Translational Neuroscience Unit (TNU)

In the Donders Institute both fundamental and (bio-)medical research is performed. At present, not all research questions can be answered by laboratory research or research with human volunteers. Therefore, research is also conducted with animals. All researchers at the TNU will use alternatives to animal research as much as possible. Our researchers use organoids (Kolk lab), simpler animal models such as flies (Storkebaum lab), computer models (Englitz lab, and others) and humans themselves (Genzel lab, Homberg lab). At the TNU we make use of a large maze, object recognition rooms, prep rooms and many more techniques. Across labs our research covers basic neuroscience - Memory, Sleep, Development, Stress - as well as disease related studies, such as stress-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and developmental disorders. For more information on the general need for animals in research please see the general information on research with animals.