Dr. Gregor Schuhknecht is a Researcher and incoming Max-Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. Starting December 2025, he will lead the Brain Algorithms and Circuits Group, focusing on computational neuroscience and neuronal circuitry in larval zebrafish. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches to understand brain algorithms enabling flexible behaviors. Education PhD in Neuroscience (2014–2019), Institute for Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich MSc in Biology (Neuroscience) (2012–2019), ETH Zurich BSc in Biosciences (2009–2012), Heidelberg University His research investigates how synaptic circuitry implements computational algorithms for sensorimotor processing, evidence accumulation, and behavior. Experimental approaches include functional imaging, optogenetics, connectomics, and computational modeling. The group will explore neuronal circuits across scales, from synapse to behavior, with a focus on biophysical properties and dynamic environmental adaptation. Recent publications highlight correlative light/electron microscopy, developmental activity-free circuit formation, and neocortical synapse analysis. Scientific Awards Meselson Prize (2024) Aspirational Neuroscience Award (2023) Best Publication Award (2021) Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowships (2021, 2019, 2018) Gregor Schuhknecht's lab will welcome graduate and postdoctoral researchers starting December 2025, focusing on experimental and computational systems neuroscience. He previously collaborated with Harvard University's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and the Department of Moritz Helmstaedter for connectomic analyses.
Dr. Tobias Hauser is a Professor of Computational Psychiatry at the University of Tübingen, Germany, and a Group Leader at the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research. His research spans clinical neuroscience, developmental psychiatry, and computational modeling, focusing on the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders like OCD and ADHD. MSc in Psychology (2010), University of Zurich PhD in Psychology (2014), University of Zurich Hauser's work employs a translational approach, integrating clinical, pharmacological, and basic neuroscience to characterize neural network deficiencies in mental health. His developmental perspective investigates how psychiatric symptoms emerge through deviations from canonical brain development trajectories. Recent publications highlight his focus on dopaminergic midbrain activity, frontostriatal myelination, and computational mechanisms of decision-making. These studies utilize techniques like fMRI, EEG, and computational modeling to explore compulsivity, impulsivity, and developmental neurocognitive processes. Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (Wellcome Trust & Royal Society) Research Fellowship (Jacobs Foundation) Kramer-Pollnow Award for ADHD research Hauser leads the Developmental Computational Psychiatry Group and co-founded the Brain Explorer app, a citizen science project investigating brain development and mental health. He actively seeks PostDocs and PhD students for collaborative research in computational psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience.
Andrea Reiter is a Professor at the Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, holding the W1-Professur für Lernprozesse in der Entwicklungspsychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Prävention. Her research focuses on decision-making processes in clinical populations, lifespan changes, and the impact of stress/social influences. She employs computational modeling combined with fMRI and EEG. Education: Dr. rer. nat. (summa cum laude, 2016) from University of Leipzig, Master of Advanced Studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (University of Bern), and Diploma in Psychology from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (2012). She also studied Literature and Educational Sciences alongside Psychology. Professional Experience includes a research position at TU Dresden (since 2015), guest research at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (since 2015), and PhD work at IMPRS NeuroCom (2012-2015). She has clinical experience as a Psychologist at Kreiskrankenhaus Tauberbischofsheim. Research Awards: Austrian Academy Grant (2016), Poster Award (2014), DZ Banken Career Prize (2013), and IMPRS PhD stipend (2012-2015). Her publications (2013-2016) emphasize neuroimaging studies on decision-making deficits in disorders like binge eating and alcohol dependence, with methodological strengths in computational modeling and EEG/fMRI integration.
Max Planck Institute for Biological IntelligenceGermany
Maude Baldwin is the Director of the Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates, particularly in birds. Education : Ph.D. from Harvard University (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 2007-2014); B.A. from New York University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 2005). Research Interests include: Evolution of taste receptors, such as the repurposing of savory receptors for sweet detection in hummingbirds. Convergent evolution in sensory systems across vertebrates. Integrative approaches combining molecular methods, cell culture, and behavioral studies. Impact of dietary shifts on ecological and physiological adaptations. Publication Trends reveal a focus on comparative genomics , protein evolution , and sensory system adaptation , with specific attention to bird taste receptors , gene loss , and echolocation genetics . Labs & Teams : Baldwin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Max Planck Institute, recruiting researchers in comparative genomics , organoid technology , and vertebrate natural history . The group investigates sensory-diet coevolution and physiological trade-offs.
Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchGermany
Omer Bayraktar is a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute , leading research in the Cellular Genomics Programme. His work focuses on decoding human brain cellular diversity using spatial transcriptomics , imaging , and functional screening to study neural complexity in health and disease. Bayraktar's educational background includes a PhD from HHMI under Chris Doe, investigating neural diversity development in Drosophila , followed by postdoctoral work at University of California, San Francisco and University of Cambridge as a Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellow. He developed a spatial transcriptomic pipeline during his postdoc to analyze astrocyte heterogeneity in the cerebral cortex. His research explores neural cell type mapping , glial-neuronal interactions , and cellular pathways in neurodevelopmental disorders . Recent publications emphasize 3D tissue mapping , multi-omic integration , and computational tools like Cell2fate and WebAtlas. His work bridges neurogenetics and computational biology to advance understanding of human tissue ecosystems. Bayraktar's lab collaborates with the Human Cell Atlas initiative and develops technologies such as automated histology pipelines and highly-multiplexed smFISH for molecular cell typing. His team also investigates glia-based therapies and astrocyte functional heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental contexts. Key scientific contributions include: Discovering astrocyte layer patterns independent of neuronal laminae Developing cell2location for spatial cell mapping Characterizing Drosophila neural stem cell models with human relevance Notable awards include the Life Sciences Research Foundation Fellowship during his postdoctoral training. His current group includes a PhD student , Senior Data Scientists , and Bioinformaticians .
Prof. Dr. Simon Schäfer leads the Schäfer Lab at the Technische Universität München , focusing on engineering advanced organoid systems to study human brain development, disease modeling, and repair mechanisms. His work bridges stem cell biology, gene editing, and bioengineering to develop personalized therapies for brain disorders. Stem Cell & Organoid Technology Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms Neurodegenerative Disease Models Gene Editing & Neuroimmune Interactions Translational Neuroscience Recent research emphasizes brain organoid development, microglia phenotypes, and neurodevelopmental timing anomalies in autism. His team’s work also explores zika virus interactions with glioblastoma stem cells and neuronal plasticity in psychiatric disorders. Scientific awards and funding include support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF), and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy). Collaborations span institutions like the TUM Center for Organoid Systems. Advises 6 students (2 PhD, 1 MSc, 3 associated) Labs include Schäfer Lab, COS@TranslaTUM Contact: simon.schafer@tum.de
Anna Levina is an Assistant Professor for Computational Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the self-organization of neuronal activity, critical dynamics in neural networks, and the excitation/inhibition balance in cortical circuits. Current positions: Assistant Professor (since 2018), Group Leader (2017-2018), Equality Officer (Computer Science) Previous roles: IST Fellow (2015-2017), Associated Researcher (2011-2015), Postdoc/PI (2011-2015), Postdoc (2008-2011) Her research integrates mathematical modeling , statistical physics , and computational neuroscience to study criticality phenomena, neural avalanches, and adaptive network dynamics. Key interests include: Self-organized criticality in neural systems Excitation/Inhibition balance mechanisms Network topology and dynamics Timescale analysis in neural processing Stochastic modeling of neural activity Recent publications reveal trends in understanding critical dynamics across biological and artificial networks, with applications to memory systems, sensorimotor integration, and disease modeling. She has received recognition as an IST Fellow .
Brigitte Röder is a Professor and Head of the Department of Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science. She is based at Von-Melle-Park 11, Room 203, Hamburg, and her contact email is brigitte.roeder@uni-hamburg.de. Her research focuses on the intersection of biological psychology, neuropsychology, and cognitive neuroscience, with particular emphasis on developmental aspects. Key areas include: Biological Psychology Neuropsychology Cognitive Neuroscience Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience No scientific awards were mentioned in the available text. Professor Röder teaches multiple courses in the Master of Science in Psychology program, covering cognitive neuroscience and developmental cognitive neuroscience. She also leads a science seminar for Master and PhD students, indicating her involvement in student advising and departmental leadership within the Institute of Psychology.
