Research in Neurobiology

The general objective of our research is to understand basic principles of neuronal information processing and neuronal circuits. We aim at identifying the basic networks, and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of body functions and behavior. In particular, we focus on neural mechanisms underlying sensory processing, motor behavior and energy homeostasis.

The scientific problems are addressed by studying both genetically tractable organisms, e.g. the fruitfly, as well as non-model organisms. We use multilevel approaches including molecular genetics, single cell recordings, multi-unit recordings, optogenetics, neuroanatomical techniques, live imaging, cell culture techniques and behavioral analysis.

Our research is profiting from lively scientific interactions between the research groups in the Division of Neurobiology/Animal Physiology of the Institute of Zoology as well as with research groups in other institutes at the University of Cologne.

Current research foci are

• Cellular Physiology and Neuromodulation
• Molecular Neurobiology of Neuromechanical Transformation
• Neural Control of Movement and Animal Behavior
• Neurogenetics of Sensory Systems
• Theory of Microcircuit Function