Svend Davanger

Svend Davanger is a Professor at the Section of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He has held this position since 2008, following previous appointments as Associate Professor at the Department of Anatomy, University of Oslo (2003-2008) and at the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Bergen (1997-2003). His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying brain function, with particular emphasis on synaptic organization and plasticity in the hippocampus.

Davanger received his Cand. med. degree from the University of Oslo in 1988 and his Dr. med. in 1995. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University's Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology (1995-1997). As a licensed physician since 1995, he has clinical experience including work at the Specialist Hospital for Epilepsy, Rikshospitalet/Oslo University Hospital (2001-2003).

His primary research investigates synaptic plasticity - the fundamental mechanism for learning and memory. He examines how synapses change under various conditions including stress, epilepsy, and meditation practices. His work focuses on specific proteins like Arc, AMPA and NMDA receptors, and SNARE complex components. A distinctive aspect of his research program bridges basic neuroscience with contemplative practices, particularly studying the neural correlates of meditation. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and animal models to elucidate molecular mechanisms of synaptic communication.

Analysis of his recent publications (2016-2025) reveals a consistent focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic function, with progression from basic mechanisms to alterations in disease states. A notable trend is the increasing investigation of meditation's effects on brain structure, culminating in large-scale collaborative efforts like the ENIGMA-Meditation consortium. His work demonstrates how specific proteins regulate synaptic communication and plasticity in both normal and pathological conditions.

Professor Davanger actively collaborates with researchers worldwide, including Jeremy Henley at the University of Bristol, Nanyin Zhang at Penn State University, and Andrew Bean at the University of Texas. His research is organized through several key projects conducted within the Brain Plasticity and Synaptic Plasticity research groups at the University of Oslo.

As an educator, Davanger teaches MED1100 (Medical Studies, Module 1) and MED2200 (Medical Studies, Module 2) at the University of Oslo. His clinical background in epilepsy and neuroscience informs his teaching approach, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical perspectives on neurological function.