Thomas Misgeld

Prof. Thomas Misgeld is a neurobiologist and full professor at the Technische Universität München (TUM), leading the Institute of Cell Biology of the Nervous System since 2012. He is also co-spokesperson of the 'SyNergy' Cluster of Excellence and director of the Master’s program 'Biomedical Neuroscience' since 2018. His research focuses on mechanisms of axonal and synaptic degeneration in neurological diseases, using in vivo microscopy in mice and zebrafish. Key areas include mitochondrial dynamics, axonal transport, and neuroinflammatory processes.

Educational Background:

• Studied Human Medicine at TUM (graduated 1999)
• Postdoctoral research at Washington University (2000–2004) and Harvard University (2004–2006), funded by a DFG Emmy Noether Fellowship
• Directed a Sofja Kovalevskaja junior research group at TUM (2006–2009)

Research Interests: His work explores mitochondrial maintenance in neurons, axonal degeneration pathways in diseases like multiple sclerosis, and the role of microglia in neuroinflammation. Techniques include advanced in vivo imaging and optogenetic approaches.

Teaching & Leadership: Contributes to teaching in microscopy, neuroanatomy, and scientific communication. Leads courses in the TUM School of Medicine’s PhD program and the SyNergy Cluster.

Awards:

• Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Medal (2018)
• ERC Consolidator Grant (2014)
• Sofja Kovalevskaja Prize (2006)

Lab & Collaborations: The Misgeld Lab collaborates with institutions across Munich and globally, focusing on translational research in neurodegenerative diseases. Key projects include studying mitochondrial dynamics and axonal repair mechanisms.