David M Bannerman

David M Bannerman is Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience in the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford and Head of the Behavioural Neuroscience Unit. His research program centers on the neurobiological mechanisms of learning, memory, and emotion, with a strong translational focus on neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's Disease, as well as the critical relationship between sleep and behavior.

His academic training includes a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Bristol and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Bannerman's group employs multidisciplinary approaches to investigate neurotransmitter systems, neural plasticity, and their disruptions in brain disorders. Current work integrates molecular, circuit, and behavioral analyses using rodent models to understand how impairments in these systems lead to cognitive and emotional dysfunction, with particular emphasis on synaptic mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease and schizophrenia models.

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in sleep neuroscience (spindle oscillations, torpor-sleep interactions), Alzheimer's pathology (tau, amyloid-β), and psychedelic neuropharmacology. The work consistently leverages advanced rodent models and techniques to bridge molecular mechanisms with behavioral outcomes in neuropsychiatric conditions.

Scientific recognition includes:

• William R. Miller Fellowship in Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology
• Governing Body Fellowship at the University of Oxford

As head of the Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Professor Bannerman directs a research program that combines electrophysiology, molecular neuroscience, and behavioral analysis to uncover fundamental mechanisms of brain function and develop translational insights for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.