Dr. Natalia Goriounova is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science, affiliated with the Integrative Neurophysiology department and Amsterdam Neuroscience (Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Systems & Network Neuroscience). Her research focuses on human cortical neuron diversity, synaptic mechanisms, and their roles in cognition and neurological disorders. She leads a multiscale project on IQ-excitability relationships in the human cortex and teaches advanced neuroscience courses. Her work bridges electrophysiology, transcriptomics, and morphological analysis to uncover human-specific neuronal adaptations. Key areas include interneuron diversity, voltage-gated ion channel properties, and synaptic plasticity in human neocortical circuits. Over 37 publications highlight contributions to understanding human brain evolution and cognitive correlates of neuronal properties. Notable recent findings include morpho-electric diversity in hippocampal neurons, human-specific fast-spiking neuron specializations, and genetic links to cognitive ability. She actively contributes to open science through datasets on neuronal properties and cortical evolution, with widespread academic impact.
Dr. Patrick J. Mulholland is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), part of the College of Medicine. He holds dual affiliations in the Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. His research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction, synaptic plasticity, and the neurotoxic effects of alcohol. Dr. Mulholland earned his PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology from the University of Kentucky before completing postdoctoral training at MUSC. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015 and Professor in 2020. His research investigates how alcohol exposure alters synaptic function, particularly through glutamatergic systems and potassium channel regulation. Key areas include ethanol-induced neurotoxicity, dendritic spine adaptations, and stress-alcohol interactions. He leads components of the Charleston Alcohol Research Center, serving as PI of a research program and Co-Director of the Pilot Project Core. Dr. Mulholland’s work spans preclinical models, exploring mechanisms of alcohol dependence, relapse, and neural circuit dysregulation. Education: PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology (University of Kentucky) Publications highlight studies on ethanol’s effects on hippocampal and cerebellar neurons, glucocorticoid interactions, and novel therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorders. His lab employs electrophysiology, slice cultures, and behavioral assays to dissect addiction-related neuroplasticity. Collaborative projects include investigating Kcnq4 channel regulation and cross-species synaptic biomarkers in heavy-drinking macaques.
Stephane Oliet is a researcher at the University of Bordeaux, affiliated with the Neurocentre Magendie and Inserm U862. He has held leadership roles such as Deputy Director (2009-present) and Head of the team ‘Glia-Neuron interactions’ (2011-2014). His academic career spans institutions including McGill University, UCSF, and the University of Bordeaux Segalen, with a focus on neurophysiology and glia-neuron interactions. Education: Ph.D. in Neurological Sciences, McGill University (1995) Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches, University of Bordeaux Segalen (2003) Research Interests: Oliet’s work explores neuron-glia interactions, synaptic plasticity, and the role of glial cells in neurotransmission. His research on NMDA receptors, gliotransmission, and osmoreception has advanced understanding of tripartite synapses, hippocampal function, and astrocytic signaling. His publications highlight D-serine dynamics and glutamate clearance mechanisms. Scientific Awards: 2012 France Alzheimer Special Prize 2007 NARSAD Independent Investigator 2006 Award from La Recherche 2006 Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale Special Award 1994 Human Frontier Long-Term Fellowship Teaching & Supervision: Oliet has taught in Neuroscience Graduate Programs at the University of Bordeaux 2 and Paris 6/7. He has supervised 5 postdocs, 8 PhD, and 10 MSc students, and actively participated in thesis defense committees and symposium organization.
Prof. Alfonso Araque is a renowned Spanish neuroscientist currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, USA (since 2013). A member of the Academy of Europe (elected 2010), his career spans prestigious institutions including CSIC (Spain) and Iowa State University (USA). His work focuses on neuron-glial signaling and synaptic dynamics, revolutionizing understanding of glial roles in brain function. Research contributions: Tripartite synapse (1999), astroglia-dependent synaptic plasticity (2007), endocannabinoid signaling (2008) Membership: Academia Europaea, Spanish Society for Neuroscience (SENC) His research has been published in top-tier journals (Nature, Science, Neuron), cited over 2400 times. Key themes include neuroglial interactions, astrocyte biology, and synaptic modulation mechanisms. 2008 Pfizer Foundation Award 2007 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Scientific Highlight Previously held leadership roles in SENC (Treasurer 2009-2011, Vice-President 2011-2013) and served on evaluation committees in Spain and France. His work challenges traditional neuronal-centric views of brain circuits.
