Ilona Grunwald Kadow

Prof. Dr. Ilona Grunwald Kadow is Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists at the University of Bonn and Professor of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine since 2022. She serves as Head of the Institute of Physiology II and leads the Grunwald Kadow Laboratory, which focuses on understanding how nervous systems enable humans and animals to adapt to environmental changes. She was elected as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in 2024, recognizing her outstanding achievements in life sciences research.

• Position: Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists
• Institution: University of Bonn, Faculty of Medicine
• Department: Institute of Physiology II
• Research Focus: Neurogenetics of behavior, neural circuits, sensory processing
• Model Organisms: Drosophila melanogaster, mouse

Professor Grunwald Kadow's research primarily investigates how sensations and needs influence individual behavior and decision-making. Her work spans multiple levels of analysis, examining behavior, neural circuits, and genes that control sensations and behavior. She combines neuroscience and physiology to understand brain-body communication at cellular and molecular levels. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how physiological states like hunger, reproductive status, and internal needs modulate sensory perception and decision-making processes. The research employs advanced techniques including computer-based behavioral analysis, (opto)genetics, and in vivo microscopy.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on neural circuit mechanisms underlying state-dependent behavior. Her work frequently examines how physiological conditions alter sensory processing, with particular attention to dopaminergic signaling, glial function, and neural circuit plasticity. Her research spans multiple model systems including Drosophila, zebrafish, and mouse, demonstrating a commitment to cross-species validation of fundamental principles in neuroscience. A recurring theme across her work is how internal states gate sensory processing and behavioral output.

• EMBO Member (2024)
• ERC Starting Grant recipient
• EMBO Young Investigator
• Multiple prestigious fellowships including EMBO and Human Frontiers Science Program awards
• Recipient of the Otto Hahn Medal from the Max Planck Society

Professor Grunwald Kadow leads the iBehave neuroscience network, which brings together scientists across disciplines to investigate survival-critical behaviors and underlying neural networks. Her laboratory maintains active collaborations and has secured significant third-party funding. She has successfully mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, with several former team members establishing independent research careers. Her TEDx talk 'Sind wir die Opfer unserer Sinne?' (Are we victims of our senses?) demonstrates her commitment to public science communication.