Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Institut für Biologie

Theoretical and Computational Biology

 

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Computational Neurophysiology

Head: Prof. Susanne Schreiber

 
We investigate neural processing from single cells to networks. In particular, we would like to understand how neurons are optimized for their computational task. The aim is to link the molecular level of ion channels to characteristics of neuronal firing, focusing on topics like information transfer, synchronization, energy efficiency, and temperature robustness.
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Theoretical Neuroscience

Head: Prof. Richard Kempter

 

Our research focuses on the neural basis of learning and memory, and involves computational and mathematical modeling of synapses, neurons, and networks of neurons. Of particular interest is short-term and long-term plasticity in the auditory system and the hippocampus.

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Computational Regulatory Genomics

Head: Prof. Uwe Ohler

 
Our lab develops and applies genomics and computational approaches to understand mechanisms of gene regulation in eukaryotic organisms. Our long term goal is to investigate how regulatory networks enable the correct development of complex organisms, with their multitude of cell types that carry out different functions despite the same genome.
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Theoretical Biophysics

Head: Prof. Edda Klipp

 
We study complex biological phenomena by combining computational approaches with experimental methods. Our research interests range from modeling specific signaling and metabolic pathways to whole-cell modeling using e.g. ODE, Boolean and agent-based modeling techniques.
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Quantitative Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell

Head: Prof. Leonie Ringrose

 
Our research focuses on epigenetic gene regulation. The field of epigenetics aims to understand how a single cell, with a single genome, can give rise to and maintain the extraordinary diversity of different cell types that make up an adult organism. Every cell has the same genome, but a different “epigenome”, which ensures that the DNA code is read differently in each cell.
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Collective Information Processing

Head: Prof. Pawel Romanczuk

 

We investigate the interplay of self-organization and function in complex biological systems by combining mathematical modeling and analysis of experimental data. Our main research focus are mechanisms and functional benefits of collective behavior from cellular ensembles to animal groups. Further topics include modeling of stochastic motility and spatially-explicit evolutionary games.

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Systems Medicine of the Liver

Head: Prof. Matthias König

 
We works on computational modeling, data science, data management, bioinformatics methods and machine learning on biological, medical and clinical data. Key projects are the personalized evaluation of liver function tests, multi-scale modeling of the liver, development of a database for pharmacokinetics data.
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Decision Circuits

Head: Ph.D. Torben Ott

 

We study the intricate cortical networks that implement decisions. With tools from optogenetics, electrophysiology, and quantitative psychophysics in rodents, we develop cortical circuit models for decision-making that are rooted in its underlying biological structure. By dissecting how dopamine and serotonin control brain function, we aim to understand adaptive – and maladaptive – behavior.