معرفی
Prof. Martien Kas is a Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES). His research focuses on understanding the neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and autism, with a particular emphasis on translational approaches. He leads the Kas lab, developing quantitative methods like smartphone-based behavioral monitoring (BEHAPP app) to assess social functioning in real-world settings. Key projects include the EU-funded PRISM initiatives, which aim to create transdiagnostic biomarkers for mental disorders. He serves as President of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), driving collaborative efforts in neuroscience research and treatment innovation.
His work integrates genetic, behavioral, and digital phenotyping tools to bridge basic and clinical research. Notable contributions include identifying shared mechanisms across disorders (e.g., autophagy pathway dysregulation in autism) and advocating for standardized preclinical protocols through initiatives like EQIPD. He also chairs ECNP’s early career scientist programs and contributes to editorial roles at journals like Mammalian Genome.
- Research Interests: Translational neuroscience, social behavior neurobiology, genetic approaches to psychiatric disorders, digital phenotyping.
- Grants/Projects: PRISM1/2 (EU), NDPI (dementia prevention consortium), PSY-PGx (pharmacogenetics implementation).
- Awards: Translational Neuroscience Prize (2019), UG Open Research Award (2023).
Prof. Kas teaches courses on neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and mentors students across biomedical sciences, psychology, and data science. His lab collaborates internationally on projects like the Global Summit on Precision Psychiatry and the MIND-PRO dementia prevention trial.
