Our department investigates psychiatric disorders across the lifespan, with a particular focus on mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, suicidality, aggression-related psychopathology, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research integrates interdisciplinary expertise from psychiatry, clinical and applied psychology, and translational neurobiology to elucidate the pathophysiological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders and to develop innovative, personalized treatment strategies.
We employ a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art methodologies within a translational and experimental medicine framework, enabling rapid translation of findings from basic science into clinical application. Our methodological portfolio includes animal models, cell-based and molecular approaches, neuroimaging, pharmacology, as well as research on metabolic and lifestyle interventions.
A central pillar of our translational approach is the close collaboration between basic and clinical research groups. By integrating work on cell-free systems, cell culture, and animal models with studies involving healthy participants and patients, we aim to bridge mechanistic discovery and clinical innovation.
Our department co-leads the interdisciplinary LOEWE Center DYNAMIC and co-leads a Collaborative Research Center (SFB) focusing on the neurobiology and mechanisms of aggressive behaviour. In addition, our researchers are involved in numerous national and international collaborations supported by competitive third-party funding, including projects funded by the European Union and the Wellcome Trust.
In 2025, members of our department authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications and conducted over 38 externally funded research projects, reflecting the breadth, international visibility, and translational impact of our research activities.