Michal Novak

Michal Novak is a renowned Slovak professor and director of the Institute of Neuroimmunology at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. His career spans multiple prestigious institutions including the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste. He is celebrated for pioneering neuroimmunology in Slovakia and advancing Alzheimer's disease (AD) research.

• Director of Institute of Neuroimmunology (1996–present)
• International collaborations with Nobel laureates
• Established AD Centre as a national excellence hub

Professor Novak's research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's. He discovered the key role of tau protein and truncated tau (tauons) in AD pathology, revolutionizing understanding of the disease. His work bridges molecular biology, immunology, and clinical neuroscience.

His publications highlight a trajectory from fundamental tau protein analysis (1991–2009) to translational research on vaccines (AADvac1, 2017) and molecular pathways in tauopathies. This reflects a lifelong commitment to connecting basic science with therapeutic innovation.

• 2017 Hall of Fame of Slovak Neuroscience Society
• 2016 WHO Prize for Elderly Healthcare
• 2007 Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice
• 1985 National Prize for Monoclonal Antibody Development