Prof. Dr. Peter Falkai is a Professor and Chair at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University of Munich. He leads regular members of the Munich Cluster for Neuroscience (MCN) and Graduate School of Neuroscience (GSN), with affiliations to the Medical Faculty and various research groups, including the Psychotherapy and Social Neuroscience Research Unit and Center for Neurostimulation (CNS LMU). Primary research focus: Molecular & Developmental Neuroscience Secondary research focus: Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Tertiary research focus: Cellular & Systems Neuroscience His research explores the neurobiological origins of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, utilizing functional imaging, gene expression analysis in human post-mortem tissue, and lifestyle interventions. He coordinates cross-diagnosis studies, including EU-FP7 PRONIA, and collaborates on neurostimulation, addiction medicine, and precision psychiatry. Prof. Falkai served as President of the German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Neurology (DGPPN) from 2010–2012 and on the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Council of National Societies. He oversees clinical operations, including private wards, outpatient clinics, and specialized units for autism, bipolar disorders, and addiction medicine.
Bertram Müller-Myhsok is a Research Professor and Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. His research focuses on statistical genetics and transcriptomic data analysis in psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and their treatment responses. He integrates machine learning with genetic and clinical data to develop predictive models and stratified treatment approaches. Professional activities include leadership roles in the International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry and collaborations with institutions like the Institut du Cerveau (Paris) and Bernhard Nocht Institute (Hamburg). His work spans genetic epidemiology, psychiatric genomics, and precision medicine, with over 400 publications in high-impact journals. Key research areas include identifying genetic risk factors for mental disorders, developing polygenic scores, and leveraging omics data to uncover disease mechanisms. He leads projects like Psych-STRATA, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative advancing personalized psychiatry through pharmacogenomics.
Dr. Serena Ding is a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, where she heads the Genes and Behavior department. She leads an interdisciplinary team studying the mechanisms and evolution of collective behaviors in nematodes through genetic, neuronal, and behavioral approaches. Education: PhD in C. elegans Developmental Cell Biology, University of Oxford (2011-2016) Postdoc in C. elegans Quantitative Behavior, Imperial College London (2016-2021) B.Sc. in Biology, University of Richmond (2007-2011) Research Focus: Dr. Ding investigates fascinating collective phenomena in nematodes including towering (collective dispersal), wurmuration (density-dependent swarming), and strain-specific aggregation behaviors. Her lab combines molecular biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and complex systems modeling to understand both proximate mechanisms and ultimate evolutionary drivers of these behaviors across wild nematode strains. Publication Trends: Her research emphasizes quantitative behavioral analysis and innovative imaging methodologies, as exemplified by her 2020 work developing bioluminescence-based tracking of C. elegans foraging patterns. This aligns with her group's focus on high-throughput phenotyping of natural genetic variations in behavior. Team Leadership: Dr. Ding mentors a diverse research team including: 2 postdoctoral researchers (Daniela Perez, Assaf Pertzelan) 3 doctoral students (Narcís Font Massot, Youn Jae Kang, Gopika Ranjith) 1 master's student (Iris Bernstein) 1 technical assistant (Ryan Greenway)
Leibniz Institute for Psychology InformationGermany
Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider is a distinguished Professor of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum, where she serves as Director of the Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health (FBZ). She also coordinates the Bochum-Marburg site of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG). Previously, she held professorial positions at the University of Basel, where she served as Dean of the Psychology Faculty. Her academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to child and adolescent mental health research. Dr. Schneider earned her doctorate from Philipps-University Marburg in 1992 with highest honors (summa cum laude) for her dissertation on "Psychological Transmission of Panic Syndrome." She completed her habilitation at Technical University Braunschweig in 2002. Her academic qualifications include board certification as a Psychological Psychotherapist (1999) and specialized credentials in behavioral therapy for children and adolescents (1998). Dr. Schneider's research primarily focuses on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence. Her work examines familial transmission of emotional disorders, clinical baby and infant research, and diagnosis of mental disorders across the lifespan. She has pioneered research on anxiety disorders, particularly separation anxiety, and has developed innovative treatment approaches including exposure-based therapies. Her current work increasingly integrates neurobiological perspectives with clinical interventions, examining brain-behavior relationships in anxiety disorders through neuroimaging studies. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on child and adolescent mental health, with recent work expanding into digital interventions, virtual reality therapies, and large-scale multicenter studies examining anxiety disorders from both clinical and neurobiological perspectives. Her research bridges basic science with clinical application, maintaining a strong focus on evidence-based interventions for children and families. Visiting Professor at Anxiety and Depression Research Center, UCLA (2015-2016) Visiting Scholar at Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania (2009-2010) Honorary Professorship at University of Surrey Roehampton (2003-2010) Swiss National Science Foundation Professorship (2003-2006) DFG Habilitation Scholarship (1998-2001) Cassianeum Educational Foundation Dissertation Prize (1994) Dr. Schneider has successfully secured substantial research funding from major German and international funding bodies including the German Research Foundation (DFG), German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and Swiss National Science Foundation. Her current projects include "The Role of Parents in Child Development in the Context of Immigration" (DFG), "Mobile Research Laboratory" (DFG), and "Improving Mental Health in Refugee Families" (BMBF). As Director of the FBZ, she leads a large interdisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge research while providing evidence-based clinical services. As Director of the Research and Treatment Center for Mental Health (FBZ) at Ruhr University Bochum, Dr. Schneider oversees a comprehensive research infrastructure supporting studies from basic developmental science to clinical interventions. The FBZ serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, with particular strengths in anxiety disorders research, early intervention, and innovative treatment approaches including digital health solutions.
