معرفی
Martin Göpfert is Professor of Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Göttingen, where he leads a research group focused on the molecular and biophysical mechanisms of hearing. He is affiliated with the Department of Cellular Neurobiology and the Faculty of Biology and Psychology, and also contributes to several interdisciplinary programs under the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences (GGNB), including Sensory and Motor Neuroscience, Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, and Molecular Biology of Cells.
Education and Career:
- Degree in Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1998)
- DAAD and Leopoldina Research Fellow, University of Zurich and University of Bristol (1998–2002)
- Royal Society University Research Fellow, University of Bristol (2002–2003)
- Independent Group Leader, Volkswagen Foundation, University of Cologne (2003–2008)
- Associate Professor for Molecular Biology and Biophysics of Sensory Systems, University of Cologne (2008)
- Full Professor for Cellular Neurobiology, University of Göttingen (2008–present)
His research centers on understanding how molecular processes govern auditory function, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. His lab integrates genetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, immunohistochemistry, mechanical measurements, and biophysical modeling to dissect the mechanisms of mechanosensation and auditory transduction. A major focus is on TRP ion channels and their role in hearing, force generation, and sensory adaptation. His work has revealed deep evolutionary parallels between insect and vertebrate hearing systems, particularly in the function of auditory hair cells and transduction machinery.
The recent publications reflect a strong trend in mechanotransduction, sensory biophysics, and genetic dissection of hearing. His team has pioneered methods such as electrostatic actuation to probe auditory mechanics and is developing computational models for high-throughput screening of hearing-related genes. The work spans from molecular channel function (e.g., NOMPC, TRPN1, TMC) to system-level behaviors like aggression and locomotion modulated by hearing.
Scientific Awards and Recognitions:
- Royal Society University Research Fellow
- DAAD Research Fellow
- Leopoldina Research Fellow
- Volkswagen Foundation Group Leader
Martin Göpfert has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom are co-authors on his publications, indicating an active mentoring role. His lab receives funding from national and international sources, supporting interdisciplinary research in sensory neuroscience. He is involved in multiple graduate programs, contributing to training the next generation of neuroscientists.
His research group maintains strong collaborations across institutions and disciplines, particularly in biophysics and computational modeling. The lab is equipped for advanced mechanical and electrophysiological measurements and continues to innovate in methods for studying sensory systems. Future work aims to build a comprehensive "molecules-to-system" model of auditory function, integrating genetic, molecular, and systems-level data.
