Dr. Denis Burdakov

Professor

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Biography

Denis Burdakov is a Full Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich. He completed his education at the University of Oxford, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2001 and a PhD in 2004. Prior to joining ETH in 2017, he served as Senior Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute and held positions as Full Professor Chair Systems Neuroscience at King's College London and Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge. His honors include prestigious awards and grants from the ERC, HFSP, MRC, and the Royal Society. Burdakov's research focuses on understanding the algorithmic logic behind brain-body functions, emphasizing the mechanisms that lead to malfunctions. He utilizes a blend of electrophysiology, live imaging, and neurogenetics to study nutrient-sensing neurons, the interplay of arousal, movement, and cognition, as well as the neural dynamics that regulate behaviors related to energy balance. His current projects aim to elucidate the principles governing brain function and the neural underpinnings of complex behaviors, including exercise and dietary influences on cognitive function. Additionally, he directs the ETH Neurobehavioural Dynamics Lab, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience and engineering.

Research Interests

Experience

Full Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Leads research in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology focusing on neural dynamics and brain-body interaction.

Senior Group Leader

2012-01-01 — 2017-01-01

Francis Crick Institute • London, UK

Directed a research group studying systems neuroscience.

Associate Professor

2006-01-01 — 2011-01-01

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Taught pharmacology and conducted research in neural mechanisms.

Courses

Neurobiology Eating Drinking Physiology Anatomy II

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.