Gerd Kempermann

Prof. Dr. Gerd Kempermann serves as Group Leader and Site Speaker at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Dresden, with parallel research activities at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD). His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications for neurodegenerative conditions.

His research focuses on adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, examining how new neurons integrate into existing neural networks to provide cognitive flexibility, particularly in memory formation and context integration. Kempermann's work has established the concept of a 'neurogenic reserve' that can be built through physical and cognitive activity to counteract age-related cognitive decline.

His laboratory operates across two complementary sites with three specialized research pillars:

• Stem cell models: Developing advanced neural stem cell cultures from adult mouse and human hippocampus by combining classical cell culture techniques with modern biomaterials
• Epigenetics: Investigating how activity patterns induce lasting changes in neural stem cell behavior through epigenetic mechanisms
• Human translation: Developing methods to assess neurogenesis-related functions in humans, including patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Kempermann's research has significant implications for understanding dementia, depression, and other conditions where hippocampal function is compromised.