Uwe Windhorst


Uwe Windhorst is a German neuroscientist, systems scientist and cyberneticist, who was born in Bremen, Germany in 1946. Windhorst became known for his pioneer research in the use of diverse methods of correlation, spectral analysis as well as nonlinear systems analysis to describe the dynamic properties of signal transmission through small neuronal networks assessed in experimental animals.

Contributions in Neurophysiology

Windhorst's research has revolved around the control of skeletal muscle contraction based on sensory signal arising in muscles and skin and on neuronal networks predominantly in the spinal cord and brainstem. In this wider context, one line of research strived to elucidate the dynamic signal processing of the participating neurons, such as muscle spindles, motoneurons and interneurons and their importance for oscillatory process such as tremor. Related issues were the plastic properties of such networks and their modulation by signals arising in the peripheral and central nervous system, specifically in the context of muscle fatigue. A related aspect of research concerned the origin of muscle pain and its effects on spinal neurons. In addition to experimental studies, computer modeling was used to unravel the properties of small neuronal networks, especially with respect to tremor.

Education

Between 1968 and 1974, he studied medicine at the University of Göttingen in Germany, where he also earned his PhD and his Habilitation in Neurophysiology. He became Distinguished Professor in 1987.

List of major works