Dr. Denis Burdakov

Professor

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Biography

Denis Burdakov is a full professor at ETH Zurich in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, where he leads the Neurobehavioural Dynamics Lab. He was educated at the University of Oxford, obtaining a BA in 2001 and a PhD in 2004. Prior to his appointment at ETH Zurich in 2017, Burdakov was a Senior Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute and held professorships at King's College London and the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the algorithmic logic behind brain-body interactions, particularly how weaknesses in these interactions can lead to dysfunction. His studies integrate methods from electrophysiology, live imaging, and behavioral analysis to explore the roles of neurons in regulating vital processes such as energy balance, movement, and cognition. Burdakov has authored numerous influential publications in top journals, significantly contributing to the understanding of how brain dynamics influence behavior and physiological responses. He is also involved in training the next generation of biomedical researchers, having supervised several PhD students who have gone on to successful academic and industry careers.

Research Interests

Experience

Full Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

ETH Zurich • Zürich, Switzerland

Leading research in the Neurobehavioural Dynamics Lab focusing on brain-body interactions.

Senior Group Leader

2017-01-01 — Present

Francis Crick Institute • London, UK

Full Professor

2012-01-01 — 2017-01-01

King's College London • London, UK

Associate Professor

2006-01-01 — 2011-01-01

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Awards

#

ERC Starting Grant

#

HFSP Young Investigator Award

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.