Understanding diseases of the brain requires insight that spans from cellular mechanisms to patient care. With the appointment of Gesine Paul-Visse as Professor of Neuropsychiatric Research at Lund University, the Vigre Professorship strengthens translational neuroscience at the interface of fundamental research and clinical practice — a core mission shared by the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM).
Bridging research and clinical practice
The Vigre Professorship is a position established through a donation from Ragnar Vigre to promote fundamental research in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The professorship was announced by Lund University to recruit a researcher and clinician who demonstrates exceptional scientific and pedagogical excellence in fields such as neurology, cognitive diseases or psychiatry, with particular emphasis placed on scientific achievement.
A defining feature of the position is its combined structure. The professorship is a combined academic and clinical appointment as a specialist physician or senior consultant, ensuring that research questions remain closely linked to challenges encountered in healthcare. This model reflects a growing recognition that progress in complex brain disorders depends on continuous dialogue between laboratory science and clinical medicine.
Paul-Visse’s appointment exemplifies this integration, bringing together academic leadership, translational research and clinical neurology within a single role.
Translational research in neurodegenerative disease
As a WCMM clinical researcher and neurologist, Paul-Visse studies mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Her research focuses on the neurovascular unit, the interactions between blood vessels, immune responses, and nerve cells and how vascular dysfunction contributes to disease progression.
By integrating experimental models with patient-derived data, her work aims to identify therapeutic targets that can protect brain tissue and support recovery.
Clinical leadership in the STEM-PD trial
In parallel with her laboratory research, Paul-Visse serves as clinical principal investigator of the ongoing STEM-PD trial, a clinical study evaluating stem-cell-based transplantation as a treatment strategy for Parkinson’s disease. The trial represents a major translational effort, building on decades of research in regenerative neuroscience at Lund and aiming to restore dopamine-producing neurons lost during disease progression.
Her leadership connects experimental innovation with clinical implementation, highlighting the importance of clinician-scientists in advancing new therapies safely into patient care.
Strengthening future neuroscience
Beyond research, the professorship includes teaching and supervision responsibilities that contribute to educating future clinicians and researchers. The appointment reinforces Lund University’s strong neuroscience environment and supports long-term development of translational research where molecular discoveries can ultimately improve patient outcomes.
