Paris/Tübingen/Bonn, 18 September 2012. The French Foundation for Research into Alzheimer‘s („Fondation pour la Recherche sur Alzheimer“) is honouring Prof. Manuela Neumann for her work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. She has been awarded the „Grand Prix Européen de la Recherche sur la maladie d’Alzheimer“ (European prize for research into Alzheimer’s disease). Neumann is undertaking research at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and is professor and medical head of neuropathology at the University Hospital Tübingen. The prize money totals Euro 150,000. The prize-giving ceremony will take place this evening in Paris as part of a festive gala.
French Alzheimer’s Foundation honours researcher Manuela Neumann from DZNE and University of Tübingen
„Our choice is Manuela Neumann. Her research work has led to the identification of new abnormal proteins in the brains of patients with various neurodegenerative diseases“, says the Scientific Committee of the Foundation. The isolation of these proteins has resulted in new research opportunities and a new classification of these diseases. The Committee selects the prize winners. It is composed of high-ranking international researchers into Alzheimer’s. The prize has been awarded since only 2011, but very quickly made a name for itself internationally. The prize money of Euro 150,000 is awarded to Manuela Neumann and her research laboratory.
„I am delighted to receive this award. It makes it possible for me and my laboratory to carry out further investigations into the mechanisms and causes of various neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis“, says Manuela Neumann. In doing this she will build on her previous work. The focus will now be on the development of new model systems. The aim is to develop new approaches for treatment and diagnosis. Neumann has been at the DZNE and University of Tübingen since June 2012. „We are delighted that we were able to gain Manuela Neumann, an internationally recognised expert in the field of neuropathology“, says Prof. Pierluigi Nicotera, Scientific Director and Chairman of the Executive Board of the DZNE. This award shows how important the scientific community also considers her work.
The 43 year old medical scientist studied in Munich and Göttingen followed by research periods at the University of Pennsylvania and Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich. Until the end of May this year she was Assistant Professor for Experimental Neuropathology and Senior Medical Director at the Institute for Neuropathology at the Zurich University Hospital. Her various awards include the Research Prize from the Hans and Ilse Breuer Foundation. Her work will be supported during the next five years as part of the programme of the Helmholtz Community „Support for outstanding female scientists from funds in the Initiative and Networking Fund“.
Information on the DZNE
The DZNE is a research centre in the Helmholtz Association of German research centres, which is involved with neurodegenerative diseases. Its approach is to understand the causes and risk factors which predetermine neurodegeneration and develop new treatment and care strategies. In order to bundle the successful German research in the field of neurodegeneration, the DZNE works closely with its partner universities.
Information on the University of Tübingen
Innovative. Interdisciplinary. International. Since 1477. These have always been the University of Tübingen’s guiding principles in research and teaching. With its long tradition, Tübingen is one of Germany’s most respected universities. Tübingen’s Neuroscience Excellence Cluster, Linguistics Graduate School and institutional strategy are backed by the German government’s Excellence Initiative, making Tübingen one of eleven German universities with the title of excellence. Tübingen is also home to five Collaborative Research Centers, participates in six Transregional Collaborative Research Centers, and hosts five Graduate Schools. The excellence of our research provides optimal conditions for students and academics from all over the world. Nearly 26,000 students are currently enrolled at the University of Tübingen. As a comprehensive research University, we offer more than 250 subjects. Our courses combine teaching and research, promoting a deeper understanding of the material while encouraging students to share their own knowledge and ideas. This philosophy gives Tübingen students strength and confidence in their fields and a solid foundation for interdisciplinary research.
Information on the Foundation
The „Fondation pour la Recherche sur Alzheimer“ wants to use the award to honour a researcher who is known in scientific circles for their precise method of working and publications. The Foundation was established in 2004. Its aim is to actively support research in the field of Alzheimer‘s and similar syndromes. In addition, collaboration is to be promoted between various research centres in France and Europe.