I am an Associate Professor at Aarhus University and lead the Preclinical PET research group at the Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit. My work focuses on translational molecular neuroimaging in Parkinson’s disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. I combine PET and autoradiography with behavioural and molecular approaches, while mentoring early-career scientists, contributing to academic service and developing strong national, international and industry partnerships.
Our research focuses on translational molecular neuroimaging in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease and depression. We combine preclinical PET with autoradiography, behavioural, neurochemical and molecular analyses to understand the biological basis of imaging signals and treatment effects. Current work includes GPR6, dopaminergic and synaptic imaging, mitochondrial function and molecular imaging of pharmacological and neuromodulatory interventions.
My teaching is closely linked to my research in translational neuroscience and molecular neuroimaging. I teach PET imaging, Biological Psychiatry, Neurobiology and Introduction to Neurodegenerative Disease and Disease Models. I previously taught and coordinated the Danish component of the Sino-Danish Center course Molecular Imaging of Brain Structure and Function. I supervise students and researchers at all levels, with emphasis on study design and critical interpretation of data.
My research is highly collaborative, combining PET and autoradiography with molecular biology, histology, MRI, behavioural studies and cell-based approaches. I work closely with researchers across TNU, AU and AUH, including Nuclear Medicine, CFIN, CENSE/Neurosurgery and Biomedicine, and with national and international partners. These collaborations support tracer development, mechanistic validation and translation.
I undertake commissioned translational imaging work with H. Lundbeck A/S, applying PET and quantitative autoradiography to evaluate proprietary ligands and support preclinical tracer development and target validation.
I lead the Preclinical PET research group at the Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit. My responsibilities include research leadership, development and management of externally funded projects, supervision and mentoring of students and researchers, teaching and coordination of interdisciplinary collaborations with the Department of Nuclear Medicine, academic partners and industry. I also contribute to assessment committees, peer review and editorial work.
