Ilona Grunwald-Kadow

Ilona Grunwald-Kadow is Professor of Physiology and Head of the Institute of Physiology II at the University of Bonn’s Faculty of Medicine, and concurrently serves as Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists. An elected member of EMBO, she combines neurogenetics, physiology, and behaviour to decipher how neural circuits allow organisms to adapt to ever-changing environments.

Education & Career:

• Professor of Physiology, University of Bonn (2022–present)
• Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists, University of Bonn (2022–present)
• Head, Institute of Physiology II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn (2022–present)

Research Interests:

Using Drosophila melanogaster and mouse models, her laboratory investigates how sensory inputs, internal states, and genetic programs interact to produce flexible, adaptive behaviour. Core themes include:

• Neurogenetic bases of state-dependent behaviour
• Dopaminergic modulation of sensory processing
• Mechanisms linking metabolic state to decision-making
• Hormonal modulation of olfaction and taste
• Neural circuits for motivation, risk-assessment, and memory

Scientific Awards:

• Elected Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
• EMBO Young Investigator Award
• ERC Starting Grant
• Human Frontiers Science Program Career Development Award
• Otto Hahn Medal, Max Planck Society

Research Environment & Funding:

Her lab is embedded in the iBehave Network and NeurotechEU consortiums, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across Europe. Funding sources include the European Research Council, German Research Foundation, and Human Frontiers Science Program.

Lab Team & Mentoring:

The Grunwald-Kadow group comprises post-doctoral researchers, doctoral students, and technical/administrative staff working at the intersection of genetics, physiology, imaging, and behaviour. The lab actively trains the next generation of neuroscientists through hands-on mentoring and cross-disciplinary projects.