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We are a team of PhD students located in Göttingen, Germany, who share a passion about neuroscience and science communication. On a monthly basis we talk with experts in neuroscience and discuss their research, career path, struggles along the way and current problems in the field.
Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen and SFB1286 Quantitative Synaptology in Göttingen. The content of the podcast represents our personal opinions and is separate from the institutions we are working at or collaborate with.
37 Episodes
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Memory is more than just a function of neurons; non-neuronal cells can “remember” too. In this episode, we welcome Prof. Nikolay Kukushkin, Clinical Associate Professor of Life Science and research fellow at the Center for Neural Science, NYU, to discuss the fascinating science of memory. We explore how neurons and other cells store information and abstract ideas, why scientists study sea slugs to uncover the mechanisms of learning and memory, and the potential implications of cellular memory...
In our Problems in Academia series, we talk with scientists about the biggest challenges in research today and how the system could better support scientists at every level. In this episode, Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, PhD, group leader at the German Primate Centre, shares honest insights into the economics of science-from how funding models shape lab decisions to the growing imbalance between large and small research groups. Visit our Problems in Academia series to hear how leading scientists a...
In Episode 28 of Neuroscience and Beyond, we explore the neural basis of social behavior with Raymundo Báez-Mendoza Ph.D., #neuroscientist and group leader at the German Primate Centre. From understanding trust and cooperation to decoding fear and social distance, Báez-Mendoza’s work reveals how the #brain makes sense of our most fundamental social experiences. Bridging research in humans and non-human primates, his lab uses game theory, structured behavioral tasks, and neural recordings to i...
Dr. Verena Haage joins us for a deep and honest conversation about the systemic problems in academia, beyond just publishing or funding. We unpack the urgent need to rethink research culture, covering issues like: -Burnout, mental health, and unrealistic career expectations -The shortage of stable positions like staff scientists -Why retreats often miss opportunities for genuine connection Dr. Haage shares actionable ideas, such as creating peer spaces and a trust-based lab culture to rethin...
Did you know your brain has its own immune system? At its core are microglia - specialized cells that defend, maintain, and shape the brain throughout life. In Episode 27 of Neuroscience and Beyond, Dr. Verena Haage, guest scientist at Charité Berlin and co-founder of SciLead, joins us to learn how these once-overlooked cells are now revolutionizing our understanding of brain development, aging, and disease. This episode unpacks how advanced tools like single-cell RNA sequencing, #transcripto...
In the latest episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, Prof. Marcella Woud (Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen) highlighted the real struggles in academia, from balancing clinical training with PhD research to the insecurity of short-term contracts and the lack of stable research roles. What’s your biggest challenge in academia? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬 Subscribe to our channel @NeuroscienceBeyond for excl...
Why do some people recover from trauma, while others spiral into anxiety or depression? In Episode 26 of Neuroscience Beyond, we explore the psychological mechanics behind trauma and healing. Join us for an intriguing conversation with Prof. Marcella Woud, Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Göttingen (@uniGoettingen). We discussed the fascinating link between how we interpret the world and how mental health conditions lik...
In our latest episode on the challenges in academia, we welcome Prof. Kwok as she dissects some of the most critical issues facing researchers today, including: Academic pressure and the instability of research careers.The “publish or perish” model and profit-driven journals.The oversupply of PhDs versus the limited academic positions.The reproducibility crisis in scientific research.Why leaving academia can be a valid—and valuable—career path. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for ex...
In our 25th episode, we're highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked area of neuroscience: the extracellular matrix of the brain. We are delighted to host Dr. Jessica Kwok, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, whose research is reshaping our understanding of memory, brain plasticity, and post-injury recovery. In this episode, you will learn: -What perineuronal nets (PNNs) are and their influence on brain function. -The surprising role of the ...
Professor Mani shares her perspective, acknowledging both the privileges of scientific research and the real challenges we face. We discuss the slow peer-review process, the high cost of open access, and the systemic resistance to change. While specific challenges vary across research fields, we can collectively improve the system through awareness and sustained action. What's your biggest challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content a...
