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Professor Moritz Rossner serves as Head of the Department of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). His research integrates molecular and behavioral approaches to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Rossner's research interests focus on molecular neurobiology and behavioral analysis using mouse models. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including mouse genetics , behavioral phenotyping , biosensors , next-generation sequencing , and transcriptomics to investigate psychiatric risk genes and pathways. His work bridges cellular and molecular mechanisms with behavioral outcomes, particularly in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder research. Analysis of Rossner's 15 most recent publications (2025) reveals a strong focus on precision psychiatry , neuroimaging biomarkers , and genetic mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. His research increasingly incorporates multimodal approaches combining neuroimaging, genomics, and clinical phenotyping to develop biologically informed diagnostic and treatment frameworks. Key themes include blood-brain barrier dysfunction in schizophrenia, inflammatory contributions to symptom severity, and pathway-specific polygenic scores for treatment prediction. Rossner leads the Molecular & Behavioural Neurobiology working group at LMU's Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, which includes specialized units like the Mouse Behavioral Unit. His research program appears well-funded through multiple collaborative projects focused on understanding the molecular basis of psychiatric disorders and developing novel therapeutic approaches.

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Behavioral Neurobiology
• Mouse Genetics
• +7 more

Thomas Efferth is Full Professor and Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. He leads the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, specializing in molecular pharmacology and drug discovery. His research spans cancer therapeutics, infectious diseases, and traditional Chinese medicine, with a strong focus on artemisinin and natural products. Education includes a PhD from the German Cancer Research Center (1990) and habilitation from RWTH Aachen University (1997). Professional positions include research leadership at the German Cancer Research Center (2005), associate professorship at Heidelberg University (2007), and his current role since 2009. Research interests integrate systems biology approaches with: Molecular mechanisms of anticancer drugs Bioinformatic pharmacology for personalized medicine Artemisinin repurposing for cancer/viral infections Toxicological profiling of natural products Publications demonstrate strong focus on phytomedicine, antiviral therapies, and cancer drug resistance. Awards and honors include: Qihuang International Award (2017) World Academy of Sciences membership (2018) Stanford Top 2% Scientist citation ranking (2020) Dr. Wilmar Schwabe Award (2006) Multiple honorary professorships in China/Hong Kong Editorial leadership includes Editor-in-Chief roles for Phytomedicine and board memberships in 20+ journals. Society roles feature vice-presidency of the Specialty Committee on Immunology of TCM and executive positions in IUPHAR and DPhG.

• Molecular Pharmacology
• Cancer Research
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

Prof. Laura Busse is a Professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), leading the Research Group in the Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology. She holds roles as a Regular Member of MCN, Full Member of GSN, and Deputy Head of the GSN Examination Board. Her research focuses on cellular and systems neuroscience, particularly investigating how contextual information influences visual perception through neural circuits in mice. Key areas include feedback mechanisms, behavioral state effects, and thalamocortical interactions. Her work employs advanced techniques like high-density extracellular recordings and optogenetics to study active behavior in rodents. Current students include Simon Renner, Gregory Born, and others. Recent research highlights include studies on corticothalamic feedback effects, thalamic spatial integration, and the role of pupil dynamics in neural activity. She leads the Vision Circuits Lab (https://visioncircuitslab.org), exploring how sensory inputs and brain states shape visual processing. Her articles reveal trends in understanding thalamocortical communication, adaptive sensory systems, and the biological basis of neural network models. She coordinates the SPP2411 project on cortico-subcortical loops, emphasizing interdisciplinary neuroscience.

• Cellular Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +3 more

Dr. Merve Fritsch is a Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and a Senior Physician in ward 152A at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Her affiliation is with the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, part of the Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry division at Campus Charité Mitte. Dr. Fritsch's research focuses on neurological and psychiatric conditions, particularly thalamic aphasia, fronto-thalamic networks, and the role of the inferior frontal cortex in conscious perception. Her work integrates clinical neurology with cognitive neuroscience, addressing topics such as stroke recovery, perceptual decision-making, and NMDA receptor dysfunction. Her studies investigate ischemic lesions' effects on visual and language functions, stroke outcomes, and the mechanisms underlying consciousness. She employs advanced techniques like TMS-EEG to explore neural connectivity in conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Fritsch’s research also addresses clinical applications, such as cerebral embolism during cardiac interventions and the localization of aphasia in stroke patients. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions span peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, reflecting her expertise in neurology, psychiatry, and translational neuroscience. She actively engages in clinical practice and academic research, bridging theoretical insights with patient care.

