Jacob Simon

Prof. Dr. Jacob Simon is a Neurologist and Neurophysiologist at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he holds the Professorship for Translational Neurotechnology since 2019. His research focuses on the neuronal basis of cognitive functions like perception, memory, and language, bridging experimental neuroscience with clinical applications.

• MD from Yale University (2006)
• Postdoc at Tübingen's Center for Integrative Neuroscience
• Board-certified Neurologist

Prof. Jacob's lab investigates how populations of neurons in cognitive brain centers (prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, basal ganglia) interact to produce intelligent behavior. Using techniques like large-scale extracellular recordings, optogenetics, and invasive human neurotechnology, his team explores neuromodulation, particularly dopamine's role in cognitive circuits. Their translational approach connects findings from mice to human neurosurgical patients, aiming to improve treatments for cognitive disorders.

Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding striatal dopamine signals (2024), primate prefrontal cortex geometry (2023), and human microelectrode array recordings (2023). The lab has received multiple ERC grants (2017, 2024) and contributes to TUM's Innovation Network NEUROTECH (2021-2026).

Scientific Recognition:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2024)
• Early Excellence Academy Fellow (2023)
• ERC Starting Grant (2017)
• Charité Clinical Scientist Award (2014)

Prof. Jacob actively teaches in TUM's Neuroengineering and Medical Life Sciences programs while leading a vibrant team of neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians. His work appears in top journals like Nature Neuroscience, Science Advances, and Neuron, with a focus on understanding cognition's cellular basis for clinical applications.