Nina Tang Sherwood is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Biology at Duke University with secondary appointments as Associate Research Professor of Cell Biology and Assistant Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. She is also affiliated with the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Education: Ph.D. from Duke University (1998) B.S. from University of California, San Diego (1990) Her research employs Drosophila melanogaster to investigate nervous system development and function, focusing on Autosomal-Dominant Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (AD-HSP). She discovered that spastin mutations compromise motoneuron function through microtubule severing defects, leading to reduced synaptic microtubule content and impaired neurotransmission. Current work examines disease-mimicking mutations across biochemical, cell biological, and behavioral domains using Drosophila 's genetic tractability. Publication analysis reveals consistent themes in AD-HSP pathogenesis, with recent studies exploring glial mechanisms (2020), temperature-based therapeutics (2014), and genetic suppressors (2011). Her work bridges microtubule dynamics with synaptic function, emphasizing Drosophila 's utility for multi-level neurodegenerative disease modeling. Grants: Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program (2021-2026) Transmission electron microscope (TEM) (2019-2021) Genetics Training Grant (1979-2020) Organization and Function of Cellular Structure (1975-2020) Genetic Analysis of Microtubule Severing in Neurons (2008-2012) Neurotrophin Modulation of Synaptic Transmission (1995-1997) She teaches courses including Biology of Nervous System Diseases and Experiments in Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disease, while leading BIOLOGY 750S on diversity in biology. Her work integrates with Duke's neuroscience infrastructure to translate basic findings into disease mechanisms.
Javier Diaz Alonso, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. His research focuses on synaptic transmission, neurodevelopment, and the role of cannabinoid receptors in neural processes. He is involved in NIH-funded research (R01 MH117139) exploring mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, receptor signaling, and neurogenesis. His work integrates molecular biology, cellular neuroscience, and in vivo models to study neurological processes and disorders. Key research interests include the regulation of AMPA receptors, synaptic plasticity, and the impact of endocannabinoid systems on brain development and function. Recent studies have addressed the roles of CaMKII/NMDA receptor complexes and CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors in synaptic transmission and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Publications highlight contributions to understanding synaptic protein interactions (e.g., α2δ1-GluA1 complexes), myelination pathways (TACE/ADAM17), and the molecular mechanisms governing synaptic stability. Collaborative projects include investigations into phase separation of synaptic proteins and the functional implications of genetic variants in neurodevelopmental disorders. Funding and grants: NIH R01 MH117139 supports ongoing studies on neural signaling pathways. His work has implications for treating epilepsy, memory disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions through targeted modulation of synaptic and endocannabinoid systems.
Barbara Karten is a Professor and Department Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. She holds a PhD from Karl-Franzens University Graz. Her research focuses on cholesterol metabolism in the brain, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease. Key areas include mitochondrial cholesterol import, synaptic dysfunction in NPC1 deficiency, and lipid trafficking mechanisms. Education: PhD, Karl-Franzens University Graz Research Interests: Cholesterol homeostasis in neurons and glial cells Role of mitochondrial cholesterol in neurodegeneration Mechanisms of NPC1 protein in endosomal-lysosomal pathways Impact of cholesterol imbalances on synaptic function Her lab investigates how cholesterol distribution defects contribute to neuronal energy deficits and synaptic failure in NPC disease. Awards: None explicitly listed in the text. Advising & Grants: Current students include Jena Barter (MSc), Stanley Ibeh (PhD), and Emma Williams (Honours). Funding sources are not detailed here, but research aligns with NIH/CIHR priorities in neurodegenerative disease. Labs/Teams: Her lab is part of Dalhousie’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, collaborating with groups in the Faculty of Medicine. A lab website is available for further details.
Anthony Holtmaat is a Professor and Group Leader in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva. He leads a research laboratory focused on synaptic plasticity and cortical network dynamics in the adult brain, utilizing in vivo imaging and molecular techniques in transgenic mouse models. Research Interests: His work centers on understanding how synaptic connectivity changes in response to experience and learning. Using longitudinal in vivo two-photon microscopy, his lab investigates dendritic spine and axonal bouton dynamics, synapse formation and elimination, and the molecular stability of synaptic proteins. His research integrates structural and functional analyses to explore how neural circuits adapt during sensory processing, memory formation, and aging. Recent Research Trends: His latest publications reveal a strong focus on thalamocortical feedback mechanisms, sensory-evoked cortical plasticity, and the regulation of neuronal excitability through metabotropic glutamate receptors. A landmark study generated a comprehensive atlas of synapse protein lifetimes across the mouse brain, linking synaptic stability to brain development, aging, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: He mentors a diverse team of postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and technicians, indicating active supervision and training. His research is supported by competitive funding, as evidenced by publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with international teams. The mention of NIH funding (R01 MH060919) in a co-authored paper suggests involvement in externally funded research projects. Laboratory and Team: His lab at the CMU (Centre Médical Universitaire) in Geneva includes多名 researchers such as Tanika Bawa, I-Wen Chen, and Ronan Chereau, working on various aspects of synaptic and circuit plasticity. The team employs cutting-edge techniques including two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral tracing, and advanced data analysis to dissect neural circuit function.
