Introducing BrainBox Initiative Conference early career speaker Marc Bächinger, ETH Zürich

PhD Thesis:
Modulation of functional connectivity with brain stimulation and future applications

Institution of study:
ETH Zürich

Year obtained:
2017

Current institution:
ETH Zürich

Current Research Area/Activity:
Trying to understand the mechanisms of fatigability by using a multimodal approach combining neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation.

Tell us about your research and why you chose this particular area:
My main focus is to understand the neurophysiological basis of performance fatigability in humans. I came to the topic during my PhD when we were thinking of potential applications for tACS. We hope that the fundamental mechanisms we are investigating with fMRI, EEG and TMS, provide insight how to tailor future brain stimulation approaches to alleviate or reduce fatigue, which is a major symptom in many neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.

What inspired you to enter the BrainBox Initiative Speaker programme?
I think it is a great opportunity to make contact with other young researchers who work in the same field and exchange ideas.

What equipment do you currently use?
I generally use whatever method I think is best suited to answer a specific question. At the moment this includes, but is not limited to fMRI, EEG, TMS and tDCS/tACS.

What are some current exciting areas of brain stimulation research? There are a couple, but in my opinion one of the most interesting areas is the potential benefit of using brain stimulation to treat neuropsychiatric diseases

Do you have any advice for other early career researchers?
Look for ideas beyond your specific field. In my experience gaining insight from people who are doing something completely different can sometimes yield innovative and novel solutions.

What do enjoy when you’re not in the lab?
I love to play cards with friends and chat over a good beer, and I’m also a passionate pianist.

Brainbox Initiative Conference