Sign in

Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

@mpfneuro.bsky.social
1.5K followers 252 following 160 posts

The only Max Planck Institute in the US, unlocking curiosity-driven discoveries about neural circuits and brain function.

PostsRepliesMedia
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When learning a new motor skill, brain connections rewire to refine the timing of movements. However, scientists at MPFI have shown that rather than a brain-wide overhaul, synaptic changes in just a single class of neuron are needed to precisely adjust the timing of motor behavior. buff.ly/yPiN40B
100
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Our postdocs are pushing the boundaries of what we know about the brain, driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference. This week, we celebrate the people who keep discovery moving. Thank you to all of our Postdocs! #NPAW
000
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Considering a PhD in Neuroscience? Know someone who is? We are currently recruiting PhD students! Learn more about our unique joint program with Florida Atlantic University at an information session on October 13th, 12pm. Register here: buff.ly/vC3S2tj Learn more about our program: buff.ly/mYYYZa4
022
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
@lintianphd.bsky.social delivered a keynote talk at the MMiN 2026 meeting in Amsterdam last week. Her lab is a leader in developing genetically engineered sensors that could one day help treat neuropsychiatric diseases. Congratulations, Dr. Tian!
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Palm Beach & Martin County Teachers: Registration is open for the Max Brain Challenge, our annual neuroscience trivia battle! *Who: 8th-12th grade students (3-person teams) *When: Feb. 6, 2027 *Where: MPFI Win prizes & bragging rights! Register now: bit.ly/4h8jDT4
Students competing in trivia challenge. Text reads: Max Brain Challenge, Registration Now OpenStudents competing in trivia challenge. Text reads: Max Brain Challenge, Registration Now OpenStudents competing in trivia challenge. Text reads: Max Brain Challenge, Registration Now Open
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Don't miss the new preprint from MPFI's Wang lab showing how widespread neuromodulatory systems can selectively modulate task-relevant neurons to shape behavior. Congrats to first author @dinghaoluo.bsky.social and team! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
010
Reposted by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Lin Tian, PhD @lintianphd.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Meet the team! Today’s spotlight: @akashpal.bsky.social ✨ Akash is a postdoctoral researcher building genetically encoded sensors that enable real-time observation of neuropeptide signaling in the living brain 🧠
154
Reposted by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Lin Tian, PhD @lintianphd.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Looking forward to speaking at the 2026 Monitoring Molecules in Neuroscience (MMiN) Meeting in September! I’ll be presenting recent work on developing & using genetically engineered sensors to monitor brain activity in living, behaving animals 🧠 Register by 9/7: monitoringmolecules.org/mmin-2026/
0113
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Last chance to vote! MPFI is nominated for an Innovation Award in the 2026 PBI Education Awards for our commitment to K-12 STEM education. Can we count on your support? Cast your vote by Aug. 25: www.palmbeachillustrated.com/education-aw...
Illustration of the Ask Max van
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Welcoming the 2026 IMPRS students to MPFI! IMPRS is a partnership between @mpfneuro and @FAU, bringing together scientific excellence and exceptional training within the scientific environment of the Max Planck Society. Applications for 2027 admission will open Sept 1.
121
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
We’ve been nominated for an Innovation Award in the 2026 PBI Education Awards! The nomination recognizes our commitment to K-12 STEM education. Can we count on your support? Cast your vote by Aug. 25: www.palmbeachillustrated.com/education-aw...
Little boy looking through a microscope
040
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We are happy to announce our 2026 NeuroMEETS selected postdoc speakers, Dr. Chenjie Shen from MIT and Dr. Asako Noguchi from UTSouthwestern Medical Center. We can't wait to hear about your exciting research!
010
Reposted by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Thorlabs, Inc. @thorlabs.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Advancing brain health relies on access to care, as well as the research, technology, and expertise driving new discoveries. Through collaborations with organizations such as @mpfneuro.bsky.social, we're proud to help those working toward breakthroughs. #WorldBrainDay #WorldBrainDay2026
011
Reposted by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Lin Tian, PhD @lintianphd.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Meet the team! Today’s spotlight: Erin Scott ✨ Erin is a PhD student working to characterize a family of dopamine sensors for the dLight 3.0 series. She is also developing a sensor for alpha-synuclein, a toxic protein heavily implicated in Parkinson’s disease.
182
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
New work from the Inagaki Lab bridges levels of analysis to show that synaptic plasticity in different cell types plays distinct, complementary roles in shaping neural dynamics during learning. Congratulations to all! buff.ly/gm5fosP
050
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Congratulations to MPFI Scientist Dr. Alex Gribizis, who received an NIH K99 Pathway to Independence Award! Her research focuses on how early brain activity shapes the development of visual circuits before eye opening. Learn more: buff.ly/vepcwTR
