Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Hescheler

Professor Dr. Jürgen Hescheler – Stem Cell Research and Neurophysiology Expert

CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITÄT ZU KÖLN FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE GERMAN SOCIETY FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH

About Jürgen Hescheler

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Hescheler is a world-renowned expert in stem cell research and neurophysiology. He serves as Director of the Institute for Neurophysiology at the University of Cologne. His groundbreaking work in the electrophysiological analysis of stem cells and the cardiac differentiation of embryonic stem cells has placed him among the pioneers in this field.

Academic Background

• MD and PhD in Physiology – University of Saarland • Habilitation in Physiology – 1988 • Honorary Doctorate – Tongji Medical University, 2009

Research Focus

• Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) • Electrophysiology of stem cells • Cardiac cell development from stem cells • Toxicological applications of stem cell systems • Translational research in regenerative medicine

Major Contributions

• First to perform electrophysiological studies on stem cells • Led functional analysis of cardiomyocytes from embryonic stem cells • Coordinated multiple EU and BMBF-funded stem cell projects • Founder and Chair, German Society for Stem Cell Research

Publications and Impact

With over 899 publications, Prof. Hescheler has contributed significantly to the global body of knowledge in stem cell biology and clinical applications. His work continues to influence regenerative medicine and safety pharmacology.

Why Jürgen Hescheler is a Key Figure in Stem Cell Research

Prof. Hescheler’s innovative methods in stem cell electrophysiology have become foundational in stem cell toxicology and therapy development. His leadership in international consortia underlines his influence in academic and clinical translational research.

Honors and Awards

• Honorary Doctorate, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China, 2009
• Bundessieger in Mathematics/Informatics, Jugend forscht, 1978

Professional Affiliations

• Founder and Chairman, German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ)
• Member, Various European stem cell research consortia