Every two years, the Applied Vision Association (AVA) honors the achievements of an outstanding scientist in vision research with the "AVA David Marr Medal". This year, Rudolf Mößbauer Tenure Track Professor Manuel Spitschan, Head of the Assistant Professorship of Chronobiology & Health at TUM, received the committee's award for his research on how light affects human physiology. The award is named in memory of David Marr (1945-1980), one of the United Kingdom's foremost neuroscientists in the field of the visual system.
Prof. Spitschan's research focuses on the effects of light in relation to human physiology and behavior. In particular, the interplay of the biological clock, circadian rhythm, and sleep. The health scientist is providing new insights into the fundamental properties of melanopsin, a light-sensitive photoreceptor recently found in the human retina.