Dr. Cyriel Pennartz

Biography

Cyriel Pennartz is a Full Professor of Cognitive Systems Neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam, where he leads the Cognitive Systems Neuroscience group. His research integrates experimental neuroscience with computational models to explore brain function in the context of perception, memory, and consciousness. Pennartz's academic background includes six years of study in Biology at Radboud University and the University of Amsterdam, with specializations in Neurobiology, Philosophy, and Computational Neuroscience. He obtained his PhD in Neuroscience, examining the electrophysiology and plasticity of brain circuits related to memory and motivation, particularly in the ventral striatum, during a project partly conducted at the University of Tennessee. Following his PhD, he worked as a Postdoctoral fellow in Computational Neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology. His long-term research contributions include the development of innovative techniques in multi-area electrophysiology, pharmacological and optogenetic interventions, and advanced data analytics. He has contributed significantly to our understanding of how sensory modalities integrate to shape perception and consciousness through empirical studies and computational modeling. His clinical implications focus on understanding disorders of consciousness and memory impairment, particularly in neurotechnology contexts. He collaborates with various international researchers and has made significant advancements in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes.

Research Interests

Experience