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Jochen Herms serves as Director at the LMU Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research , while maintaining a dual affiliation with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich as Head of Translational Brain Research. His work bridges clinical and experimental neuropathology, focusing on synaptic degeneration in neurodegenerative conditions. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU): Director, Experimental Neuropathology DZNE Munich: Translational Brain Research Research Themes: Primary: Biomedical Neuroscience Secondary: Cellular & Systems Neuroscience Tertiary: Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Key investigations include: Physiological roles of neurodegenerative disease proteins (APP, presenilins, BACE, tau, α-synuclein) In vivo two-photon imaging of transgenic Alzheimer's models Neuronal calcium homeostasis in neurodegeneration High-throughput drug screening for AD/PD Active research collaborations leverage funding from: German Research Foundation (DFG) - Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (EXC 2145 SyNergy) BMBF, BMWi, EU consortia Bavarian Research Foundation Wilhelm Sander Foundation

• Biomedical Neuroscience
• Cellular & Systems Neuroscience
• Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. med. Christian Brandt is a Professor of Epileptology with a focus on disability medicine at the Medical Faculty OWL of Bielefeld University, affiliated with the OWL University Hospital / Mara Hospital gGmbH / University Clinic for Epileptology . He specializes in Epileptology and Disability medicine , with a career spanning clinical practice, research, and leadership roles in epilepsy care.

• Epileptology
• Disability Medicine
• Neurology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Gil Westmeyer is a Professor of Neurobiological Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding joint appointments at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine and Health. He serves as Director of the Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine at Helmholtz-Zentrum München and leads the Chair of Neurobiological Engineering at TUM. His research program bridges molecular engineering, neuroimaging, and synthetic biology to develop next-generation tools for understanding and manipulating cellular networks. Westmeyer's educational background includes medical and philosophical studies in Munich, doctoral work on the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease under Professor Christian Haass, clinical training at Harvard Medical School, and postdoctoral research with Professor Alan Jasanoff at MIT. His laboratory focuses on creating genetically encoded molecular sensors and actuators that enable non-invasive imaging and remote control of cellular processes across multiple scales. His research spans three primary domains: molecular sensors for multimodal imaging (from electron microscopy to whole-organism optoacoustics), molecular actuators for spatiotemporal control of cellular processes, and neurobehavioral imaging in freely behaving model organisms. The lab's work integrates synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and advanced imaging techniques to create tools that map dynamic signaling processes and manipulate cellular functions with unprecedented precision. Westmeyer's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in molecular engineering, with recent work focusing on genetically encoded barcodes for electron microscopy, intron-encoded reporting systems, multiplexed optoacoustic imaging, and magnetically responsive cellular compartments. His publications in high-impact journals like Nature Methods, Cell, and Nature Biotechnology reflect the significance of his contributions to molecular imaging and engineering. ERC Proof of Concept 'inteRNAlizer' (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant 'EMcapsulins' (2019) ERC Starting Grant 'MagnetoGenetics' (2013) Helmholtz Young Investigator's Group (2011) Westmeyer actively mentors students and researchers through multiple teaching positions at TUM, including courses in biological chemistry, genetic machine development (iGEM), mammalian cell technology, and neuro-recording methods. His laboratory develops technologies with clear translational potential for future neurotherapies and regenerative medicine applications, particularly through the creation of imaging-controlled cellular interventions. The lab maintains strong collaborations across disciplines and institutions, with research that contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.

• Molecular Sensors
• Molecular Actuators
• Neuroimaging
• +7 more

Christoph Mulert is a Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, and serves as the Clinic Director at the University Hospital Giessen. His research focuses on neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms underlying visual perception and their alterations in schizotypy. Key research areas include: Gamma oscillations in sensory processing Schizophrenia pathophysiology EEG and fMRI neuroimaging Reward processing networks Dopamine and E/I balance Neural synchronization and hallucinations Recent work explores ketamine models for schizophrenia, tACS applications in psychiatry, and interhemispheric connectivity. Collaborators include G. Leicht, S. Steinmann, and C. Andreou. His team utilizes multimodal neuroimaging to characterize neurophysiological disturbances in psychiatric disorders.

