Lioba Enk

Lioba Enk is a doctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Max Planck School of Cognition. Her research focuses on mind-brain-body interactions, particularly the role of respiration-brain coupling in somatosensory perception and cardiovascular influences on cognitive performance. She has conducted visiting research at the University of Sussex and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, supported projects on social interaction and psychiatric approaches, and holds roles in diversity initiatives at MPI CBS.

Education:

• PhD Candidate (2021–present), Max Planck School of Cognition
• MSc Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (2018–2021), LMU Munich
• BSc Psychology (2014–2018), LMU Munich

Research Interests: Her work bridges neurophysiology and psychology, investigating:

• Neurovascular interactions in tactile perception
• Cardiac phase effects on cognitive inhibition
• Respiratory influences on sensory detection
• Transdiagnostic approaches in psychiatry

Awards:

• Travel Award, 11th Scientific Meeting for Autism Spectrum Conditions (2018)
• Travel Award, Venice International University Philosophy-Seminar (2016)

Service & Leadership:

• Speaker, Diversity & Inclusion Committee (MPI CBS)
• Cohort Representative, Max Planck School of Cognition
• Lead author of MPI CBS Gender Equality Plan (2024–2026)