Simon T. Schäfer

Prof. Dr. Simon T. Schäfer is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Advanced Organoid Technologies for Mental Health Research group within the TUM School of Medicine and Health. His research focuses on developing stem cell-based organoid models to study neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with applications in personalized medicine and tissue repair strategies. He holds the Rudolf Mössbauer Professorship and is part of the Center for Organoid Systems (COS).

Education:

• Studied medicine and biomedical sciences in Greifswald (Germany) and San Diego (USA)
• Doctorate followed by postdoctoral research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA

Research Interests:

• Stem cell biology and organoid engineering
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, macrocephaly)
• Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's)
• Microglia biology and neuroimmune interactions
• Therapeutic strategies for brain repair

Scientific Awards:

• Early Excellence Academy Member (2023)
• NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2019 & 2022)
• DFG Research Fellowship (2016)
• James S. McDonnell Foundation Fellowship (2015)

Advisees/Grants:

• Leads the COS lab with his research group
• Oversees translational projects linking organoid models to clinical applications

Labs/Teams:

• Center for Organoid Systems (COS)
• Collaborations with Salk Institute and international stem cell networks