Lüder Deecke

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Portrait of L%C3%BCder Deecke

Lüder Deecke (born 1938) is a German neurologist and neuroscientist known for his pioneering work in the field of neurophysiology. He is particularly recognized for his research on the Bereitschaftspotential (readiness potential), a measure of brain activity preceding voluntary motor acts.

Early Life and Education

Lüder Deecke was born in 1938 in Germany. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Hamburg, where he developed an interest in the workings of the human brain. Deecke completed his medical degree and subsequently specialized in neurology and neurosurgery.

Career

Deecke began his career as a researcher at the University of Vienna, where he collaborated with Hans Helmut Kornhuber. Together, they discovered the Bereitschaftspotential in 1964, a significant finding in the field of neurophysiology. This discovery provided insights into the brain's preparatory processes before voluntary movements.

He later held various academic and research positions, including a professorship at the University of Vienna and the directorship of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Functional Brain Topography. Deecke's work has significantly contributed to the understanding of motor control and the neural basis of voluntary actions.

Research Contributions

Lüder Deecke's research has focused on the following areas:

• **Bereitschaftspotential**: Deecke's most notable contribution is the discovery of the Bereitschaftspotential, which has implications for understanding the timing and initiation of voluntary movements.
• **Motor Control**: His studies have advanced the knowledge of how the brain plans and executes motor actions.
• **Neuroimaging**: Deecke has utilized various neuroimaging techniques to study brain function and its relation to behavior.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Deecke has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience, including:

• The Hans Berger Prize from the German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging.
• The Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art.

Personal Life

Lüder Deecke is married and has children. He continues to be active in the scientific community, contributing to various research projects and publications.

See Also

• Bereitschaftspotential
• Neurophysiology
• Motor Control
• Neuroimaging