How Do We Learn Language? Ever wonder how babies learn language? We've got answers! Join us for a fascinating chat with Prof. Nivedita Mani from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, as we uncover the secrets of infant language acquisition. In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond, you'll learn: - How babies learn language: From attention and motivation to the impact of their egocentric world. - The crucial role of the environment: Why "language is a social beast" and how media can surprising...
In our latest episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Ali from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen about the challenges academics face! Ali highlights the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, their unintended consequences, and the need for structural reforms—particularly in education—to foster genuine equality. While well-intentioned, DEI policies can be manipulated for political agendas, potentially harming the very minorities they aim to support. Our discu...
In this episode, we hosted Dr. Ali Shaib, Group Leader at the Institute of Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen. We explored One-step Nanoscale Expansion (ONE) microscopy – revolutionary imaging technology transforming structural biology and diagnostics. Dr. Shaib shared how ONE microscopy enables the visualization of proteins at an unprecedented scale, and why neuronal receptors are such fascinating targets for structural studies. We also discussed how this technology has a p...
Prof. Holtmaat points out that the current academic publishing system creates a cycle where funding, research, and publications are tightly linked, making it difficult to break free from its constraints. Initiatives like bioRxiv are promising steps toward more open science and advocate for reducing the overemphasis on journal impact factors. However, the change requires coordinated efforts from universities, funding agencies, and the academic community. Ultimately, he emphasizes t...
Have you ever wondered how an idea born in a university lab can transform into a life-changing invention? Meet Dr. Lukas Krainer, a physicist who completed his PhD at the prestigious ETH University in Zürich and turned his research into a thriving entrepreneurial journey. He’s the visionary behind Prospective Instruments, a company revolutionizing imaging with flexible and portable Two-Photon microscopes—an essential tool in neuroscience and clinical diagnostics. In today’s episode, we’ll exp...
We are excited to introduce a brand-new series of our podcast called Challenges in Academia, where we will be exploring the challenges and hurdles faced in academia. In this new set of videos, we’ll be talking to academics from a wide range of backgrounds about the problems we all face in science — from research pressures to funding struggles, and much more. The goal of the new series is simple: raise awareness about these issues and, hopefully, spark conversations that lead to real sol...
In Episode 21 of Neuroscience and Beyond, we had the privilege of hosting Prof. Dr. Jörg Enderlein, a renowned physicist at the Third Institute of Physics, Georg August University in Göttingen. We explored the interplay between quantum mechanics and microscopy and discussed cutting-edge imaging technology advancements. 🎙️ Highlights of the episode include: 🔬 Key milestones in the development of microscopy 🔍 The relationship between spectroscopy and microscopy 💡 ...
Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Mateusz Ambrożkiewicz! He leads a lab at the Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology at Charité in Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals. Dr. Ambrożkiewicz’s lab studies how protein synthesis and degradation shape neuronal circuit assembly in a key brain region called the cortex, using advanced genetic tools and interdisciplinary approaches. His research sheds light on brain development and neurological disorders, including microce...
In this episode, we’re honoured to host Prof. Dr. Ed Boyden, a pioneering neuroscientist, inventor, entrepreneur and MIT professor who is widely known for his immense contribution to life sciences, especially to the field of neuroscience. Prof. Boyden holds nearly 300 patents and leads advancements in neural technology, from optogenetics to expansion microscopy. These innovative tools are significantly advancing our understanding of the brain, and driving groundbreaking neuroscience discoveri...
In this episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Prof. Peter Dayan, director at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Germany. Prof. Dayan is renowned for using methods from machine learning to understand brain function, particularly linking neurotransmitter levels to prediction errors and uncertainty. His pioneering work in reinforcement learning and co-development of the Q-learning algorithm, have shaped the field of computational neuroscience in profound wa...
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