Florian Eichler, a neurologist, leverages the biology of single gene disorders affecting the nervous system to develop treatments for leukodystrophies and hereditary neuropathies.  Among his scientific contributions, Dr. Eichler has discovered neurotoxic sphingolipids underlying hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1) and unraveled mechanisms of brain demyelination in leukodystrophies. As a clinician he has performed a first gene therapy trial for adrenoleukodystrophy as well as a L-serine supplementation trial in HSAN1. As Director of the Center for Rare Neurological Diseases he aims to accelerate progress and treatment for rare conditions by understanding unmet, identifying knowledge gaps and creating partnerships.