The main focus of my initial scientific work was related to imaging of the dopamine system in the brain in various neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia. I am continuing this line with further development of neuromelanin sensitive MRI for research in schizophrenia and movement disorders and to assess potential clinical applications of this technique.

Recently, my focus has also shifted to neurodegenerative disorders. I apply PET imaging to study different aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (amyloid, tau, synaptic density and neuroinflammation). I also co-lead a multi-center study on the clinical value of Tau PET. Furthermore, we are developing a new method to study the brain delivery of monoclonal antibodies for brain targets (e.g. anti-amyloid antibodies) using PET. We will assess this in combination with novel techniques to enhance delivery of monoclonal antibodies over the blood brain barrier in order to increase the effectiveness of this type of medication.

Finally, I am actively involved in research projects applying PET and novel MR imaging methods in neuro-oncology in order to improve resection methods and diagnostics of tumor recurrence.

Neuroimaging, PET, MRI, neurodegeneration, psychiatry