Neuronal input-output computation and mechanisms of cognition in health and disease

In our group, we are interested in understanding how mammalian behaviors arise from the precisely orchestrated activity patterns in neuronal ensembles. We are fascinated with the mechanisms generating behaviourally relevant activity patterns at different scales ranging from single neurons to neuronal networks spanning different brain areas, with a particular focus on the hippocampus.

On the level of individual neurons, we are interested in understanding fundamental features of input-output processing, and how these are altered by inhibition or neuromodulation. To this end, we are using advanced techniques such as two-photon glutamate uncaging combined with electrophysiology to study neuronal integration of complex temporal and spatial input patterns.

Prof. Heinz Beck