Dr. Henry Markram

Professor

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Biography

Henry Markram started a dual scientific medical career at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. His scientific work in the 1980s revealed polymodal receptive fields in pontomedullary reticular formation neurons. In 1988, he moved to Israel to obtain his PhD at the Weizmann Institute, discovering a link between acetylcholine and memory mechanisms. His research showed how acetylcholine modulates NMDA receptors, enabling synaptic plasticity. Markram has had significant postdoctoral experiences at NIH and the Max Planck Institute, exploring ion channels and synaptic vesicles. He discovered the phenomenon known as Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP). He continued his research as a tenured professor at EPFL, founding the Brain Mind Institute and initiating the Blue Brain Project. His lab focuses on computational neuroscience, exploring the neocortex, synaptic dynamics, and the implications of hyper-connectivity in autism through the theory of Intense World Syndrome, proposed with Kamila Markram. Markram's work aims to build detailed models of mammalian brains to enhance understanding of neural systems and address neurological diseases.

Research Interests

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.