Research at the ESI
Why? How? To what purpose? The desire to ask questions, seek answers, and gain knowledge has driven humankind ever since. Basic research, such as being conducted here at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience, makes a significant contribution to reaching this goal. At the ESI, we try to unravel the neural mechanisms that enable our brains to perform higher cognitive functions, such as attention and memory. We observe the simultaneous activity of multiple cells, circuits, or brain sections to find the principles behind their interactions, and how those ultimately shape human and animal behavior.
Basic research advances knowledge
This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of human nature. It also helps us understand what causes neurological and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. In the long term, the knowledge gained from basic research will help develop therapies for brain diseases.
