Mikael Simons

Professor Mikael Simons is a distinguished neuroscientist and W3-Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at the Technical University Munich (TUM), where he serves as Director of the Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology (TUM-NCB). He is also affiliated with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Munich and the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD). His laboratory focuses on understanding the biology of glial cells and their interactions with neurons in both health and disease.

Dr. Simons received his medical degree from the University of Heidelberg in 1997, where he completed his MD thesis at the Centre for Molecular Biology Heidelberg (ZMBH) with 'summa cum laude' honors. After completing his residency in Neurology at the University of Tübingen, he pursued post-doctoral studies at the Institute for Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg. He became a specialist in Neurology in 2004 and completed his Habilitation in Neurology at the University of Tübingen in 2005.

His research program spans several interconnected areas of neuroscience. A primary focus is on oligodendrocytes and myelin, particularly investigating the mechanisms of myelin formation and regeneration following injury, which is highly relevant to multiple sclerosis. Another major focus is on microglia and their functions in homeostasis, aging, and disease, with particular interest in neuroinflammation mechanisms and how immune cells damage or restore nervous system function. His lab also studies the role of lipoproteins in development, regeneration, aging, and neurodegeneration within the central nervous system.

Dr. Simons' laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining mouse models, zebrafish, and iPSC-derived human cell systems with advanced techniques including genetics, single-cell genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and high-resolution imaging. His team has made significant contributions to understanding myelin biogenesis, white matter aging, and the interplay between lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation.

• Current Positions:
• W3-Professor and Director, Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, TU Munich & DZNE/Munich (2016-present)
• Head of Clinical Research & Clinical Trial Unit Munich at DZNE/Munich (2020-present)

• Scientific Awards and Honors:
• EMBO Young Investigator Award (2008)
• ERC Starting Grant (2008)
• ERC Consolidator Grant (2014)
• ERC Advanced Grant (2020)
• German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina member (2023)

Dr. Simons has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing significantly to neuroscience education and training. His laboratory is part of a vibrant research ecosystem including the Munich Excellence-Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), where he serves on the board and co-heads the electron microscopy hub. He also plays a key role in the Collaborative Research Centre 274 as its speaker and co-head of the single-cell genomics hub.

The work from Dr. Simons' laboratory has important implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those involving myelin damage such as multiple sclerosis, as well as age-related cognitive decline and dementia. His research bridges basic science with potential clinical applications, aiming to develop regenerative medicines for the nervous system.