Michael Thomas Heneka

Michael Thomas Heneka is a Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, and Director of the Clinical Neurosciences Unit (CNU). He has held leadership roles including Head of the Neurodegeneration Outpatient Unit (KBFZ) and the DFG-Clinical Research Center KFO 177 on "Innate Immunity in Chronic Neurodegeneration" since 2007. His research focuses on neuroinflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS, integrating innate immunity, glial cell biology, and aminergic neurotransmitter systems.

Heneka’s research explores neuroinflammatory pathways, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, targeting microglial activation, amyloid beta aggregation, and locus ceruleus dysfunction. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, including clinical trials for Alzheimer's therapies.

Scientific Awards

• 1998 Thesis award, University of Tübingen
• 2011 Christa Lorenz-ALS Research Award
• 2013 Hans und Ilse Breuer Forschungspreis