Prof. Dr. Denis Burdakov

Research area

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change" (Stephen Hawking). How does the brain solve complex problems, in other words, what is the neural basis of intelligence? Denis Burdakov directs the ETH Neurobehavioural Dynamics Lab, which studies key principles by which the brains work, i.e. how they process information in closed-loop with internal and external environments to create appropriate actions, appetites, and arousal. Our experiments involve genetically-defined brain cells, such as widely-projecting "brain government" neurons including hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin neurons, but our questions remain general, overlapping with fields like AI and robotics (what control algorithms underlie performance in an uncertain world? what are their strengths and weaknesses?). To answer this, we track neural dynamics (using genetically-targete­­d sensors) while observing and/or controlling actions and internal and external body states, and causally manipulating genetically- and temporally-defined elements of neural computations (using optogenetics, chemogenetics). These sensorimotor measurements are interpreted with the help of computational simulations that formally assess the performance of particular sensorimotor algorithms in defined tasks. By elucidating what different parts of the brain do, how they do it, and what makes them perform well or badly, this work provides fundamental information that can be used for improving medical treatments for diverse brain disorders, from neurological to metabolic disorders.

Joining Burdakov lab:  When funding is available, Denis Burdakov is open to discuss joining the lab with decisive and motivated candidates who 1) want to obtain world-class training in systems neuroscience, 2) are interested in our research focus as summarised here and in our publications - for lay overviews, see ETH press releases (e.g.  eyes as windows into brain,  neural basis of some"irrational" behaviour,  tuning behaviour with diet); 3) possess excellent writing and coding skills, and insatiable curiosity and initiative to find and consume scientific information. PhD positions: In addition to above, you need a masters (or equivalent) degree, and fit intellectually and socially into our lab. We do not usually specify exact project plans at application stage, and instead decide the focus of PhD towards the second PhD year. In the first PhD year, we train the student in all our technologies and analyses, determine their ability within the latter, collect preliminary data, and based on this (and latest literature!) identify specific hypotheses to test. Our projects last 3-6 years. Masters: If you are a master student, you could join us for a long (ca 6 months) full-time project (typically part of a larger, already-established research study). Postdoc positions: please contact Denis Burdakov if you are interested and satisfy our general conditions above.

Burdakov lab alumni: We are dedicated to training future academics and researchers. Several former members of the lab became professors or group leaders in academia or industry.