Sofie Valk

Dr. Sofie Valk is an Associate Professor and Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany, and the Head of the 'Cognitive Neurogenetics' research group at INM-7, Research Center Jülich. Her research integrates computational neuroscience, genetics, and psychology to study brain organization and its role in health and disease. Key focuses include the interplay between biological systems and social cognition, with a particular emphasis on lifespan development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Education:

• 2012-2017: PhD in Psychology (summa cum laude), Humboldt University of Berlin
• 2010-2012: MSc in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Amsterdam
• 2005-2010: BSc in BetaGamma Double Major (Artificial Intelligence & Philosophy), University of Amsterdam

Research Interests: Her work explores the genetic and metabolic basis of brain function, brain development across the lifespan, and social neuroscience. She develops computational tools to analyze low-dimensional patterns of brain organization and their relationship to cognition and mental health.

Awards & Grants:

• Lise Meitner Group Grant (Max Planck Society, €3M)
• Helmholtz International BigBrain Analytics (Co-PI, €500k)
• Jacobs Research Fellowship (2025–2028, €150k)
• Hector Research Development Award (2025–2030, €150k)

Teaching: She teaches courses in Biological Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Translational Neuroscience at institutions like the University of Leipzig and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Labs & Collaborations: Her groups are affiliated with the Max Planck Institute and Jülich Research Center, part of the Helmholtz International BigBrain Analytics initiative with the Montreal Neurological Institute.