Mr. Friedrich Paulsen | Medicine | Excellence in Research

Head of Department of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Professor Friedrich Paulsen is a distinguished anatomist, specializing in gross anatomy and histology. He serves as the Chair of the Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy at Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. With a wealth of experience in both teaching and research, Dr. Paulsen is a renowned figure in the field of anatomy and has contributed extensively to textbooks such as the SOBOTTA Atlas and SOBOTTA Textbook of Human Anatomy. He has held key positions, including Secretary General of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (2009–2019) and president of the European Federation of Experimental Morphology (2021-2023). His research interests focus on the head and neck region, specifically the ocular surface and tear film, making him one of the top 2% most cited scientists in the world in his field.

Profile

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Education

Professor Friedrich Paulsen earned his MD from CAU Kiel in Germany, where he began his journey into the world of anatomy and histology. He later expanded his research capabilities through a position as a researcher at the University of Bristol, UK. Over the years, Dr. Paulsen’s educational pursuits and scientific contributions have been complemented by his leadership in the academic field. From 2004 to 2010, he was a full professor of anatomy at MLU Halle-Wittenberg, before taking the Chair at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. Throughout his career, Dr. Paulsen’s commitment to academic excellence has been recognized with multiple honorary doctorates, including from Carol Davila University (2022) and Grigore T. Popa University (2023). His comprehensive educational background, from his early medical training to his leadership in anatomical education, has allowed him to shape future generations of scientists and medical professionals.

Experience

Professor Friedrich Paulsen has extensive experience in both research and academic leadership. Since 2006, he has been an active member of the German Anatomische Gesellschaft, serving as secretary and board member. His leadership extended internationally as he was the Secretary General of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists from 2009 to 2019. From 2016 to 2022, he held the position of Vice President at Friedrich Alexander University (FAU), overseeing a student body of over 41,000. Throughout his career, Dr. Paulsen has also served as editor-in-chief of the Annals of Anatomy and as section editor for numerous scientific journals. His academic and professional expertise has earned him significant recognition in the anatomical community, further reinforcing his reputation as a global leader in the field of anatomy. He has contributed to over 400 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in clinical and functional anatomy.

Research Focus

Professor Friedrich Paulsen’s research primarily focuses on the functional and clinical anatomy of the head and neck region, with particular emphasis on the ocular surface, tear film, and draining lacrimal system. His work in ocular immunology has provided important insights into the immune functions of the eye and its surrounding structures. Through his research, Dr. Paulsen has contributed significantly to understanding the mechanical properties of human tissues, particularly the brain and synovial joints, which has important implications for medical treatments and interventions. His research is not confined to anatomy alone; he has also worked on clinical applications related to ophthalmology, cancer biology, and antimicrobial peptides. As one of the most highly cited scientists in the field, his ongoing work continues to bridge the gap between theoretical anatomical knowledge and its practical application in medical practice.

Publication Top Notes

• Mechanical characterization of human brain tissue 🧠🔬 (Cited 647 times, 2017)
• Locally renewing resident synovial macrophages provide a protective barrier for the joint 🦴💪 (Cited 509 times, 2019)
• Acknowledging the use of human cadaveric tissues in research papers: Recommendations from anatomical journal editors 💀📑 (Cited 499 times, 2021)
• The dissection course–necessary and indispensable for teaching anatomy to medical students 📚🦷 (Cited 415 times, 2008)
• The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: report of the subcommittee on tear film lipids and lipid–protein interactions in health and disease 👁️💧 (Cited 397 times, 2011)
• Sobotta Atlas of Anatomy, Vol. 2, English/Latin: Internal Organs 📖🫀 (Cited 326 times, 2023)
• Curving and looping of the internal carotid artery in relation to the pharynx: frequency, embryology and clinical implications 🏥🩺 (Cited 307 times, 2000)
• Antitumor activity of the antimicrobial peptide magainin II against bladder cancer cell lines 💉⚔️ (Cited 283 times, 2006)
• The legal and ethical framework governing Body Donation in Europe-A review of current practice and recommendations for good practice ⚖️📝 (Cited 263 times, 2008)
• IgA subclasses have different effector functions associated with distinct glycosylation profiles 🧬💉 (Cited 257 times, 2020)
• Ptf1a is essential for the differentiation of GABAergic and glycinergic amacrine cells and horizontal cells in the mouse retina 👀🐭 (Cited 251 times, 2007)
• Antimicrobial peptides of the Cecropin-family show potent antitumor activity against bladder cancer cells 🦠🔬 (Cited 248 times, 2008)
• Schirmer strip vs. capillary tube method: non-invasive methods of obtaining proteins from tear fluid 💧👁️ (Cited 233 times, 2013)