Research projects

My research group investigates the biological basis of cognitive function in the normal and diseased brain. We work with animal models, combining the analysis of behavior with functional and comparative neuroanatomy, stereotactic lesions, and – in collaboration with other labs – molecular genetic approaches. We also investigate the influence of genetic variation, age, environment and life style on cognitive function and the underlying brain circuitry.

We conttribute to the training activities of the ZNZ and ZIHP, regularly accept guest scientists and contribute to international shools and courses. In 2001, 2003 and 2011, we have organized EMBO Practical Courses on Mouse Phenotyping in Zurich. In 2016 and 2019, we have contributed to the Baltic summer school on behavioural characterization of rodent models of major brain disorders in Pyhajärve, Estonia.

My reesearch group is particularly interested in improving the analysis of mouse behavior.
Thanks to the rapid development of molecular genetics, mouse models are now used on a large scale to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of cognitive function and psychiatric diseases. Analysis of behavior is indispensable to fully exploit the potential of these models but is
currently facing a number of challenges:
current approaches to behavioral phenotyping lack the efficiency and throughput needed to
keep pace with the rapidly growing number of mouse models being created
there is rising general concern about the reproducibility of research results, and behavioral
analysis of mouse models is regarded as one of the most worrisome areas
the validity of several mouse models has been questioned due to failure to translate
preclinical results into clinical applications
awareness of animal welfare issues is increasing, in particular regarding the adverse
consequences of stimulus deprivation and social isolation on the wellbeing of rodents

In order to address these challenges, we
improve the validity of existing behavioral tests by adapting our test battery to specific needs
and behavioral repertoire of mice and by extracting more meaningful behavioral parameters
developed the IntelliCage system for automated multidimensional assessment of mouse
behavior in a social home cage setting. This increases throughput, optimizes welfare and
improves reproducibility by minimizing effects of lab environment and handling by humans.
design new approaches to data analysis exploiting the free statistical software environment
R-project in order to increase efficiency and reduce observer bias