Erik Ullian is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), with a focus on neuroscience. His research spans astrocyte biology, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases, supported by prestigious awards such as the NIH New Innovator Award and Allen Distinguished Investigator Award. Education: BA in Biological Science (University of Chicago, 1991), PhD in Neuroscience (UCSF, 1997), Postdoc in Neurobiology (Stanford, 2004) His work explores astrocyte-neuron interactions, neuroinflammation, and mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and glioblastoma. Key methodologies include CRISPRi screening, brain organoids, and transcriptomic analysis. Recent publications highlight TDP-43 pathology in ALS, glucose metabolism restoration in Alzheimer's, and astrocyte roles in cancer suppression. Earlier contributions include neurodevelopmental studies on synaptic mapping and SARS-CoV-2 tropism for astrocytes. Scientific Awards Epilepsy training grant award (2001) Zaffaroni research fellowship in addiction research (2002) Sandler Award (2004) Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2005) March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Award (2006) Research to Prevent Blindness- New Investigator Award (2009) NIH New Innovator Award (2014) Walt and Lilly Disney Award for Amblyopia Research (2015) Allen Distinguished Investigator Award (2015)
Andrea Gomez is an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, leading the Gomez Lab focused on understanding molecular mechanisms shaping neural circuits. Her research integrates electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to study synaptic properties and their roles in psychiatric disorders such as autism and neurodegeneration. Current projects include investigating alternative RNA splicing's role in neural complexity, synaptic organization in hippocampal neurons, and the RNA biology of psychedelics. The lab explores how transsynaptic signaling and splicing regulators influence cell-type specific dynamics in neural networks. Notable contributions include discoveries on neurexin molecular codes, Lrp4's role in synapse formation, and the impact of psychedelic compounds on transcriptomic plasticity. Her work bridges fundamental neuroscience with translational insights into cognitive flexibility and neural repair.
Chiayu Chiu is an Associate Research Scientist in Neuroscience at the Yale School of Medicine (Yale University). He holds a PhD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry (2005). His research focuses on synaptic plasticity, GABAergic inhibition, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication. Key research interests include BK channel function, cannabinoid receptor signaling, and the regulation of synaptic strength in health and disease. His work integrates electrophysiology, molecular biology, and computational approaches to understand how synaptic plasticity contributes to neural circuit function. Notable contributions include studies on presynaptic mGluR-LTD mechanisms in neonatal hippocampus (2025), non-canonical cannabinoid signaling in retinal processing (2024), and the role of TRPV1 channels in central synapses (2022). His articles highlight innovative investigations into synaptic physiology and neuropharmacology, with a focus on inhibitory circuits and calcium-dependent neuroprotection (2023).
Prof. Johannes Bohacek is an Associate Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology, within the Institut für Neurowissenschaften. His research focuses on understanding how acute stress events lead to anxiety disorders, particularly through noradrenaline's role in molecular and circuit-level brain changes. He leads the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience (MBN) lab, emphasizing transgenerational epigenetic effects and neuromodulation. Notable contributions include the BehaviorFlow pipeline for rodent behavior analysis and studies on locus coeruleus-norepinephrine signaling. He was a finalist for the 2024 Art of Leadership Award (ALEA). His work is published in top journals like Nature Methods and Nature Neuroscience . Contact: Email , Lab Website .
