Alfred Anwander

Dr. Alfred Anwander is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Neuropsychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. His work focuses on diffusion MRI as a biomarker for brain development and plasticity, particularly in language-related pathways and neuroplasticity mechanisms during second language acquisition. He has held research positions at the institute since 2000, contributing to projects such as the DFG-funded "Human microstructural connectomics" and "Dynamic Connectome" initiatives.

Education

• 1991–1996: Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe
• 1995–2000: MSc (DEA) and PhD in Signal and Image Processing from INSA Lyon (France), with a thesis on model-based color image segmentation.

Research Interests

Anwander’s research integrates advanced neuroimaging techniques to study structural connectivity in the human brain. Key areas include:

• Diffusion MRI applications in developmental neuroscience and neuroplasticity
• Language-related white matter pathways
• Evolutionary comparisons of brain connectivity in primates
• Methodological advancements in high-resolution MRI and tractography

Grants & Projects

• DFG project "Human microstructural connectomics: Computational modelling and validation with histology and CLARITY (MiCo-MRI)"
• DFG project "The dynamic connectome underlying language in the brain (DynaCon)"
• Evolution of Brain Connectivity (EBC) initiative

Labs & Teams

He collaborates within the institute’s Cortical Networks and Language Research groups, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to connectomics and neuroimaging technology development.