Arno Villringer

Professor Arno Villringer is a distinguished neuroscientist serving as Director of the Department of Neurology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. He also holds positions as Director of the Clinic for Cognitive Neurology at Leipzig University Hospital, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at Leipzig University, and Honorary Professor at the Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin. Villringer serves as Spokesperson for the Max Planck School of Cognition and the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, and is Deputy Chairperson of the Human Sciences Section of the Max Planck Society (2025-2027).

Villringer's research spans cognitive neurology, neuroimaging, and the intersection of brain function with physical health conditions. His work focuses on understanding brain mechanisms in stroke recovery, obesity-related brain changes, menstrual cycle effects on brain structure, and the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular function. He employs advanced neuroimaging techniques including ultra-high-field 7T MRI and PET imaging to investigate these complex relationships.

His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on brain-heart interactions, neuroplasticity following injury, and the influence of physiological states on cognitive function. Villringer's research demonstrates interdisciplinary integration across neurology, psychology, endocrinology, and cardiology, with particular attention to how bodily states influence brain function and cognition.

• Organization of Human Brain Mapping Fellow (2024-present)

Villringer actively mentors through multiple graduate programs including the Berlin School of Mind & Brain, International Max Planck Research School NeuroCom, and the Max Planck School of Cognition. He leads numerous large-scale research initiatives such as the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) and the Integrated Research and Treatment Center for Adiposity Diseases. His laboratory work focuses on understanding how the brain changes and compensates after injury, with applications to stroke rehabilitation and cognitive aging.