Steven Schepanski

Biography and Expertise of Steven Schepanski

Dr. Steven Schepanski is at the forefront of research exploring the profound links between psychological processes and immunological function. As a clinical researcher at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, he investigates how prenatal factors and early life stress program the developing brain and immune system. His work combines psychology, molecular biology, and advanced data analysis to uncover the neuroimmune pathways that determine risk and resilience for chronic health conditions.

His expertise directly informs the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” by providing a scientific basis for interventions that support maternal and child health from the earliest stages. Moreover, his focus on mindfulness and other mind-body therapies connects with the axis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health,” offering evidence-based, non-pharmacological solutions for mental health. The work of Steven Schepanski therefore embodies the congress motto of fostering “Well-being Societies” through scientifically validated integrative health strategies.

Beyond his primary research, his commitment to translating complex biological findings into clinically meaningful insights aligns with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. By generating robust evidence through randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies, he helps build the scientific foundation necessary for the successful implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Professional Career

Dr. Steven Schepanski‘s professional journey is characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary research at world-renowned medical institutions in both Europe and the United States. His career path reflects a deep integration of clinical psychology with cutting-edge biomedical science, allowing him to bridge the gap between mental health and physical well-being. This trajectory has positioned him as a key contributor to the field of psychoneuroimmunology.

His roles have consistently involved complex research projects focused on vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of maternal-child health and pediatrics. This consistent focus demonstrates a long-term dedication to improving health outcomes from the very beginning of life.

• Present: Clinical Researcher at the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM) and Scientific Employee in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Held appointments at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, gaining invaluable international research experience.
• Doctoral Research: Served as a PhD Medical Scientist at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf within the Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, where he conducted his award-winning doctoral research.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Steven Schepanski is uniquely robust, combining rigorous training in psychology with a deep understanding of molecular biology. This dual expertise enables him to design and execute innovative research that investigates health from a truly holistic perspective. His education provided him with the skills to explore the biological underpinnings of psychological phenomena, a cornerstone of his current work.

His doctoral work, which received the highest possible honor, exemplifies his capacity for groundbreaking scientific inquiry and established his reputation as a meticulous and insightful researcher. Consequently, his academic background is perfectly suited for advancing the evidence-based integration of mind-body medicine.

• PhD (summa cum laude): Awarded for his doctoral thesis titled “The Role of Maternal Microchimerism and Prenatal Stress for Perinatal Brain Development and Cognition.”
• Postgraduate Certificate in Molecular Biology: Completed a comprehensive two-year graduate program, strengthening his foundation in the life sciences.
• Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology: Advanced his understanding of clinical and research psychology.
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology: Established his foundational knowledge in the field.

Research and Publications

Dr. Steven Schepanski’s research program is dedicated to unraveling one of the most critical questions in modern medicine: how the environment before birth shapes our long-term health. His work in psychoneuroimmunology, developmental neuroscience, and psychosomatics provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of prenatal programming. He investigates how factors like maternal stress and immune activation can have lasting effects on brain development and behavior.

A significant contribution from his research was published in the prestigious journal *Nature Communications*. The study, “Pregnancy-induced maternal microchimerism shapes neurodevelopment and behavior in mice,” identified a novel biological mechanism through which maternal cells can support healthy brain development in offspring. Furthermore, his work in *Frontiers in Immunology* explored how maternal hormones and immune markers influence the fetal brain, providing a framework for understanding early life risk factors.

This body of research by Steven Schepanski is essential for developing targeted, evidence-based interventions, including mind-body therapies, to improve both maternal and child health. Therefore, his publications provide a vital scientific basis for integrative health strategies aimed at preventing chronic diseases by promoting well-being from the earliest stages of life.

Awards and Recognitions

The scientific contributions of Dr. Steven Schepanski have been honored with several prestigious awards from national and international organizations. These recognitions highlight the innovation and impact of his research at the intersection of immunology, neuroscience, and psychology. They also underscore his status as a rising leader and a highly respected young investigator in his field.

These accolades serve as external validation of the quality and significance of his work, confirming his important role in advancing our understanding of early life programming and its connection to lifelong health. Consequently, these awards affirm the value of his interdisciplinary approach.

• Uwe Koch-Gromus PhD Award: Recognized his outstanding doctoral thesis and its contribution to medical science.
• New Investigator Award: Presented by the European Society for Reproductive Immunology (ESRI) in acknowledgment of his promising research.
• Young Investigator Award: Awarded by the International Society for Immunology of Reproduction (ISRI), further cementing his international reputation.
• Hamburglobal Scholarship: Supported his international research activities and collaborations.

Professional Engagement and Community Service

Beyond his academic and research responsibilities, Dr. Steven Schepanski demonstrates a strong commitment to applying his expertise in psychology to support community well-being. His engagement in community service reflects a dedication to translating scientific knowledge into practical, positive social impact, particularly for vulnerable youth populations. This work aligns with the broader public health mission of promoting mental wellness.

This hands-on involvement in crisis intervention complements his research by providing direct insight into the mental health challenges faced by young people today. Therefore, this experience enriches his perspective as both a scientist and a practitioner dedicated to fostering resilience.

• 2024 – Present: Volunteers with krisenchat.de, a prominent German organization that provides 24/7 crisis support via chat for children and adolescents. In this role, he offers immediate psychological first aid and support to young people in distress.

Connect with Dr. Schepanski

To further explore the research, publications, and professional activities of Dr. Steven Schepanski, several online resources are available. These profiles provide a comprehensive overview of his scientific contributions and ongoing projects in the field of psychoneuroimmunology and integrative medicine.

Personal Website: View Research and Services

Official Profile at Charité: View Institutional Profile

ResearchGate Profile: Follow on ResearchGate