Martin K. Schwarz

Dr. Martin K. Schwarz is a Research Professor and Principal Investigator (PI) at the Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn. His research focuses on structural and functional characterization of neuronal networks in the mammalian brain, particularly in the context of epilepsy and olfactory-driven behaviors. He holds a PhD from the Max-Planck Institute and has held academic positions since 1998, including leadership in the Viral Vector Core Facility and editorial roles in prominent journals.

Education:

• 1989–1995: Diploma/Mag. Rer. Nat., University of Vienna and Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Austria
• 1995–1998: Doctoral thesis (Dr. Rer. Nat.), Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany

Research Interests: His group develops novel techniques like recombinant rabies virus tools and light-sheet microscopy to map neuronal circuits. Key areas include synaptic architecture, optogenetic modulation, and behavioral paradigms linked to epilepsy and olfaction. They also investigate circuit alterations in epilepsy and functional specializations of neuroglia.

Awards:

• 1999 OTTO-HAHN-MEDAILLE (Max-Planck Society)
• 2000–2002 EMBO Long-term Fellowship

Grants & Leadership: Notable grants include NIH R01 (2016) and DFG Priority programs (2016–2017). He co-leads the Viral Vector Core Facility and serves on microscopy and nanobody steering committees. His lab collaborates with the Bonn Technology Campus for advanced resources like transgenic mice and viral vectors.

Lab & Teams: The Schwarz Group (Functional Neuroconnectomics) includes PhD students (e.g., Joyce Jayakumar), MSc students (Sharon Innocent Gnanasekar), and postdocs. They utilize cutting-edge facilities for 3D circuit analysis, behavioral experiments, and optogenetic tools.