Franziska Thaler

Franziska Thaler is a clinician-scientist and medical specialist in neurology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, where she serves as a research group leader at the Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Biomedical Center. She is affiliated with the Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy) as a GSN associate faculty and leads translational research on autoimmune encephalitis, particularly disorders involving anti-GAD65 antibodies. She is an active member of the German Network for Research on Autoimmune Encephalitis (GENERATE) and the Hertie Network of Excellence in Clinical Neuroscience.

• MD, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (2011)
• Venia legendi (Habilitation) in Neurology, 2022
• Medical specialist in neurology, 2021
• Research fellowship at Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology, 2011–2012

Dr. Thaler's research focuses on understanding the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune encephalitis, particularly the role of B cells and autoantibodies. Her lab utilizes single-cell sequencing, stem cell-derived models, and clinical data to unravel mechanisms of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Key areas include the B-cell repertoire in GAD65-associated disorders, antibody-mediated neuronal damage, and the intersection of hematological and neuroimmunological dysregulation.

Her recent publications, including high-impact studies in Brain, Nature Communications, and Annals of Neurology, reflect a strong focus on translational neuroimmunology, genetic associations, and clinical characterization of autoimmune neurological syndromes. The work consistently emphasizes biomarker discovery, therapy response, and the development of human in vitro models to bridge the gap between animal studies and clinical application.

• Independent group leader award, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 2021
• Helmut Bauer Prize for MS research, 2015
• Member, Hertie Network of Excellence in Clinical Neuroscience (2019–2022)
• Max Weber Scholarship, Bavaria (2008–2011)
• DFG Research Scholarship (2007–2008)

Dr. Thaler mentors several students, including Katharina Eisenhut, Michelle Biljecki, and Jan Bartosch, and leads a multidisciplinary team in close collaboration with clinical departments. Her lab is supported by funding from the Hertie Foundation, Fritz Thyssen Stiftung, LMU Excellent, Novartis Pharma GmbH, and the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. She is actively involved in national and international research networks, contributing to multicenter studies and advancing the understanding of autoimmune neurological diseases.