Jens Christian Rekling

Jens Christian Rekling is an Associate Professor at the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying motor behavior and sensory processing, with particular emphasis on brainstem circuits involved in respiratory control. Dr. Rekling directs the Rekling Lab, which maintains active research programs investigating neural microcircuit function.

Dr. Rekling graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1988 and completed his Medical Doctorate (dr.med.) in Neuroscience in 1999. His academic journey includes postdoctoral work at Copenhagen University, research positions at C.N.R.S in Paris, UCLA, and H. Lundbeck A/S before returning to academia at the University of Copenhagen. His career progression shows a consistent trajectory from research scientist to academic faculty member with leadership roles including Vice-Chair of the Department (2007-2011).

Dr. Rekling's research program investigates how small assemblies of neurons interact to produce sensory and motor functions in the brain. His laboratory employs electrophysiological and optical techniques to study living neurons in preparations that maintain functional sensori-motor systems under in vitro conditions. Key research questions address neural microcircuit mechanisms involved in generating breathing movements, precision movements, and developmental processes specifying functional microcircuits. His work bridges cellular neurophysiology with systems-level understanding of motor control, with particular focus on brainstem respiratory networks and the olivocerebellar system.

Analysis of Dr. Rekling's recent publications (2018-2025) reveals a strong focus on brainstem neural circuits, particularly the PreBötzinger complex involved in respiratory rhythm generation. His work spans multiple techniques including electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and organotypic slice cultures. Recent research explores neuropeptide modulation of neural circuits (TRH, opioids), gut-brain axis communication via vagal pathways, and the role of specific receptors in neural signaling. His interdisciplinary approach combines neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology to address fundamental questions about neural circuit function, with implications for understanding neurological disorders affecting motor control.

Dr. Rekling maintains active academic service roles including membership on the Graduate Programme in Neuroscience (serving as Chair in 2014) and the Aftagerpanelet for den Lægevidenskabelige Bachelor- og Kandidatuddannelse (2015). He has been a member of various University of Copenhagen committees since 2008, demonstrating ongoing institutional engagement beyond his research and teaching responsibilities.

At the Rekling Lab, Dr. Rekling continues to investigate the cellular and network mechanisms underlying motor behavior, with the ultimate goal of understanding simple motor or sensory behaviors from the cellular to the network level. His research program remains active with publications through 2025, indicating continued scientific productivity and relevance in the field of neurophysiology.