavel (Germany), Prof. Martin Pomper (USA), Prof. Vikas Prasad (USA), Prof. Frank Rösch (Germany), Prof. A. Oliver Sartor (USA), Prof. Mike Sathekge (South Africa), Prof. Andrew Scott (Australia), and Dr. Ralph Wirtz (Germany). Together, the Board reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of Theranostics and Precision Oncology. More info on ICPO SAB: www.icpo.foundation/scientific-advisory-board/