معرفی
Prof. Dirk Jancke is a Professor at the Institute of Neural Computation (INI) in the Faculty of Computer Science at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. He holds roles including Vice Speaker of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 874 and Vice Speaker of the Research Department of Neuroscience (RDN). His research focuses on brain processing dynamics, particularly plastic reorganization and learning mechanisms using optical imaging and optogenetics. Key techniques include voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) and optogenetic modulation of neural circuits.
His research group investigates how sensory inputs are represented across large neuronal populations, with a focus on visual cortex dynamics and serotonergic modulation. Notable contributions include studies on serotonin receptor 5-HT2A's role in sensory gain control and TMS-induced cortical plasticity. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including works in Nature Communications, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Trends in Neurosciences.
Prof. Jancke teaches courses such as 'Activation Dynamics in Sensory Brain Areas' and 'Neurophysiology of Sensory Processing.' He leads the Jancke-Lab, which combines experimental and computational approaches to understand neural computations underlying perception and behavior. His work bridges molecular-level receptor activity (e.g., via CaMello-XR tools) to whole-brain dynamics, with applications in improving visual prostheses and understanding mental disorders.
He serves on the International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN) board and directs the International School of Biosciences. His lab's recent work includes uncovering how single receptor types modulate cortical activity and applying optogenetic methods to study synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum.
