University of Bremen - Brain Research Institute

60 University of Bremen - Brain Research Institute https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute [Translate to English:] Das Institut für Hirnforschung stellt einen Schwerpunktberich innerhalb des Fachbereichs II dar und umfasst mehrere Arbeitsgruppen, die sich mit der Erforschung Funktionen, Strukturen und Mechanismen des Gehirns befassen. en University of Bremen Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:50:24 +0200 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:50:24 +0200 University of Bremen content-632888 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:32:49 +0100 Molecular Neurobiology https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c632888 The Department of molecular Neurobiology, led by Professor Dr. Julia Veit, investigates how brain areas in the visual system communicate and enable perception. We combine in vivo electrophysiology with high-density Neuropixels probes, optogenetics, and behavioral experiments to understand information processing in the mouse brain. We are particularly interested in the role of specific cell types, such as GABAergic interneurons, in information processing, the mechanisms that coordinate distant areas during sensory processing, and the influence of brain and behavioral states on cortical processing. Content content-632890 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:32:49 +0100 Cognitive Neurophysiology https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c632890 The Cognitive Neurophysiology Group investigates how cognitive brain functions – such as attention, working memory, and decision-making – are implemented in the brain. Our focus is on how these cognitive processes manifest at both the local and global levels in neural networks. We are particularly interested in how neural networks must adapt their dynamics and response patterns to enable these cognitive functions and ultimately control our interaction with the environment. At the local level, neural activity in specific brain regions is modulated to process relevant information and generate goal-directed responses. At the global level, coordinated interaction between different brain areas is required to perform complex cognitive tasks, such as integrating relevant information and controlling behavior. These networks must not only be able to respond dynamically to short-term changes in the environment but also process a variety of different types of information simultaneously. Investigating these mechanisms helps us understand the fundamental neural principles of how information is processed in the brain, as well as how successful cognitive control and adaptation to the changing demands of the environment are enabled. Content content-632902 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:32:49 +0100 Systems Neurobiology https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c632902 Our research aims to uncover how neural activity drives adaptive behaviors like learning, memory, and decision-making. Using mice as a model, we investigate how brain functions—from individual cells to complex circuits—enable these processes and how they are disrupted in conditions such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. A key focus is the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is essential for social memory—the ability to recognise and remember others. Our work has shown how changes in this region can lead to social memory deficits in certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Additionally, we have demonstrated that CA2 processes social information, such as individual odors, in a highly organized and sophisticated way. Building on these discoveries, we are exploring how CA2 integrates social information into a unified "social map" and how disruptions in this process may contribute to neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. More broadly, we aim to understand how the hippocampus transforms sensory inputs into internal models that guide behaviour, focusing on social contexts and investigating how these processes break down in neuropsychiatric (e.g., schizophrenia) and neurodevelopmental (e.g., autism) disorders. To address these questions, we employ state-of-the-art techniques such as advanced imaging, brain activity recording, and targeted manipulations. These tools enable us to unravel how different brain circuits collaborate to support behavior, providing valuable insights into both healthy function and disease mechanisms. Content content-633400 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:32:49 +0100 Cell Biology https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c633400 Our research focuses on the beautiful yet complex morphology of individual neurons and the intricate intracellular logistics required to form, maintain, and remodel these cells throughout a lifetime. Neurons extend across vast regions, enabling them to connect directly with cells far from the soma, with each neuron forming thousands of connections. Our research aims to understand how neurons integrate the various extracellular cues they receive at different parts of the cell, both temporally and spatially, to sustain and adapt their structure and connectivity. To this end, we study the interplay of transport and signaling processes over short and long distances and how these events ultimately converge to induce changes in neuronal morphology and physiology. The formation and maintenance of neuronal connections require morphological changes and are closely coupled with activity-dependent events. In this context, the neurotrophin BDNF serves as an example of a tightly regulated growth factor that triggers intracellular processes to induce changes in cell shape. Additionally, its precursor, proBDNF, is also biologically active but exerts effects largely opposite to those of mature BDNF, allowing a tightly controlled, bidirectional modulation of neuronal morphology by a single growth factor. We investigate how BDNF shapes neurons in health and disease. Content content-632920 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:46:09 +0100 Master of Neurosciences https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c632920 All research groups are part of and support the Master's program "Master in Neurosciences" at the University of Bremen. The English Master's program in Neurosciences is aimed at graduates with a Bachelor's degree in life sciences, physics, computer science, mathematics, or psychology. The program offers interdisciplinary training in neuroscience, combining experimental and theoretical research with its application. Students are given early opportunities to specialize either in Computational Neurosciences or Experimental Neurosciences, without having to commit to a specific focus. Through research-based learning, independent work increasingly becomes a central component of the program: initially in the Advanced Studies, then in the Lab Projects, and finally in the Master's thesis. Graduates of the Master's program in Neurosciences can work in both academic and private-sector or governmental positions. The combination of experimental neuroscience with the second specialization in Computational Neurosciences particularly opens up career opportunities in the IT/Data Science field. Evaluations from recent years show that the majority of graduates pursue a PhD in the scientific field (68%). Content content-632908 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:17:58 +0100 Mindtalks https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/brain-research-institute#c632908 Dr. Udo Ernst&nbsp;(Department 1, Computational Neurophysics Lab) Prof. Dr. Olivia Masseck&nbsp;(Department 2, Synthetic Biology) Prof. Dr. Tanja Schultz&nbsp;(Department 3, Cognitive Systems Lab) Content