Arthur Konnerth

Arthur Konnerth is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and serves as Director of the Institute of Neuroscience since 2005. He previously held a Full Professorship and directed the Institute of Physiology at the University of Saarland. A prominent neurophysiologist, his research focuses on synaptic interactions in neuronal circuits, mechanisms of learning and memory, and neuronal defects in Alzheimer’s disease.

Education:

• Studied medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich
• PhD from Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Psychiatry Munich (1983)
• Habilitation from Technical University of Munich (1987)

Research Interests:

His work combines electrophysiology, imaging, and cell biology to unravel fundamental brain processes. He investigates how synaptic interactions in neuronal circuits contribute to learning and memory, while also exploring the neuronal dysfunctions linked to Alzheimer’s disease. His research bridges cellular mechanisms with cognitive functions and neurodegenerative disorders.

Scientific Awards:

• The Brain Prize (2015)
• Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Medal (2006)
• Max Planck Research Prize (2001)
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2001)
• Adolf Fick Prize (1999)
• Feldberg Prize of the Feldberg Foundation (1997)
• Honorary doctorate from Medical University Timisoara/Romania
• Carl-von-Linde Senior Fellow of TUM-IAS

Academic Affiliations:

• Member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• Member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences
• Member of Academia Europaea