Beat Lutz

Beat Lutz is a W3 Professor and Director of the Institute of Physiological Chemistry at the University Medical Center Mainz since 2008. His research focuses on the endocannabinoid system and its role in brain plasticity, neuroprotection, and behavioral regulation.

• Discovered dichotomic functions of CB1 receptors in excitatory/inhibitory neurons
• Identified novel endocannabinoid-like compounds (pepcan, lipoxin A4)
• Elucidated CB1 receptor roles in fear/anxiety circuits and stress resilience

His work spans lipid signaling, GPCR biology, and translational neuroscience. Key projects include cannabinoid pharmacology in neurodegenerative diseases and brain-peripheral organ interactions.

Honors:

• Ester Fride Award (2015)
• Mechoulam Award (2014)
• Organon Prize (2002)