Mikael Simons

Prof. Dr. Mikael Simons is a neurobiologist and neurologist at the Technical University Munich (TUM), holding the Chair of Molecular Neurobiology within the TUM School of Medicine. He leads the Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology and is affiliated with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE). His research focuses on glial biology, myelin formation, and neurodegenerative processes, particularly in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Simons completed his medical training and doctorate at Heidelberg University, followed by postdoctoral research and clinical specialization in neurology at Tübingen and Göttingen Universities before joining TUM in 2015.

• Positions: Director of Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology (2016–present), Head of Clinical Research & Clinical Trial Unit at DZNE Munich (2020–present)
• Key Roles: Speaker of Collaborative Research Center (TRR 274), Co-head of the electron microscopy hub in the Munich Excellence Cluster SyNergy
• Education: MD from Heidelberg University (1997), Specialty qualification in Neurology (2004), Habilitation in Neurology (2005)

His research interests include:

• Myelin biogenesis and remyelination mechanisms
• Microglial function in aging and neurodegeneration
• Lipid metabolism's role in neuroinflammation
• Neuroprotective roles of oligodendrocytes

Recent studies highlight his work on microglial activation in white matter degeneration and the interplay between apolipoprotein E aggregation and Alzheimer's pathology. Simons' lab employs advanced techniques like electron microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9, and single-cell genomics to study these processes.

Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2020), EMBO Young Investigator Award (2008), Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (2001)

His team includes postdocs, PhD students, and technicians addressing glial biology and CNS repair. Current projects aim to translate molecular insights into therapies for demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.