I am a Professor of Experimental Psychiatry with a research profile in neuropharmacology and the neurobiology of mental health disorders. My work bridges basic science and clinical relevance, with a focus on understanding mechanisms of depression, anxiety, and treatment response. I enjoy working with young researchers in international collaboration. Through my roles in editorial boards, scientific societies, and educational development, I hope to advance research quality and academic training.

I study the neurobiology of depression and anxiety using preclinical models, focusing on vulnerability to environmental changes. I’ve characterized stressors and interventions, showing that both chronic antidepressants and rapid-acting strategies like ketamine induce similar neuroplastic changes. Stress alters—and antidepressants normalize—synaptic terminals in the prefrontal and frontal cortex.

I teach Pharmacology, Biological Psychiatry, and Neuroscience on medical and health science degree programmes. Using research-based teaching and case-based learning, my goal is for students and young researchers to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical and experimental insights. I have also contributed educational material in Textbooks,  as well as educational activities through international neuropsychopharmacology organizations.

I collaborate with Researchers in Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, USA, Brazil and South Africa. 

I advise national and international research councils and funding bodies on psychiatric drug development, preclinical models, and neurobiological mechanisms of depression and anxiety. I am a member of several boards and committees, e.g. the Workshop Committee of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the Executive Committee of the Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology. I currently serve as Editor-in-Chief of Acta Neuropsychiatrica.

My primary area is to conduct research in neuropharmacology and mental health disorders, examining neurobiological mechanisms and the effect of treatment. I supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contribute to international collaborations, and serve on editorial boards and scientific committees. I also teach pharmacology, neuroscience, and biological psychiatry at various levels and contribute to developing educational programmes in health sciences.