Children have many more connections than adults at a young age, but that does not make them more intelligent. On the contrary, brain development is largely based on clearing unnecessary or disruptive connections so that only the useful ones remain. (Text continues under the image below).
Many people think that the more brain connections they have, the smarter people are. But the issue is precisely the quality of the connections and not the quantity.
As a scientist at the Donders Institute in Nijmegen, I study these brain connections. With my team, I study how these connections strengthen, weaken, form, or disappear. It is a fundamental quest that helps us understand how the brain works, but also makes connections to conditions such as developmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
I think it is important to further develop fundamental knowledge because there is simply so much we do not yet know. Many brain disorders arise from very small disturbances that the brain tries to compensate for. It fascinates me how some abnormalities in the brain lead to symptoms, while others seem to have little impact.
What continues to amaze me is the enormous flexibility of our brain. At any time of the day, synapses are formed, strengthened, weakened or broken down. All this happens constantly, and yet we are able to retain memories and learn. How can something so dynamic still be stable enough to retain knowledge and skills? It is one of the biggest puzzles for me while I see that dynamic happening under the microscope with my own eyes.
The curiosity I had as a child still drives me as a scientist. I simply want to know how things are, and I find that exciting every day. Moreover, I love doing this together with a team of people, people from all over the world who, despite their differences, all share the same passion. Together, we try to get smarter and learn something new about the brain every day. At the Donders Institute, that is why I am in my place. It is the largest neuroscience institute in the Netherlands, offering enormous expertise in cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling.
When I look back on my work, I am most proud of the group of people I have gathered around me over the years. Together, we have really managed to develop as a research group. Every year we welcome new students, each bringing their own perspectives and ideas, which provides a constant stream of new energy and insights. Guiding and seeing students, PhD students, and postdocs grow is one of the best aspects of my job. We have achieved scientific successes together and built something to be proud of as a team.
Your brain has an enormous power to renew itself. Every day you change your brain a little bit. You can keep improving yourself, one step at a time. It is a process of trying, adapting and sometimes taking a step back to come out stronger again. And if you don't succeed today? Tomorrow there is always another chance to try again.
People of Donders
Behind every scientific discovery lies a story. A story of scientists and staff driven by curiosity and perseverance. What motivates them to delve into the complex world of the brain day in and day out? What continues to fascinate them? What challenges do they face? And what does their work mean to them personally? In the People of Donders series you will meet the people behind the science, discover their passions, and learn what they think is most fascinating about our brains.