Doeller gained international attention with the discovery of so-called grid cells in the human brain. These nerve cells provide an internal coordinate system and are regarded as the basis for orientation, planning and logical reasoning. His research shows that spatial principles also underlie abstract thinking and thus structure decision-making processes. These findings are not only fundamental, but also relevant for understanding neurological diseases and cognitive disorders.
With the prize money of 2.5 million euros, Doeller can flexibly advance his research for up to seven years. The Leibniz Prize will be awarded in Berlin in March 2026 and also emphasises the international appeal of Leipzig as a research location.
Press release of the "Max Planck Institute" from 11 December 2025