Peter Hegemann

Prof. Dr. Peter Hegemann is the Hertie Professor of Neuroscience at Humboldt University of Berlin, where he also holds a professorship in Experimental Biophysics. He previously served as a professor of Biochemistry at the University of Regensburg (1993–2004). His research focuses on sensory photoreceptors, channelrhodopsins, and optogenetics, revolutionizing neuroscience through light-controlled neural networks. Hegemann discovered channelrhodopsins, enabling non-invasive treatments for neurological disorders. He leads the DFG Research Group FOR1279 and has contributed to Berlin’s OPTOBIO research center.

• Education: Chemistry studies at University of Münster and LMU Munich; PhD in Biochemistry (1984, Max Planck Institute).
• Postdoc at Syracuse University (USA) and MPI Biochemistry (1986–1992).

Research interests include photobiology of algae, light-activated enzymes, and optogenetic applications like vision restoration and Parkinson’s therapy. He has held leadership roles in interdisciplinary DFG initiatives and collaborates internationally, including at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Janelia Farm).

Labs/Teams: Experimental Biophysics Institute at Humboldt University, OPTOBIO Berlin initiative.