Simon Butt

Dr. Simon Butt is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (DPAG), University of Oxford, and serves as a Tutorial Fellow at Keble College. His research focuses on neuronal interactions in the neonatal brain and the role of genetic determinants in cortical development.

• Undergraduate: Biological Sciences, University of Oxford (1996)
• PhD: Serotonergic modulation in insect motorneurons, University of St. Andrews

His work explores:

• Genetic basis of cortical interneuron diversity
• Development of GABAergic circuits
• Role of serotonin in sensory encoding
• Transient neuronal connections in early postnatal development
• Cortical network maturation
• Claustrum-cortex interactions

Recent publications reveal expertise in:

• Claustrum connectivity analysis (2025)
• Perinatal serotonin-GABA interactions (2025)
• Two-photon imaging of neurotransmitter dynamics (2024)
• Developmental origins of cortical projections (2023)
• Transient interneuron circuits (2016-2022)

Scientific recognition:

• HFSPO Long-term Fellowship (postdoctoral)
• Brain & Behaviour Award (2013-2015)

Major funding sources:

• Wellcome Trust (2009-present)
• MRC (2012-2015)
• OUP John Fell Fund (2011-2014)
• Human Frontiers Science Program (2008-2012)