Dr. Martha Nari Havenith

Research statement

Unlike in simpler organisms, like C. Elegans, in mammals the conversion from sensory input to motor output follows a complex and flexible path, shaped by a multitude of interacting cognitive processes. 

My research centers around the notion that most neuronal and even behavioural responses are in fact not directly linked to external events, but internally generated and referenced. 

I study such internally driven dynamics – and their interactions with each other – in behaving mice, combining a range of techniques from acute and chronic electrophysiology to two-photon imaging, optogenetics and extensive data mining of neuronal and behavioural data. 

I also believe that cortical function is best understood in the context of naturalistic and/or easily trained behaviours – by letting the brain do what it does best.

Declaration of interests

Martha Havenith is co-founder of 3Dneuro (unpaid).