Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Hartung stands as a preeminent figure in clinical neurology and neuroimmunology with decades of distinguished service to the field. He served as Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf from 2001 until his retirement in 2020, having previously held professorships at Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg and the University of Graz. Educated at the Universities of Düsseldorf, Glasgow, Oxford, and London as a scholar of the German National Academic Foundation, he graduated magna cum laude with his medical degree in 1980 before completing immunology fellowship training at Johannes-Gutenberg-University of Mainz. His career trajectory began in neurology at the University of Düsseldorf where he became assistant professor in 1987, establishing himself as a rising leader in neuroimmunological research before assuming chair positions at successive institutions.
Professor Hartung's groundbreaking research has profoundly advanced understanding of autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system, particularly multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. His work on the pathogenesis of these conditions and their animal models has led to the development of innovative immunomodulatory therapies and regenerative approaches for inflammatory, ischemic, and traumatic injuries to the nervous system. With over 950 peer-reviewed publications, one hundred book chapters, and nine edited books, his scholarly output represents one of the most substantial contributions to neuroimmunology in contemporary medicine. His identification of biomarkers for disease activity and therapeutic response has transformed clinical practice, enabling more precise monitoring and personalized treatment approaches for patients with neurological autoimmune conditions.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Hartung has played a pivotal role in shaping international neurology through leadership positions and collaborations across continents. His recognition as an honorary member of the French Neurological Society in 2017 underscores his global impact and longstanding partnerships with European research communities. Currently maintaining active scholarly engagement as Professor Emeritus at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, he also serves as Honorary Professor at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, and Visiting Professor at both Medical University Vienna and Palacky University Olomouc. His continued mentorship of young researchers and ongoing contributions to developing neural repair strategies ensure his legacy will persist through the next generation of neuroimmunologists addressing unmet needs in neurological care.
