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Lukas Kunz
© Johann F. Saba/UKB
Prof. Dr. Dr. Lukas Kunz

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Affiliations
  • Klinik und Poliklinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Research topics
  • cognitive and translational neuroscience
  • neurophysiology
  • spatial memory
The Bonn Spatial Memory Lab specializes in cognitive and translational neuroscience research, with a primary emphasis on elucidating the neural underpinnings of human spatial navigation and spatial memory. Our research approach integrates cutting-edge virtual-reality tasks with advanced methodologies such as single-neuron recordings and intracranial EEG in epilepsy patients. These techniques allow us to unravel the foundational neural processes that govern these crucial cognitive functions. Moreover, my lab extends its investigation into the realm of translational research. Specifically, we delve into how preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy detrimentally impact the neural mechanisms responsible for navigation and memory. By bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications, our work contributes valuable insights into the profound implications of these conditions on human cognition and spatial awareness.
Selected publications

Kunz L, Brandt A, Reinacher PC, Staresina BP, Reifenstein ET, Weidemann CT, Herweg NA, Patel A, Tsitsiklis M, Kempter R, Kahana MJ, Schulze-Bonhage A, Jacobs J (2021) A neural code for egocentric spatial maps in the human medial temporal lobe. Neuron 109:2781-2796.e10.

Kunz L, Wang L, Lachner-Piza D, Zhang H, Brandt A, Dümpelmann M, Reinacher PC, Coenen VA, Chen D, Wang W, Zhou W, Liang S, Grewe P, Bien CG, Bierbrauer A, Schröder TN, Schulze-Bonhage A, Axmacher N (2019) Hippocampal theta phases organize the reactivation of large-scale electrophysiological representations during goal-directed navigation. Science Advances 5:eaav8192.

Kunz L, Maidenbaum S, Chen D, Wang L, Jacobs J, Axmacher N (2019) Mesoscopic neural representations in spatial navigation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 23:615-630.

Kunz L, Schröder TN, Lee H, Montag C, Lachmann B, Sariyska R, Reuter M, Stirnberg R, Stöcker T, Messing-Floeter PC, Fell J, Doeller CF, Axmacher N (2015) Reduced grid-cell–like representations in adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Science 350:430-433.

Lukas Kunz
© Johann F. Saba/UKB
Prof. Dr. Dr. Lukas Kunz

Website

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