Wulf Haubensak is a researcher affiliated with the Dr. Max Perutz Labs and the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology . His work spans neuroscience, focusing on the amygdala, behavioral mechanisms, and social interaction dynamics. Research Interests : Amygdala function, active inference modeling, decision-making, self-regulation, neuroimaging, and virtual reality applications in behavioral studies. Scientific Contributions : His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding brain networks and innovative VR tools for studying animal behavior. In 2023, he received a Best Poster Award for collaborative work.
Frank Scharnowski is a Full Professor at the University of Vienna's Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology within the Faculty of Psychology. He holds a PhD in Life Sciences and has held academic roles including Assistant Professor at the University of Zürich and Senior Lecturer at the University of Geneva. His research focuses on Data Science, AI, Neuroimaging, Neurofeedback, and Mental Health, with projects like Hyperfeedback and KI-Expositionstherapeut. He leads the Department and serves on various academic boards. His work integrates machine learning with neuroimaging to study fear, PTSD, and cross-cultural aesthetics, leveraging large datasets like SpiDa-MRI and SpiderPhy. Projects aim to improve human interaction via brain synchrony and develop exposure therapies for anxiety disorders. His lab at https://meth-psy.univie.ac.at/ explores computational psychiatry and neurotechnology. Education: PhD in Life Sciences (2007), M.Sc. Neural & Behavioural Sciences (2004), B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence & Cognitive Science (2001) Research interests include neurofeedback mechanisms, brain-computer interfaces, and digital health applications. Recent articles analyze fear responses, PTSD treatment predictors, and cross-cultural art perception using machine learning. Administrative roles include heading the Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology since 2020. Key projects focus on hyperfeedback for social interaction, AI-driven exposure therapy, and systems optimization. His work bridges cognitive science and clinical applications, emphasizing reproducible neuroscience tools through initiatives like Brainhack Zürich.
Prof. Dr. Tobias Bracht leads the Research Group Bracht at the University Clinics UPD, University of Bern. His primary focus is improving understanding of brain structure and function in affective disorders, with a particular emphasis on MRI-based markers of treatment outcomes and neuroplasticity linked to clinical improvements. Research Interests: Neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion MRI and tractography Psychiatric interventions such as ECT and TMS Reward system neurobiology and alcohol use disorder Neuroplasticity mechanisms in depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders Collaborations: Prof. Derek Jones, Cardiff University Prof. David Linden, Maastricht University Global ECT MRI Research Collaboration (GEMRIC) Awards & Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation B. Braun Foundation Robert Enke Foundation Students & Team: Current students: Lara Koehler, Rilana di Maria, Kevin Zahnd Alumni: Meret Wallimann, Karin Lüdi, Sophie della Valle Key Projects: Investigating LSD treatment efficacy in alcohol use disorder Psilocybin-assisted therapy for relapse prevention Multimodal MRI studies of ECT and TMS outcomes
Matthias Grieder is a Research Fellow at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern, affiliated with the Translational Research Center of the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern. He holds a PhD in Neurosciences (2012) and completed a habilitation in Psychiatric Neurosciences (2023). His work bridges psychiatric neuroimaging, memory research, and neuromodulation techniques like tDCS. Education: PhD in Neurosciences (2012), University of Bern Habilitation in Psychiatric Neurosciences (2023), University of Bern Research interests include: Neuroimaging of anxiety and addiction disorders Semantic memory processing in aging and dementia Structural/functional connectivity of memory networks Non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) for memory enhancement Sleep-dependent memory consolidation in psychiatric populations Recent publications focus on 7T MRI, fractal complexity analysis, and amygdala-frontal connectivity in addiction and anxiety. Collaborations span institutions like the University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern, IOS Press, and Springer Nature. Laboratory affiliations include the Translational Research Center at the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern, where he leads studies on neuroimaging biomarkers for psychiatric diseases.
Prof. Andrea Federspiel is a Professor at the University of Bern, affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy within the Faculty of Medicine. She is part of the University Clinics UPD, leading research initiatives in advanced neuroimaging techniques. Academic Title: Prof. Dr. phil. nat. Her research interests focus on ultra-high field MRI (7T) applications in psychiatry, particularly exploring emotion processing mechanisms in brain regions like the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). She emphasizes the development of neuroimaging methodologies to understand clinical and neurobiological aspects of mental health. Though no specific articles are listed in the provided text, her work revolves around 7T fMRI studies, indicating contributions to high-resolution brain imaging and psychiatric neuroscience. No scientific awards are mentioned in the available information. She has no listed advisees or grants in the current data. Her research is conducted within the Ultra High Field MRI research group at the University Psychiatric Clinics, specializing in cutting-edge imaging technologies for psychiatric research.
