Manuel Spitschan

Prof. Manuel Spitschan is a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany. Previously, he held a University Research Lecturer position at the University of Oxford (2020-2021) and a Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship (2017-2020). His research focuses on light’s impact on human circadian rhythms, visual/non-visual physiology, and real-world applications of light exposure science.

Education:

• B.A. (Hons) from University of St Andrews (2012)
• PhD in Neuroscience from University of Pennsylvania (2016)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University (2016-2017)

Research Interests: Spitschan investigates light’s effects on circadian systems, retinal mechanisms underlying non-visual responses, and translational applications of light dosimetry. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on wearable light measurement technologies, sleep health, and chronotherapeutic interventions.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship (2017-2020)
• University Research Lecturer title (2020)
• Member of CIE TC 1-98, OSA Color Technical Group, and Daylight Academy

Grants & Labs: Leads the Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience research group, developing open-source tools like luox and LightLogR. His lab focuses on advancing light measurement standards and understanding individual variability in light responses.