Podcast series

The ECNP podcast series brings you conversations with some of the leading researchers in applied neuroscience, discussing their work, their career, their vision on the field, and why they do what they do. 

New podcast episodes will be available on the ECNP Knowledge Hub.

*Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Antidepressant discontinuation, burnout, stress and resilience* — October 2024
Duration: 34 mins

What do stress and resilience have in common? What is burnout and what are the challenges of studying it? How can different online platforms help researchers with literature research and psychiatric patients to better understand the medications that they’re prescribed? In this conversation, expert Christiaan Vinkers, the Netherlands, guides us through the world of stress and resilience, as well as his inspiring side projects. Joined by PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, Christiaan offers invaluable advice to Early Career Scientists, shedding light on both the academic and practical aspects of studying mental health.

Read more about Christiaan Vinkers and Silvia Bruzzone.

Early life stress, pet therapy, and diversity in Neuroscience* — September 2024
Duration: 32 mins

In this episode neurobiologist Francesca Cirulli, Italy, shares with PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, her personal academic journey and her most interesting findings relating early life stress factors to vulnerability to mental disorders. She also tells us about some of her many different side projects, including pet therapy to support children with autism and the ALBA network, a network of brain scientists aiming to promote diversity and equity in neuroscience. Throughout her conversation with Silvia, Francesca gives many valuable advice to early career scientists as well.

Read more about Francesca Cirulli and Silvia Bruzzone.

Neuroscience redefined: stories of inclusion* — August 2024
Duration: 31 mins

Dive into this transformative podcast, “Neuroscience redefined: stories of inclusion” with Ilya Smolensky, Switzerland, and Katherine Deane, United Kingdom, hosted by Rosanne Ausems, the Netherlands. Ilya shares his inspiring journey with cerebral palsy, sparking a broader conversation on disabilities in research. Discover Katherine's ground-breaking work assessing lab accessibility, revealing shocking disparities. This episode is your invitation to join the movement towards a more inclusive future in neuroscience, offering real stories, impactful research, and a compelling call to action.

Read more about Ilya Smolensky, Katherine Deane and Rosanne Ausems.

From neuropeptides to brain circuits in anorexia nervosa* — July 2024
Duration: 17 mins

In this podcast episode, neurobiologist and pharmacologist Roger Adan, the Netherlands, talks with PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, about his scientific findings in the field of eating behaviour and disorders. Roger tells us about his journey in research, starting from his early studies on neuropeptides to his current goal, unravelling the brain circuits involved in anorexia nervosa.

Read more about Roger Adan and Silvia Bruzzone.

Pioneering pathways in psychiatry: the intersection between immunology and psychiatry* — June 2024
Duration: 42 mins

Journey through the fascinating world of psychiatry research with Marion Leboyer, France, a trailblazer in genetic research for psychiatric disorders and a proponent of the emerging field of immunoneuropsychiatry. In this podcast, Marion, France, discusses with Aiste Lengvenyte, France, her initial studies into autism genetics, and the current work on the intersection of immunology and psychiatry, offering insight into the evolution and future of the discipline.

Read more about Marion Leboyer and Aiste Lengvenyte.

Modernising ADHD and the future of applied neuroscience* — May 2024
Duration: 28 mins

In this podcast, Barbara Franke, the Netherlands, and Kosma Sakrajda, Poland, delve into the ongoing efforts to modernise the concept of ADHD. Barbara shares insights into the current research and the ECNP Course on a modernised concept of ADHD. They also talk about the evolving landscape of neuroscience, highlighting future challenges and opportunities for the field. Additionally, Barbara dives into her scientific career experiences and gives valuable guidance for early career scientists.

Read more about Barbara Franke and Kosma Sakrajda.

Tribulations and perks of building a career in the neuroscience landscape* — April 2024
Duration: 37 mins

The building of an academic career can be a beautiful but challenging road. Anna Beyeler, France, is a principal investigator at the French Institute of Health (INSERM). In this podcast, Ilse Graat, the Netherlands, talks with her about the ups and downs of her academic career path and how she currently helps early career scientists in building their own career. Amongst other things, she highlights that there should be more attention for the full range of neuroscience careers, not only emphasizing careers in academia.

Read more about Anna Beyeler and Ilse Graat.

PRISM 2 project – Precision medicine for psychiatry: from brain function to behaviour* — March 2024
Duration: 37 mins

The PRISM 2 project aims to develop a quantitative biological approach to the understanding of neuropsychiatric diseases. In this episode Abi Abrahams interviews Martien Kas and Hugh Marston, where they discussed the aims and legacy of the PRISM 2 project. Conversation covered areas such as industry and academia collaboration, advice for early career scientists, and their hopes for the future in the field of neuropsychiatry.

Read more about Martien Kas, Hugh Marston and Abigail Abrahams.

From tokenism to empowerment: lived experience experts in research* — February 2024
Duration: 38 mins

Lived experience experts bring unique insights and perspectives to the research process. In this podcast, Vanessa Pinfold, United Kingdom, and Annemiek van Berkel, the Netherlands, discuss how to truly engage lived experience in research. As research director at the McPin Foundation, Vanessa has over a decade experience on how to put lived experience at the core of mental health research. She shares strategies and practical tips on how to ensure meaningful involvement - especially for those who would like to start but unsure how. Join this insightful conversation and get inspired!

Read more about Vanessa Pinfold and Annemiek van Berkel.

Why sex differences matter in applied neuroscience* — January 2024
Duration: 43 mins

In this podcast, pharmacologist Christina Dalla, shares with Aiste Lengvenyte, France, her journey into the world of sex differences in depression models and antidepressant response. They discuss why sex matters in neuroscience and how it should be integrated into research. Christina also shares the challenges and rewards of her career and gives insight into the role of sex and gender in the future of applied neuroscience.

Read more about Christina Dalla and Aiste Lengvenyte.