Esther Diekhof

Dr. Esther Diekhof is a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Hamburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and the Department of Biology within the Institute of Animal Cell and Systems Biology. Her work bridges neuroendocrinology, cognitive neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, focusing on hormonal influences on human behavior and brain function.

• PhD in Theoretical Medicine (Dr. rer. med.) from University of Saarland
• Magisterstudium in Anthropology from University of Hamburg

Her research explores how steroid hormones like estradiol and testosterone modulate gender differences in behavior (e.g., impulsivity, dominance) and neural activity patterns. She employs interdisciplinary methods including fMRI, EEG, eye tracking, and salivary hormone assays, often in collaboration with institutions like the Institute for Systemic Neuroscience at UKE. Recent studies investigate neuroimmune responses to contagion cues and VR-induced immune activation.

Publications demonstrate expertise in behavioral immunology, hormonal contraception effects, and pedophilia's neural correlates. Scientific accolades include multiple Trainee Abstract Awards from the Organization for Human Brain Mapping and scholarships from the DAAD and DFG. She has mentored advisees indirectly through collaborative projects and supervised teams in bio-behavioral labs at Biozentrum Grindel.