• Neurophysiology
• Neurochemistry
• Visual Perception
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Rainer Spanagel serves as the Head of the Institute of Psychopharmacology at the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI) within the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University. His research focuses on addiction neuroscience, particularly alcohol and drug dependence, with a strong emphasis on translational approaches bridging preclinical and clinical research. Key areas include comorbid psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, ADHD), neurobiological mechanisms of relapse, and the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Spanagel's work utilizes advanced methodologies such as transgenic animal models, neuroimaging (MRI/fMRI), and systems medicine approaches. He leads projects on epigenetic modulation (e.g., oxytocin in alcohol addiction), drug repurposing (psilocybin), and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on addictive behaviors. Major grants include EU NEURON, BMBF (AERIAL, Target-OXY), and DFG funding for systems medicine and single-cell sequencing studies. His research integrates genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors to address addiction's biological underpinnings. Notable contributions include identifying hyperdopaminergic states in alcohol abstinence and the role of RasGRF2 in cocaine reward pathways. Current initiatives focus on precision medicine strategies for substance use disorders through multi-omics integration and behavioral monitoring. Key Research Themes: Translational addiction, neuropharmacology, comorbidity mechanisms, epigenetics. Collaborations: Pharmaceutical industry partnerships for preclinical drug trials, multi-institutional consortia (SysMedSUDs, TRR265). Facilities: 9.4T MRI for animal neuroimaging, in silico brain banks integrating single-cell omics data.

• Addiction Research
• Neuropharmacology
• Translational Medicine
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Antonella Di Pizio (born 1984) is an Associate Professor for Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences within the TUM School of Life Sciences at the Technical University of Munich. Since 2018, she has led the Molecular Modeling group at the Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at TUM in Freising, Germany. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Chieti, Italy (2012), followed by research at Philipps University in Marburg, Germany, and a postdoc position at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Prof. Di Pizio's research focuses on computational approaches to understanding chemosensory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly taste and smell receptors. Her work combines molecular modeling, chemoinformatics, and structural bioinformatics to investigate the molecular basis of ligand recognition and activation mechanisms. Her group develops predictive models for screening and designing bioactive compounds relevant to food reformulation and therapeutic applications. Analysis of Prof. Di Pizio's publication record reveals a strong focus on bitter taste receptors, particularly TAS2R family members, and odorant receptors. Her research spans computational modeling of receptor-ligand interactions, development of predictive algorithms for taste compound identification, and investigation of the structural basis of chemosensory perception. Recent work demonstrates increasing integration of machine learning approaches with traditional molecular modeling techniques. Scientific Recognition: Leibniz Best Minds Programme for Women Professors (2022) Platinum Manfred Rothe Excellence Award in Flavor Research (2019) Bernardo Nobile doctorate award VIII Edition (2013) Keystone Symposia Future of Science Fund Fellowship (2017) Prof. Di Pizio serves on the editorial board of Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences and is a Working Group Leader and Management Committee member of the ERNEST Cost Action CA18133. She teaches courses including 'Modeling and simulations of Biological Macromolecules' and 'Drug and Protein Design' at TUM. Her Molecular Modeling group collaborates extensively with other research groups at the Leibniz-LSB@TUM on interdisciplinary projects focused on food systems biology. The Molecular Modeling group, established relatively recently at the institute, investigates food-relevant molecules and their interactions using computational tools including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, machine learning, and virtual screening. Their work aims to develop next-generation methodologies for food design that address current challenges in the food system.

• Computational Chemistry
• Molecular Modeling
• GPCR Research
• +5 more

Prof. Philippe Tobler is an Associate Professor of Neuroeconomics and Social Neuroscience at the Department of Economics, University of Zurich. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying decision making, reward learning, and social behavior, particularly studying brain structures like the dopaminergic midbrain, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. He employs functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and pharmacological interventions to investigate how economic reward parameters (e.g., risk, delay, probability) are processed in the brain. His work also explores individual differences in reward processing and the implications for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Tobler has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, including studies on social threat learning, testosterone's impact on social behavior, and the role of neurotransmitters in decision-making processes. He collaborates with institutions like the Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics and teaches courses on decision neuroscience and neuroeconomics.

