Prof. Ted Abel to lead Neuroscience and Brain Health Division at Magdeburg University Medical Center; international collaboration with University of Iowa

Prof. Ted Abel to lead Neuroscience and Brain Health Division at Magdeburg University Medical Center; international collaboration with University of Iowa

Medical Faculty/University Hospital Magdeburg - Internationally renowned neurobiologist Prof. Ted Abel enhances patient care at Magdeburg University Hospital

Internationally renowned neurobiologist Prof. Ted Abel enhances patient care at Magdeburg University Hospital

Magdeburg University Medical Center (UMMD) is gainingProf. Dr. Ted Abel, a world-leading neurobiologist, as a research partner. The internationally renowned scientist was a student of Nobel Prize in Medicine laureates Eric Kandel (2000) and Tim Hunt (2001) and is one of the most distinguished researchers in the field of molecular neuroscience.

Starting May 1, 2026, Prof. Abel will lead the strategic development of the Neuroscience and Brain Health Division as a sub-department of theUniversity Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Magdeburg.

With his research on the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric disorders and numerous publications in renowned journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell, he bringsglobally recognized expertise to Magdeburg. His new position opens up the opportunity to specifically translate these groundbreaking research findings into patient care, thereby further establishing Magdeburg University Hospital as a beacon for innovative, translational medicine.

“With Prof. Ted Abel, we have an internationally leading expert in neurobiological and psychiatric research as a collaboration partner. Working with him and our American partners opens up new perspectives for students, researchers, and physicians,” says Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Nickl-Jockschat, Director of the Clinic.

Photo: Prof. Dr. Ted Abel. Photo: University of Iowa 2025

Prof. Abel is currently the Roy J. Carver Director of theIowa Neuroscience Institute at the University of Iowa. He is also Co-Director of theHawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, a member of theNational Academy of Medicine, and a Fellow of theAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science. His research on the molecular mechanisms of learning, memory, and their impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders has been published in leading scientific journals and contributes significantly to theunderstanding of autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual developmental disorders.

As early as March 2026, theOtto von Guericke University Magdeburgsigned a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Iowa. In doing so, the university is further expanding its international relations and strengthening its role as a globally recognized hub for cutting-edge neuroscience research. The agreement lays the foundation for joint research projects, the exchange of researchers, faculty, and students, as well as collaboration on conferences, seminars, and other academic initiatives.

With Prof. Abel and the deepened partnership with the University of Iowa, Magdeburg University Medical Center is sending aclear signal regarding internationalization, scientific excellence, and the translation of research findings into practice. The goal is to further establish UMMD as a beacon for innovative, translation-oriented patient care.