From a pool of highly qualified candidates, Taro Kitazawa has been selected as one of the 15 neuroscience investigators to join the esteemed FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence.

These 15 emerging scholars, hailing from 10 different European countries, are all early-career, independent scientists. Alongside the 2021 cohort, they will collectively contribute to advancing neuroscience in Europe through scientific exchange, advocacy, and outreach efforts.

Taro Kitazawa’s research delves into epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms linked to memory formation, a relatively nascent field in neuroscience compared to others. Epigenetics involves modifications in gene expression, with these mechanisms dictating the activation or repression of genes, thereby influencing cellular functions and developmental processes.

“My aspiration is to enrich neuroscience research in Europe with my perspective on genomics analysis. Specifically, I am intrigued by the potential synergy between my expertise and other domains, as we address the fundamental questions of contemporary neuroscience,” Taro asserts.
 

Besides the scientific output, Taro also has the ambition to bring cultural and working environment considerations to the forefront, especially with an increased focus on diversity in the neuroscience community:

“We should enhance the diversity of European neuroscience by embracing a range of perspectives, including those related to gender, culture, and human race. As someone from a minority background in the European neuroscience community – being of Asian nationality and the sole fellow affiliated with a Danish research institute since FKNE’s inception – I believe I can offer a unique standpoint to further the FKNE diversity initiative,” Taro explains.
 

The FENS-Kavli network was established in 2014 and was launched as a collaborative effort between the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and the Kavli Foundation. 
 

• Read more about the network here