Kaizhen Li
Global Research Fellow at the Faculty of Medicine
Previous position: Senior Postdoc Researcher
Previous university or institution: University of Bern
Country: Switzerland
Why did you choose Lund University?
Lund University offers an inspiring neuroscience research environment, cutting-edge imaging platforms, the world-class MAX IV X-ray facility, and comprehensive life-science core facilities.
Its strong collaborative culture, global leading sustainability, and excellence and vision in medical science make it ideal to advance my research program and career.
Can you briefly describe your current research?
I study how ventral hippocampal circuits regulate emotional behaviors by using advanced calcium imaging, optogenetics, behavioral phenotyping, and circuit-tracing tools to map causal neuronal mechanisms.
We have identified novel inhibitory circuit mechanisms underlying anxiety representation and fear memory formation in the mammalian brain.
What will be your main research focus during your time at Lund University?
I will investigate how microglia interact with neural circuits to shape memory and behavior and contribute to brain disorders.
Supported by the Faculty of Medicine and MultiPark, we aim to decipher glial–neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and develop unconventional therapeutic strategies.
Lund Global Research Fellows are part of the Lund University Programme for Global Excellence, which is the University’s largest international recruitment initiative to date.