Melissa Herman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and a member of the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies. Her research focuses on inhibitory neuronal networks, particularly how GABAergic signaling regulates brain function and dysregulation associated with alcohol and drug addiction. She investigates the role of tonic and synaptic inhibition in regions like the amygdala, nucleus tractus solitarius, and ventral tegmental area. Key research areas include: Inhibitory microcircuitry governing motivated behaviors and dependence Alcohol-induced changes in tonic inhibition and neuronal excitability Nicotine and vaping effects on reward circuits and neuronal activity Psilocybin’s impact on serotonin systems and addiction-related behaviors Her work combines electrophysiological techniques with behavioral paradigms to dissect mechanisms underlying substance use disorders. Recent publications emphasize sex differences, stress interactions, and translational models of addiction. Labs/Teams: The Herman Lab explores neuroplasticity in alcohol/drug effects, focusing on GABAergic networks. Current projects include investigating nicotine vaping’s impact on dopamine signaling and psilocybin’s potential in treating addiction.
Thomas Kash, PhD is the John R. Andrews Distinguished Professor and Director of the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He is affiliated with both the Department of Pharmacology and the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at UNC Chapel Hill, where he leads a research program focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction and related behavioral disorders. Dr. Kash's research primarily investigates: Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity Neuronal substrates underlying alcohol and drug abuse behaviors Impact of stress on emotional behavior circuitry Molecular and physiological events in alcoholism, chronic pain, PTSD, and depression His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining whole-cell patch-clamp physiology, biochemistry, and mouse models to understand how chronic drug exposure and stress alter neuronal function in key brain circuits. Recent work has focused on stress and anti-stress systems in the brain, particularly examining how these systems become dysregulated in alcohol use disorders. Analysis of Dr. Kash's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on: Sex differences in alcohol-related neural adaptations Nociceptin system regulation of binge drinking Serotonin signaling in the lateral habenula and its role in alcohol consumption Corticotropin-releasing factor pathways in stress responses related to alcohol use Neural circuit mechanisms underlying emotional dysregulation in addiction Notable scientific contributions and recognitions include: Directing the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies Holding the prestigious John R. Andrews Distinguished Professorship Securing significant research funding from NIAAA and other NIH institutes Mentoring multiple postdocs and students who have received competitive fellowships Dr. Kash maintains an active research laboratory that has grown significantly over the years. His lab includes multiple postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians working on various aspects of alcohol neuroscience. The lab has received numerous awards for its trainees, including K99/R00 awards, F31/F32 fellowships, and HHMI Gilliam Fellowships. The Kash Lab is recognized for its innovative approaches to understanding the neural basis of alcohol use disorders and related emotional behaviors.
Prof. dr. T.I.F.H. Cremers is a Professor at the University of Groningen, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (Analytical Biochemistry department within the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG (Medicinal Chemistry and Bioanalysis group). His laboratory is located at Antonius Deusinglaan 1 in Groningen, with contact information including telephone numbers +31 50 36 33336 and +31 50 363 7582, and email t.i.f.h.cremers@rug.nl. Dr. Cremers' research spans multiple disciplines with particular expertise in: Pharmacology and neurochemistry, especially microdialysis techniques for in vivo monitoring Endocannabinoid system research Biomarker discovery for pregnancy complications including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes Development of biosensors for real-time monitoring of biochemical compounds Analysis of neurotransmitter systems including serotonin (98% focus) and glutamic acid pathways His recent publications demonstrate a strategic shift toward applying analytical chemistry techniques to obstetric challenges, developing early screening methods for pregnancy complications. This interdisciplinary approach bridges basic pharmacological research with clinical applications in maternal-fetal medicine, with several publications focusing on first-trimester biomarker discovery for conditions like preeclampsia and preterm birth. Dr. Cremers maintains active leadership roles beyond academia as CEO of IQ products and BOL holding, demonstrating his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being. With 77 research outputs including 65 articles, 4 book chapters, and 1 patent, Dr. Cremers has established himself as a significant contributor to his fields. His research has received multiple citations, with some publications garnering over a dozen citations in scholarly databases.
