Clownfish can apparently count – this is the conclusion drawn by Japanese researchers from an experiment they conducted on the territorial behavior of the animals. Is this really true? “The researchers are jumping to conclusions,” says Prof. Dr. Ilka Diester.
Our Research
The ability to move is a fundamental feature of most animals which allows them to actively interact with our environment. We are investigating the underlying neural mechanisms and circuits of this ability. We do so with electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic manipulations combined with behavioral analysis. We look into the local processing of movement preparation and generation in the motor cortex as well as higher order structures, e.g. prefrontal cortex.
The goal is to create a better understanding of how neural subpopulations and pathways within and across brain areas influence motor behavior. In order to address these scientific aims we are constantly working on improving the existing techniques. We currently focus on the design of new optoelectronic probes and targeting strategies. Apart from advancing our basic knowledge about the neural mechanisms of movements, our results might help improving the design of new prosthetic devices and understanding of disorders in which the normal production of movements is disrupted.
Current News
January 31, 2024: How does artificial intelligence view the world?
Joschka Boedecker, Ilka Diester and Monika Schoenauer about internal world models in people, animals and AI
New Article Published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems
In this study, we introduce the architecture, the integrated building blocks, and the post-CMOS processes required to realize a NeuroBus , and we characterize the prototyped direct digitizing neural recorder front-end as well as polyimide-based ECoG brain interface.
Open Positions
January, 2024 – We are looking for an IT System Administrator (m/f/d)
November, 2023 – We are looking for a PhD (m/f/d) Student in Neuroscience (in vivo optogenetics & miniscope calcium imaging)
We have an opening for a highly motivated PhD student to help us investigate the mechanisms of inhibitory control of the motor system by the thalamic reticular nucleus. You will help further our understanding of movement disorders, epilepsy, motor planning, reward expectation, attention, and action selection.
November, 2023 – We are looking for a PhD (m/f/d) Student in Neuroscience (in vitro electrophysiology & 2-Photon Imaging)
We have an opening for a highly motivated PhD student to help us investigate the mechanisms of inhibitory control of the motor system by the thalamic reticular nucleus. You will help further our understanding of movement disorders, epilepsy, motor planning, reward expectation, attention, and action selection.
July, 2023 – We are looking for a PhD (m/f/d) Student in Neuroscience (2-Photon Imaging)
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the intricate world of neuroscience? Do you possess a relentless curiosity, thrive in collaborative environments, and have the motivation to tackle complex challenges in experimental and computational neuroscience?