Pavan P Ramdya

Pavan P Ramdya is an Associate Professor at EPFL's School of Life Sciences, affiliated with the Brain Mind Institute and Institute of Bioengineering. He leads the Ramdya Lab, focusing on reverse-engineering Drosophila neural systems to uncover principles of biological intelligence and inform AI/robotics. His interdisciplinary approach combines genetics, computational modeling, and neuroimaging.

• Education: PhD in Neurobiology from Harvard University (2009)

Research spans neuroengineering, motor control, and collective behavior. Key contributions include creating NeuroMechFly (neuromechanical model of Drosophila), mapping descending/ascending neuron networks, and developing DeepFly3D, LiftPose3D software for behavioral analysis. His work reveals how neural populations in the brain and ventral nerve cord coordinate locomotion and social behaviors.

Recent publications focus on hierarchical sensorimotor control (Nature Methods 2024), neural substrates of sociability (bioRxiv 2024), and 3D pose estimation algorithms. The lab secures major grants including Kavli Exploration Awards, SNSF Eccellenza Grants, and HFSP Fellowships.

• Scientific Awards: Kavli Fellowship, SNSF Eccellenza Grant, HFSP Career Development Award, Wellcome Trust Fellowship, UNIL Young Investigator Award

As a PhD program committee member for EDBB and EDNE, he mentors students in computational neuroscience and neuroengineering. His team has trained multiple PhD candidates including Victor Lobato-Rios and Pembe Gizem Ozdil.