Charles Yu Liu is a Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) with appointments in Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering via the Viterbi School of Engineering. He serves as Director of the USC Neurorestoration Center and Surgical Director of the USC Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, a global leader in surgical epilepsy treatment. Undergraduate: Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor PhD: Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Rice University MD: Yale University School of Medicine Liu specializes in neurorestoration, focusing on restoring function to injured nervous systems through advanced neurosurgical tools and brain-computer interfaces. His research integrates neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical neurosurgery to address epilepsy, stroke recovery, and neuromodulation therapies. His 15 most recent publications (2025-2024) span Biomedical Engineering , Neuroscience , and Neurology , with subfields including neural interfaces, beta-band oscillations, neuroprosthetics, and neuroimaging. Key themes involve decoding motor and cognitive neural signals, improving deep brain stimulation parameters, and exploring SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism. Liu chairs the Department of Neurosurgery at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and collaborates with institutions like Caltech. He serves as Associate Editor of World Neurosurgery and consults for the NCAA USC Trojans Athletics Department on neurosurgical safety.
Xenos Mason, MD is an Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Neurology at the University of Southern California (USC). He specializes in neurology and movement disorders, with a focus on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapies. Mason joined the USC faculty in 2021 and is affiliated with the USC Laboratory for Neuroimaging (LONI) and the multidisciplinary USC Musician’s Neurology Clinic. His research addresses disparities in DBS access, neuroimaging biomarkers for movement disorders, and novel treatments for occupational dystonias. Education: Medical Degree: Harvard Medical School Residency/Training: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, UCLA Fellowship: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA-CTSI Clinical/Translational Research Research Interests: Dr. Mason’s work spans DBS efficacy biomarkers, neuromodulation for eating disorders, and racial/gender disparities in neurosurgical access. He collaborates on ENIGMA-Neuromodulation initiatives to standardize DBS clinical practices globally. Key Contributions: His 2025 review on DBS disparities and 2024 studies on amygdala-hippocampus networks highlight his translational research focus. He also leads clinical trials evaluating DBS waveforms and kinematic outcomes in dystonia patients. Labs/Teams: Active with LONI and the USC Musician’s Neurology Clinic, focusing on occupational dystonia treatments for musicians and performing artists.
Ryan McGinn is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Southern California (USC). His academic journey spans diverse fields: beginning as a professional jazz musician, he transitioned to study physics and neural engineering at the University of Toronto before completing medical training at McMaster University and epilepsy fellowships at Stanford University. He currently focuses on clinical epilepsy, emphasizing advanced treatments like epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation (e.g., thalamic and cortical stimulation), and network-based interventions. Dr. McGinn's research integrates quantitative sciences with medicine, particularly in understanding seizure states and connectivity through signal processing of intracranial recordings. His work addresses cutting-edge topics such as thalamic involvement in refractory epilepsy, fasciola cinereum as an interventional target, and touch-screen automatisms in the digital era. His contributions include systematic reviews on stereotactic biopsies and mesenchymal stem cell therapies for stroke, reflecting his commitment to bridging preclinical and clinical research. His publications span over two decades, demonstrating expertise in epilepsy mechanisms, neurophysiology, and translational neuroscience. His early work explored thermoregulation in diabetes and exercise physiology, reflecting his interdisciplinary background. Collaborative efforts in neuroengineering and precision medicine underscore his vision for personalized neurological care. No specific scientific awards or grants are highlighted in the profile, though his extensive publication record indicates sustained research activity. His educational background in both music and physics uniquely informs his approach to understanding complex neurological patterns and rhythms.
Professor Wai Chen is a leading academic and clinician in youth mental health and developmental neuropsychiatry, holding professorial roles at Curtin University (Medical School and enAble Institute) and adjunct positions at UWA, Notre Dame University, and Murdoch University. He specializes in ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health interventions, with over AUD$3 million in grants secured for projects like RAIDANCE and MYLO. His research spans emotional regulation, suicide prediction, and ADHD genetics. Education: PhD, King's College London BM (Medicine), University of Southampton M.Phil, University of Cambridge Research Interests: Focused on ADHD pathophysiology, emotional dysregulation, and innovative treatments. His work addresses clinical challenges in child psychiatry and contributes to global health policies via the Legatum Institute's Prosperity Index. Grants & Awards: Awarded BMA Medical Book Awards (2010) and cited in DSM-5-TR (2022). Active in grants targeting pediatric mental health, including NHMRC and Telethon funding. Advisory Roles: Member of Eunethydis and the HiTOP consortium. Served on WA's State Mental Health Research Strategy Advisory Group and ICA Taskforce. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams on ADHD, self-harm prediction (EXPAAND project), and digital mental health tools like MYLO. Collaborates internationally on genomic and clinical psychiatry studies.
