Dr. Maier studies the role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the heart. Specifically, his research addresses CaMKII targeting of Ca2+-dependent proteins and excitation-contraction coupling under normal and pathophysiological conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and acidosis. His group has also identified the proarrhythmic effects of CaMKII on cardiac Na+ current.
Emmy-Noether-Excellence-Fellowship, German Research Foundation (DFG), 2000 International Competitive Research Award for Young Investigators, GlaxoSmithKline Research Foundation, 2003 Bruno-Kisch Research Award, German Cardiac Society, 2004 Hengstberger Fellowship, German Cardiac Society, 2007 German-Pfizer-Research-Award, University of Freiburg, 2007 Heisenberg Program, DFG, 2008