Prof. Stephan J. Sigrist is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin. His lab focuses on synaptic active zone architecture, neuroplasticity, and aging-related neurodegeneration. He leads the Collaborative Research Center 958 on Membrane Scaffolding and co-directs NeuroCure, a DFG Cluster of Excellence at Charité. Education: PhD in Molecular Genetics (1997) and Habilitation (2005) from the University of Göttingen. Positions: Einstein Professor (2014–present), Spokesperson CRC 958 (2012–present), and Co-Director NeuroCure (2009–present). Research explores presynaptic mechanisms using Drosophila and mouse models, combined with STED microscopy. Key contributions include discoveries of Bruchpilot's role in active zones and spermidine's protective effects against age-related synapse decline. Grants: Over €6 million in funding, including DFG CRCs, Einstein Foundation, and ERC Advanced Grant (2025). Awards: Einstein Professorship, Best Habilitation Award, EMBO/HFSP Fellowships. Collaborations span structural biology (e.g., Stefan Hell), neurophysiology (David DiGregorio), and aging research (Frank Madeo).
Lieselotte Ahnert serves as a Visiting Professor for Developmental Psychology at the Free University of Berlin's Department of Education and Psychology, specifically within the Department of Developmental Science and Applied Developmental Psychology. Her academic journey began at Humboldt University in East Berlin, where she studied psychology during a period of significant political change in the GDR. After completing her doctorate in 1982, she held various research positions including director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Socialization Research (IZAS e.V.) from 1991-1996 and a visiting scientist position at the National Institutes of Health in Washington from 1996-1999. Prior to her current position at FU Berlin (since 2019), she was a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Vienna from 2008-2019. Professor Ahnert's research focuses on early childhood development, attachment theory, and the specific contributions of fathers to child development. Her work examines how children develop within various caregiving contexts, including the transition from home to childcare settings, the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on attachment security, and the unique role fathers play in children's language development and emotional regulation. She has conducted extensive research on stress responses in infants during childcare transitions and how care providers influence these responses. Her interdisciplinary approach draws from behavioral biology, genetics, neuroscience, pediatrics, and education to understand the complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences in early development. Ahnert's publication record demonstrates significant contributions to understanding father-child relationships, with recent work exploring how fathers' attachment security and education contribute to early child language skills beyond mothers' influence. Her research has also examined the 'terrible twos' phase, investigating how children cope with frustration and tantrums and how parents support them through these developmental challenges. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Child Development, Developmental Psychobiology, and Attachment and Human Development. Professor Ahnert has received recognition for her expertise, including being commissioned to provide expertise for the Federal Chancellery of Austria in 2021. Her work has practical applications in early childhood education and intervention programs, particularly in understanding how public childcare can compensate for developmental risks in socioeconomically disadvantaged children. In addition to her research, Ahnert has made significant contributions to academic training and supervision. Her book publications, including 'It's the fathers who matter' (2023) and 'How much mother does a child need?' (2020), bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding of child development. Her work continues to influence both academic discourse and practical approaches to early childhood care and education.