Professor Erno J. Hermans is Professor of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour , Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. He also serves as Principal Investigator at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging and the Donders Community for Medical Neuroscience, and holds the Chair of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience. Education: MSc in Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, 2001 PhD in Neuroscience, Utrecht University & University Medical Center Utrecht, 2006 Research Focus: Hermans integrates functional neuroimaging with endocrine, autonomic, pharmacological and genetic methods to elucidate how the human brain adapts to stressors and how maladaptive responses culminate in psychopathology. His work spans molecular-to-systems levels with the overarching goal of advancing personalized prevention and treatment of stress-related mental disorders. Key Publications: His recent articles demonstrate a consistent emphasis on large-scale network dynamics under acute and chronic stress, amygdala-hippocampal connectivity underlying fear memory persistence, and noradrenergic modulation of cognitive and affective processes. Studies leverage high-resolution fMRI, multivariate connectivity analyses, and pharmacological manipulations to map how stress hormones reconfigure brain networks. Grants & Awards: 2007 – NWO-VENI personal grant: “In a fit of fear” 2016 – ERC Consolidator Grant: “STRESNET – Stress resilience and network feedback training” Teaching & Mentoring: Professor Hermans coordinates and teaches a broad portfolio of courses including Neurobiology of (Mal)adaptation , Neuroimaging I , and numerous master-level internships and thesis projects. He currently mentors 14 PhD candidates, several post-docs, and a rotating cohort of research trainees. Laboratory & Team: He heads the Cognitive Affective Neuroscience Laboratory , comprising senior researchers, post-doctoral fellows, PhD students, research assistants and visiting trainees. The lab is embedded within the Donders Institute’s state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities in Nijmegen, fostering extensive national and international collaborations.
Heather N Allen is a Researcher at the University of Florida's Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. She completed her PhD at Duquesne University between 2016 and 2021. Her research focuses on understanding neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying pain modulation, particularly in neuropathic, inflammatory, and osteoarthritic pain models. Key areas include CRMP2-Ubc9 protein interactions, CaV2.2 channel blockers, and neuropeptide Y signaling pathways. Allen's work bridges pharmacology and neuroscience to develop targeted therapeutics for chronic pain conditions. Her publications highlight advancements in pain pathway inhibition, such as small molecule therapies targeting NaV1.7 channels and VEGFA signaling. She currently serves as Principal Investigator for a grant exploring parabrachial-to-amygdala circuits in neuropathic pain. Allen collaborates with mentors like Rajesh Khanna, PhD, and her research has been published in Pain , Neurotherapeutics , and Biological Psychiatry . Contact: allenh@ufl.edu | Business Address: L4-162, 1149 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Dr. Ulrike Lueken is a researcher at the Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy , Dresden University of Technology. She leads the workgroup "Fear and Anxiety Disorders Neuroimaging Group" since 2007, focusing on neuroimaging studies in panic disorder and Parkinson’s disease. Education : International Master in Affective Neuroscience (2011), University of Maastricht & University of Florence; Doctoral Thesis (2006) at University of Trier; Diploma in Psychology (2003), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Her research explores neural substrates of fear and anxiety disorders , using neuroimaging to investigate neuroplasticity following cognitive behavioral therapy. She also studies Parkinson’s disease as a model for fronto-striatal dysregulation , examining how deep brain stimulation affects cognition and reward processing. Additional work includes neuroendocrine stress responses during MRI sessions. The articles reflect her expertise in neuroimaging and clinical neuroscience , with recurring themes in Parkinson’s disease, anxiety disorders, and the cognitive impacts of deep brain stimulation. Subfields span fear conditioning , executive dysfunction , neuroplasticity , and stress adaptation . Scientific Awards : Multiple teaching awards from TU Dresden (2009-present); travel grants from ECNP, DFG, DAAD, WFN, and Freunde und Förderer der TU Dresden. Dr. Lueken has received funding through travel grants from prestigious organizations including the German Research Foundation (DFG) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) . Her workgroup integrates neuroimaging techniques with clinical studies, particularly notable for collaborations on molecular psychotherapy approaches in panic disorder.
