Trine Lisberg Toft

Trine Lisberg Toft serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing water and ion balance in the mammalian brain under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, with particular emphasis on cerebral water homeostasis and its relationship to intracranial pressure.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (2015), M.Sc. in Molecular Biomedicine (2010), and B.Sc. in Biology (2008), all from the University of Copenhagen. She progressed from Research Assistant (2010-2011) to Postdoctoral Fellow (2014-2018), Assistant Professor (2018-2024), and currently holds the position of Associate Professor (2024-present).

Dr. Toft's research interests center on understanding the molecular mechanisms of water and ion balance in the brain, the role of specific ion channels and co-transporters, and the impact of elevated intracranial pressure on cranial nerves and vision. Her work has significant implications for understanding and treating conditions like hydrocephalus and brain edema. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, ion transport mechanisms, and pharmacological interventions for intracranial pressure disorders, with particular focus on the Na+,K+,2Cl− cotransporter and its relationship to brain homeostasis.

Her scientific recognition includes multiple prestigious awards and grants:

• Hørslev Fonden grant (2023)
• Læge Sofus Carl Emil Friis og Hustru Olga Doris Friis' grant (2022)
• Weimann Foundation (2021)
• Lundbeck Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019)
• Brdr. Hartmanns Foundation (2015)
• VELUX Foundation Postdoc grant (2014)

Dr. Toft actively contributes to the neuroscience community as a member of the Lundbeck Foundation Investigator Network (since 2022) and as organizer of DIM the brain, a monthly seminar for young neuroscientists at UCPH (since 2019). Her research has resulted in 39 publications including high-impact journal articles in Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Advanced Science, with recent work examining CSF secretion mechanisms, intracranial pressure regulation, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions involving brain water accumulation.