• Neuroeconomics
• Social Neuroscience
• Decision Making
• +3 more

Sabine Krabbe is a researcher affiliated with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) Life and Health at the University of Bonn. Her work focuses on neural circuit mechanisms underlying adaptive learning and state-dependent decision-making in health and disease. She employs advanced techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study how neuronal networks integrate internal states and environmental cues. Her research group investigates the functional diversity of defined cell types, from molecular profiles to population-level activity during behavioral tasks. Dr. Krabbe’s methodologies include anatomical tracing, histology, and pharmacogenetics, emphasizing a systems neuroscience approach. She collaborates with institutions like the University of Bonn and has contributed to studies on amygdala circuitry, VIP interneurons, and dopamine receptor dynamics. Her findings advance understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and adaptive neural processes.

• Neuroscience
• Learning & Decision Making
• Parkinson's Disease
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Philipp Sasse is a Professor at the Institute of Physiology I at the University of Bonn. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and developing optogenetic tools for their study and treatment. The Sasse group pioneered optogenetic control of heart muscle in vivo and has contributed key advancements in cardiac optogenetics, including manipulating signaling cascades, fibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling, and optogenetic defibrillation. Research interests include: Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and termination strategies Optogenetic tool development for in vivo applications Drug screening for pro/anti-arrhythmic effects Light-cell interactions in cardiac tissue Key achievements include demonstrating optogenetic pacing in mouse hearts (2015), optogenetic defibrillation (2016), and foundational work on Gs-signaling manipulation (2019). The lab's work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational therapeutic concepts. Collaborations include computational modeling (e.g., with Trayanova NA) and interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, optics, and electrophysiology. Current efforts focus on red-shifted optogenetic systems and novel therapies for arrhythmia termination.

• Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Cardiac Optogenetics
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• +3 more

Dr. Wannes Dermauw is a Belgian researcher affiliated with Ghent University and the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), specializing in plant sciences. His work focuses on genetic and molecular mechanisms of pesticide resistance in agricultural pests like spider mites and whiteflies, particularly through cytochrome P450 enzymes and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. He has received prestigious funding through an ERC grant (POLYADAPT) and an FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship. Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) | 2020–Present Ghent University | 2019–2020 Rubenhof 2013–2019 University of Ghent | 2006–2013 His research intersects entomology, molecular biology, and agricultural science, emphasizing: Mechanisms of acaricide and insecticide resistance CRISPR-Cas9 applications in arthropods Horizontal gene transfer between plants and pests Functional genomics of detoxification enzymes Population genetics of cosmopolitan mite pests Development of diagnostic tools for resistance monitoring Scientific awards include: European Research Council (ERC) grant POLYADAPT FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship His publications reveal trends in: Molecular basis of resistance mutations Evolutionary adaptation to xenobiotics CRISPR-Cas9 in non-model arthropods Genomic differentiation between pest morphs Novel detoxification enzyme families Tick-pathogen interactions in livestock

• Acaricide Resistance
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic Mechanisms of Pest Adaptation
• +2 more

Claudio Grassi is a Full Professor of Physiology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery "A. Gemelli", Rome. He serves as Director of the Department of Neuroscience since 2019 and contributes to university governance as a member of the Quality Committee and Advisory Board. Graduate in Medicine and Surgery Specialist in Neurology PhD in Neuroscience His research focuses on: Mechanisms of brain plasticity and neuronal excitability Neurodegenerative disease biomarkers (Alzheimer's) Role of viral infections in neurodegeneration Noninvasive brain stimulation effects Metabolic influences on synaptic plasticity Cochlear damage and auditory cortex plasticity Recent publications analyze HSV-1 infection, tau propagation, and metabolic impacts on hippocampal function. Grassi mentors 10 PhD students and a Master's tutor. Contact: claudio.grassi@unicatt.it

• Brain Plasticity
• Neuronal Excitability
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +7 more