Research

Forschungsschwerpunkte: Multiple Sklerose, Neuroimmunologie, Neuroinflammation, Immunpathologie

Der österreichische Mediziner Hans Lassmann erforschte die bei neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen auftretenden Entzündungen im menschlichen Nervensystem und ihre Wechselwirkungen mit dem Immunsystem. Er gilt weltweit als Pionier der Immunpathologie in der Multiple-Sklerose-Forschung.

Durch aufeinander abgestimmte klinische und experimentelle Studien gelangen ihm wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse, die das Verständnis der Krankheitsentstehung von Multipler Sklerose (MS), insbesondere auch die bis dahin unbekannte Rolle des Immunsystems revolutioniert haben. Weltweite Anerkennung wurde ihm durch die Aufdeckung der Rolle von immunologischen Antikörpern bei der Entstehung der schädigenden Entzündungsprozesse im Gehirn und im Rückenmark zuteil, die eine zentrale Rolle bei der Entstehung von MS und anderen neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen spielen. Lassmanns Erkenntnisse zu den Veränderungen im Immun- und Nervensystem im Krankheitsverlauf legten die Basis für bereits etablierte oder in Entwicklung begriffener Therapien der Autoimmunerkrankung.

Bei der Multiplen Sklerose wird die äußere Isolierschicht der Nervenfasern in der weißen Substanz von Gehirn und Rückenmark angegriffen, was zu verschiedenen Ausfallerscheinungen führen kann.

Career

• 2011 Full Member of the Section for Mathematics and the Natural Sciences of the Austrian Academy of Sciences  
• 2010 Full Member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• 2009 Honorary Professor at the University College of London, UK
• 2005 Corresponding Member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
• 1999-2007 Founding Director of the Centre for Brain Research of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, now Deputy Director
• 1999 Professor for Neuroimmunology and Chairman of the Department of Neuroimmunology of the Center for Brain Research of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria
• 1993 Professor
• 1990-1995 Head of the Research Unit for Experimental Neuropathology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
• 1983-1991 Head of Research Group for Experimental Neuropathology at the Neurological Institute, University of Vienna and at the Institute for Brain Research of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
• 1983 Habilitation in Neuropathology
• 1977-1978 Visiting associate; New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
• 1975-1983 University Assistant; Neurological Institute, University Vienna, Austria; Training in clinical and experimental Neuropathology
• 1968-1975 Medical School, University of Vienna, Austria

Projects

• 2012-2015 FWF- EDEN (E-Rare), Eugene Devic European Network: establishment and use of an European database and biological bank for research and treatment in acute neuromyelitis optica and related disorders
• 2011-2014 FWF, Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis: The role of oxidate damage
• 2010-2014 FWF-CCHD II, Cell Communication in Health and Disease; Project Part: Immunopathogenic mechanisms of lesion formation in multiple sclerosis
• 2007-2010 FWF-CCHD I, Cell Communication in Health and Disease; Project Part: Immunopathogenic mechanisms of lesion formation in multiple sclerosis
• 2007-2011 FWF, Innate Immunity in initial MS-lesions
• 2005-2010 EU, Neuroprotective strategies for Multiple Sclerosis
• 2000-2010 NMSS, The clinical pathological correlates of the MS-lesion

Functions

• 2010 Wings for Life Stiftung, Member of the Scientific Board  
• 2002 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Member of the Scientific Advisory Panel  for Neurological Disorders
• 2002 European Charcot Foundation, Member of the Executive Board
• 1998 Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Member of the Medical Board
• 1998 German Multiple Sclerosis Society, Member of the Medical Board
• 1997 Multiple Sclerosid Research Society, Vienna, Austria, Chairman
• 1990 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, Member of the Scientific Programs Committee

Honours and Memberships

• 2010 ZÜLCH Prize of the Gertrud Reemtsma Foundation
• 2006 First Prize in Neurology in the BMA Medical Book Competition for: A.Compston, G. Ebers, H. Lassmann, I. McDonald, B. Matthews & H. Wekerle: McAlpine’s Multiple Sclerosis; Fourth Edition
• 2005 Kardinal Innitzer Würdigungspreis (Naturwissenschaften)
• 2005 Charcot Award of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation 2005 for Life Long Achievements in Multiple Sclerosis Research
• 2005 Section Head „Demyelinating Diseases“ of the Faculty of 1000 Medicine; Current Science Group
• 2005 Highly Cited Researcher in ISI Highly Cited Researchers Project
• 2001 Steinberg Krupp Alzheimer’s Research Award of the German “Hirnliga“
• 2000 Research Award 2000 of the Sobek Foundation
• 1999 Winner in the Advanced Authored Category: The Medical Writers Group of the Society of Authors; Medical Book Awards sponsored by The Royal Society of Medicine, UK for: A.Compston, G. Ebers, H. Lassmann, I. McDonald, B. Matthews & H.  Wekerle: McAlpine’s Multiple Sclerosis; Third Edition
• 1999 Award of the Hoechst AG Foundation
• 1994 Research Prize of the First Austrian Bank
• 1994 Billroth Prize of the Austrian Medical Chamber
• 1992 The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Royal College Speaker
• 1985, 1987 Award of the Hoechst AG Foundation
• 1883 Kardinal Innitzer Promoting Award