Prof. Dr. Andreas Nerlich | Paleopathology | Outstanding Scientist Award
Senior Researcher at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Andreas G. Nerlich is a distinguished German pathologist and senior medical researcher with over four decades of academic and clinical contributions in pathology, legal medicine, and biomedical sciences. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal academic and leadership roles at the Ludwig-Maximilians University München and affiliated medical institutions. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Legal Medicine, he remains at the forefront of scientific inquiry, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His pioneering work in historical pathology and ancient disease research has not only advanced modern medical understanding but has also positioned him as a leading voice in the field of academic pathology in Europe.
Profile
Education
Prof. Nerlich’s academic journey began with the study of medicine at the Medical Faculty of Ludwig-Maximilians University München from 1977 to 1983. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.) degree in 1984 from the same institution. His drive for interdisciplinary advancement led him to pursue further studies in hospital administration at the University of Applied Sciences, Köln, where he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree between 2003 and 2005. Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, he obtained a Ph.D. (Dr. rer. hum. biol.) in 2009 from Ludwig-Maximilians University München, solidifying his dual foundation in both clinical and biological medical sciences.
Experience
Prof. Nerlich’s professional career is deeply rooted in Ludwig-Maximilians University München, where he has held a continuum of positions since 1984. Beginning as a Research Assistant in the Department of Pathology (1984–1993), he advanced to Associate Professor (1993–1997), then Full Professor of Pathology (1997–2001), and concurrently served as an Associate Professor in subsequent years. From 2001 to 2023, he led the Institute of Pathology at the Academic Hospitals Munich-Bogenhausen and Munich-Schwabing, overseeing diagnostics, teaching, and research initiatives. His expertise later transitioned into the field of legal medicine, where he now continues impactful work as a Senior Researcher. Earlier in his career, he also gained foundational experience at the Max-Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried.
Research Interest
Andreas G. Nerlich’s research encompasses a broad spectrum within pathology, with particular emphasis on paleopathology, infectious diseases in historical populations, and molecular diagnostics. His interest in analyzing disease patterns in ancient human remains has bridged the gap between archaeology and modern medicine. He has also contributed extensively to forensic pathology, histopathological diagnostics, and tissue-based molecular techniques. His interdisciplinary studies integrate classical morphological methods with contemporary molecular analysis, contributing to a better understanding of the evolution, transmission, and pathological manifestations of diseases across time.
Award
Throughout his career, Prof. Nerlich has been the recipient of numerous accolades for his scientific rigor, leadership, and academic service. His contributions to paleopathology and ancient disease epidemiology have earned him recognition in both medical and archaeological communities. As a thought leader in integrating historical medical data with modern diagnostics, he has been honored for groundbreaking publications and collaborative projects that redefine the boundaries of pathology and medical history. These accomplishments underscore his excellence and lasting impact on both contemporary and historical medical sciences.
Publication
Prof. Nerlich has authored and co-authored a multitude of peer-reviewed papers, many of which have significantly influenced the field of pathology.
-
Traumatic Strabismus in Franz Josias Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld’s Portraits (1697–1764), Injury, 2025 — co-authored with international scholars; DOI: [10.1016/j.injury.2025.112223].
-
Experimental Ancient Egyptian Human Mummification Tested in a Porcine Model: Excellent Preservation at a 13-Year Follow-Up, Heritage, 2025 — demonstrating long-term preservation outcomes; DOI: [10.3390/heritage8060194].
-
Neuro-ophthalmological Pathology in a ‘Portrait of a Young Woman’ from Roman Egypt, Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, 2024 — blending art and diagnostics; DOI: [10.1016/j.jemep.2024.100998].
-
Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma in an Early 18th-Century South German Abbot, Heritage, 2024 — a collaborative interdisciplinary study; DOI: [10.3390/heritage7070159].
-
Traumatic Fractures in an Early 19th Century Museum Skeleton: The History of “Finessensepperl”, Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, 2024 — forensic analysis of historical violence; DOI: [10.1007/s12024-024-00811-w].
-
Chronic Active Non-lethal Human-type Tuberculosis in a High Royal Bavarian Officer, PLOS ONE, 2021 — a study on tuberculosis in historical remains; DOI: [10.1371/journal.pone.0249955].
-
First Evidence of Peripheral Atherosclerosis in the Feet of Egyptian Mummies, European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 2021 — groundbreaking vascular pathology findings; DOI: [10.1016/j.ejvs.2020.09.016].
Conclusion
Prof. Andreas G. Nerlich exemplifies academic distinction, scientific innovation, and interdisciplinary vision. From advancing clinical pathology to unveiling the molecular secrets of ancient diseases, he has substantially influenced multiple domains of medicine. His relentless pursuit of knowledge, coupled with his commitment to education and cross-disciplinary collaboration, has left an indelible mark on both contemporary and historical medical sciences. With a career spanning research, teaching, and leadership, he remains a beacon of excellence and a deserving candidate for recognition through prestigious awards in medical science and academic achievement.