Randy Bruno

Randy Bruno is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where he serves as a Tutorial Fellow at St Peter's College. He leads the Bruno Group within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) in the Medical Sciences Division.

His research focuses on understanding cortical microcircuitry and computation, particularly how different layers of the neocortex contribute to sensory perception, learning, and decision making. Bruno's lab primarily uses the rodent whisker-barrel system as a model to investigate these questions, as rodents rely predominantly on whisker-mediated touch to explore their world.

The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining intracellular physiology, cellular imaging, optogenetics, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments. Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on dendritic computation, attentional mechanisms, cross-sensory integration, and the roles of different cortical layers in sensory processing and learning. His work spans from basic neural mechanisms to potential implications for understanding mental disorders that affect cortical circuits.

The Bruno Group includes multiple postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, and graduate students working collaboratively. Current team members include Madison Bartley, Dahee Jang, Candice Lee, Ziyue Liu, Katy Willard, Hadas Sloin, Isabella Febbo, and Soumen Jana. His publications have received significant attention across academic and social media platforms, with multiple papers highlighted by news outlets and shared widely among researchers.