Flavio Donato is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he leads a research group investigating the structural and functional maturation of neural networks related to orientation and memory. His work focuses on how abstract thinking develops throughout life, with particular emphasis on neurons in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus that create the brain's 'cognitive map' for navigating physical and conceptual spaces. Nationality: Italian Position: Assistant Professor of Neurobiology since 2019 Education: PhD in Neurobiology from University of Basel (Summa Cum Laude) Research Focus: Neural network development, memory formation, spatial cognition Donato's research program examines how neural networks supporting cognitive functions emerge during development. His laboratory conducts longitudinal studies visualizing, recording, and manipulating neural activity across multiple life stages of animals. Using approaches from genetics, quantitative behavioral analysis, in vivo imaging, viral tracing, computational modeling, and optogenetics, his team identifies stereotypical patterns of neural activity associated with specific behaviors. A key aspect of his work explores sensitive periods for neurodevelopmental disorders, investigating how traumatic experiences in children may increase susceptibility to mental illness later in life. His recent publications reveal trends in developmental neuroscience with a strong focus on hippocampal-entorhinal circuitry, memory formation mechanisms, and the ontogeny of cognitive functions. His research spans from molecular mechanisms of synapse formation to systems-level understanding of spatial representation and memory dynamics during development. Eppendorf & Science prize for neurobiology of 2017 (Grand Winner) for essay 'Assembling the brain from deep within' EMBO Long-term fellowship (2013-2015) As a principal investigator, Donato mentors PhD students including Vilde Kveim, who recently received the Shepherd prize for her PhD work. His lab, Donatolab, investigates how the brain stores multiple 'copies' of events as revealed in his August 2024 study. Donato is also active in the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, contributing to broader neuroscience discourse and policy discussions about the future of the field. His research group employs cutting-edge methodologies to study neural development from birth to functional maturity, with implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and developing targeted therapeutic interventions based on deciphering mechanisms of neurotypical cognitive development.
Steven James Mennerick serves as the John P Feighner Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology and Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine, concurrently holding leadership positions as Associate Dean for Biology and Biomedical Sciences and Scientific Director of the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research. Education Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis (1995) B.A., Earlham College (1988) His research program investigates neurotransmitter control of neuronal excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system, with three core projects: (1) cellular responses to neuromodulators affecting synaptic inhibition/excitation, (2) astrocyte influence on neuronal development and function, and (3) engineering dopamine biosensors to study release dynamics. He employs electrophysiological, molecular, and imaging techniques across culture systems, expression models, and intact brain slices to bridge fundamental mechanisms with therapeutic applications. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in molecular antidepressant mechanisms (nitrous oxide/SK2 channels), neuroinflammation's impact on hippocampal plasticity, neurosteroid-based psychiatric therapeutics, and GABA receptor modulation in prefrontal cortical networks. These studies consistently integrate synaptic physiology with translational psychiatric applications, particularly for depression and cognitive disorders. Scientific Awards Graduate Student Mentorship Award (2005) Klingenstein Award in the Neurosciences (1999) NARSAD Young Investigator Award (1999) Dr. Mennerick actively mentors graduate students, recognized by his 2005 Mentorship Award, and maintains substantial NIH-funded research programs as evidenced by his dedicated funding portal. His grant portfolio focuses on synaptic function in psychiatric disease models and novel therapeutic approaches targeting neurotransmitter systems. He leads collaborative research initiatives through the Taylor Family Institute, emphasizing innovative psychiatric treatment development. His laboratory specializes in glutamate and GABA synapse function within the mammalian hippocampus, leveraging the region's well-defined neuroanatomy, critical role in learning/memory processes, and vulnerability to neurological diseases to investigate fundamental synaptic mechanisms and pathological alterations.
Kimberly Huber is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and holds the Southwestern Medical Foundation Endowed Scholar in Biomedical Research position. Her research focuses on understanding synaptic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and Fragile X Syndrome. Dr. Huber obtained her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 1995 and completed postdoctoral training at Brown University with Dr. Mark Bear. Her work integrates advanced techniques such as neurophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to study synaptic plasticity, synapse development, and the impact of disease-linked genes. Research in her lab is supported by grants from NIH, FRAXA, Simons Foundation, and Hartwell Foundation. Her research interests include cellular and molecular mechanisms of synapse development, synaptic plasticity, and the role of genes associated with autism and intellectual disabilities. Key contributions include discoveries about FMR1 gene functions in cortical synapses and novel therapeutic strategies for Fragile X Syndrome. Awards include the endowed scholar title, recognizing her contributions to biomedical research. Dr. Huber collaborates with researchers like Jay Gibson and leads the Huber Lab, which explores translational control of synaptic proteins and its effects on neural circuits. Ongoing work investigates how disrupted mRNA regulation in neurons leads to neurodevelopmental disorders, with implications for therapeutic interventions.
