Ruben Portugues

Ruben Portugues is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the Institute of Neuroscience, part of the TUM School of Medicine. His academic journey includes a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Cambridge, followed by postdoctoral research in neurobiology at Harvard University and the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology. He leads the Focus Group on 'Brain Circuit Function and Dysfunction.'

His research focuses on understanding how the brain encodes sensory information and translates it into motor actions. Using zebrafish as a model organism, he employs advanced techniques like whole-brain calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and computational modeling to study sensorimotor integration and neural circuit dynamics. Key projects involve mapping neural activity during behaviors, analyzing cerebellar circuits, and investigating mechanisms of learning and adaptation.

Portugues has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding rheotaxis, optomotor responses, and the neural basis of decision-making. His lab develops tools like the stytra software for behavioral experiments and collaborates on anatomical atlases using brainrender. His work bridges theoretical physics and experimental neuroscience, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

He holds the Rudolf Mößbauer Tenure Track Fellowship and has mentored numerous researchers. His lab is affiliated with the TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), contributing to initiatives in advanced computation and neuroscience.