Danai Riga will join the FGA as a new team leader, after being awarded the Amsterdam UMC fellowship. The fellowship (750K) will support her in establishing her independent research line and expand her research group at the CNCR.
The awarded project, titled “Should I stay or should I go? Elucidating neuropeptidergic modulation of approach-avoidance behaviour” focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms that control our responses to challenging environments. In particular, Danai’s team will work on identifying how neuromodulators, such as norepinephrine and various neuropeptides, mediate behavioural choices during negative (stressful or threatening) experiences.
Taking advantage of a multilevel approach, that includes synaptic proteomics, electrophysiology and circuit manipulation in the behaving animal, Danai aims to highlight the endogenous systems that promote adaptive stress responses and prevent maladaptations linked to the development of psychopathology, inlcuding anxiety, impulse control and attentional disorders.
See the research team page for more information.