Sleep is far more than mere nightly rest – it is a cornerstone of human health, closely tied to our circadian rhythms. Scientific advancements in this field play a vital role in improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders and circadian misalignments. To honor outstanding contributions in sleep and circadian research, the Sleep Research Society (SRS) annually presents the prestigious Rising Star Award to researchers who demonstrate excellence in both innovative research and dedicated education.
In 2025, the award in the Investigator Educator category goes to Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan, head of the Assistant Professorship of Chronobiology & Health. With this recognition, the SRS honors Prof. Spitschan’s significant and lasting contributions to high-quality scientific research and his commitment to advancing sleep and circadian science. The award acknowledges not only scientific excellence but also the impact of translational research on public health.
Prof. Spitschan expressed his appreciation: “This award reflects the ongoing work of my team to not only study sleep and circadian rhythms at a fundamental level, but also to highlight their importance for prevention and public health.”
The award ceremony took place on June 8, 2025, during the international annual meeting SLEEP 2025 in Seattle. In addition to formal recognition, Prof. Spitschan received a commemorative plaque and a prize of USD 1,000.
The Sleep Research Society is a leading international organization of scientists dedicated to sleep and circadian health. Through initiatives such as the annual SLEEP meeting – co-hosted with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) – and the specialized Advances in Sleep and Circadian Science conference, the SRS provides a vital platform for exchange, development, and collaboration within the research community.
Beyond its academic activities, the SRS actively advocates for improved research conditions through policy engagement, knowledge transfer, scholarly publications (SLEEP, SLEEP Advances), and educational programs. At the heart of the SRS’s mission is a commitment to advancing sleep and circadian biology to foster new scientific insights and ultimately improve long-term health and well-being.
To the homepage of the Assistant Professorship of Chronobiology & Health – Rudolf Mößbauer Professorship
To the homepage of the Translational Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience Unit (MPS/TUM/TUMCREATE)
To the homepage of the Sleep Research Society
Contact
Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan
Rudolf Mößbauer Assistant Professorship of Chronobiology & Health
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 89 289 24544
Email: manuel.spitschan(at)tum.de
Text: Bastian Daneyko
Photos: SRS/Private