Peter C. Petersen

Peter C. Petersen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Holding a Civilingeniør (MSc) in Technical Physics from DTU and a PhD in Neuroscience, he specializes in systems-level neural mechanisms using electrophysiological approaches.

His educational background includes:

• Civilingeniør (MSc) in Technical Physics, DTU
• PhD in Neuroscience

Petersen's research focuses on neural dynamics in memory and motor systems, combining in vivo electrophysiology with computational modeling. He investigates hippocampal place cells for spatial working memory and rotational dynamics in spinal cord networks, while developing neurotechnology tools like CellExplorer for single-neuron analysis. His work bridges experimental neuroscience, engineering, and data science to decode circuit-level computations.

Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a dual emphasis on hippocampal memory mechanisms (e.g., temperature effects on sharp wave ripples) and innovative methodology (e.g., 3D-printed microdrives). This trajectory demonstrates consistent advancement from tool development to fundamental discoveries in neural coding, with increasing collaboration intensity as evidenced by multi-institutional authorship.

Scientific awards: No specific awards were documented in the source material.

While explicit advising details are absent, his leadership in software/hardware development (CellExplorer, microdrive systems) implies active mentorship of technical researchers. Grant information isn't specified, though high-impact publications suggest sustained funding for neurotechnology and systems neuroscience projects.

Petersen directs the Petersen Lab (https://petersenlab.org/), which employs chronic electrophysiology in rodent models to study memory and movement. The lab maintains strong ties with the Buzsáki lab (hippocampal research) and continues collaborations initiated during his NYU Langone Health tenure (2016-2022), reflecting an integrated approach to neural circuit analysis across institutions.