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Kori Citrin, our newest IMPRS PhD graduate! Dr. Citrin's research explored how the hippocampus tracks time, a critical component of forming memories. We are so proud of her dedication and can't wait to see the impact she'll make. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Citrin!
Kori Citrin stands at a podium with her title slide of her thesis defense behind her.Dr. Citrin stands with her lab mates with a graduation cap on at a celebration in honor of her earning her PhD
040
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Neuroscience postdocs: Showcase your original research at NeuroMEETS! On our Jupiter, FL, campus, you’ll gain confidence as you present to eager MPFI students, postdocs, and faculty. Apply by July 1 for a speaking spot! bit.ly/43GMW9a
Postdocs listen to a lecture in an auditorium
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Attention, postdocs: Apply to present your research at NeuroMEETS: Neuroscience Meetings for Extramural Emerging Talents!  Connect with MPFI students, postdocs, & faculty in Jupiter, FL. Travel support & honorarium provided for presenters. Apply for a speaking spot by July 1: bit.ly/43GMW9a
Scientist presents her work
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Congratulations to @salilbidaye.bsky.social for being named one of this year's McKnight Scholar Award recipients! Learn more about this honor and the important neuroscience research it funds: buff.ly/AUf0gTl
050
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Neuroscience postdocs: Apply to share your research at our NeuroMEETS seminar! • Present your research at our Jupiter, FL, campus • Gain experience for future interviews • Network with MPFI students, postdocs, and faculty Apply for NeuroMEETS by July 1: mpfi.org/science/max-...
photo of MPFI campus
053
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
NeuroCollective 2.0 brought together 140+ students, scientists, and industry professionals from 15 institutions for a day of NeuroAI, mentorship, and connection. Shoutout to the 32 trainee presenters — and especially our two IMPRS-SC PhD reps who took home best talk AND best poster honors! 🏆
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
New research from MPFI led by @maryphillips.bsky.social in collaboration with @zeiss-microscopy.bsky.social and MetaCell introduces an imaging pipeline called Neuroplex, enabling simultaneous monitoring of neural activity across 9 neuronal populations in freely moving mice. buff.ly/HkgsSZU
162
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
How does the brain power its own memories — and what happens when that system fails? MPFI scientist Vidhya Rangaraju sat down with neuroscientist Mark Mattson on the Brain Ponderings podcast to explore exactly that. Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube. 🎧️ buff.ly/v7N186U 📹️ buff.ly/DDvrwpY
160
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Recent work by @salilbidaye.bsky.social and team on the circuits that control walking in the fly featured in The Transmitter!
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Brain Exploration Day was a fun day of sharing our science and hearing your questions about how the brain works. We are grateful to all who attended and our staff and volunteers who helped support the event. Read more about it and see pictures from the event here: buff.ly/5wk04gq
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Congratulations to @salilbidaye.bsky.social and the Bidaye Lab team on their latest work on the neural control of locomotion! Here, they use 🪰 to address long-standing questions of neural generation of coordinated walking. Read the study here! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6
biorxiv.org
040
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
We are thrilled to share that our CEO & Scientific Director, Dr. David Fitzpatrick, has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, considered one of the highest honors in science. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fitzpatrick on this important recognition. buff.ly/b3SeMYf
060
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
We were excited to celebrate 18 outstanding young scientists at our fifth annual Capstone Celebration, held April 21. This event celebrates graduates of FAU High School, Jupiter Campus, in partnership with our Max Planck Academy. Read more, and please join us in wishing them the best! bit.ly/4d8Pyly
MPFI-FAU High School Capstone scholar shows their workMPFI-FAU High School Capstone scholars and teamMPFI-FAU High School Capstone scholar shows their workMPFI-FAU High School Capstone scholar shows their work
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Have you registered for Brain Exploration Day yet? On Saturday, May 9 from 10 am to 2 pm we are opening up the institute for a fun day of hands-on activities and science demonstrations. Brain Exploration Day is free - but advance registration is required. Sign up today! buff.ly/nW4n42E
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Raphael Heldman, who earned his doctorate through the IMPRS-SC program! Raphi successfully defended his PhD thesis, which revealed how the brain uses self-motion to estimate distance traveled. We look forward to seeing where Dr. Heldman's talents and curiosity lead him next!
A group of people excitedly shake hands with a young man
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
MPFI's @rangarajuvidhya.bsky.social recently joined neuroscientists from Columbia University and Mount Sinai for a town hall on memory, brain health, and cognitive aging, hosted by @southfloridapbs.bsky.social. Read more about her insights and find out how you can watch the special: buff.ly/NCaA7J0
041
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Celebrating another talented grad from our IMPRS PhD program, in partnership with Florida Atlantic University. Congratulations to Dr. Goksu Menton, who successfully defended her thesis," A Light-Operated Kinase Inhibitor Strategy & Its In Vitro and In Vivo Applications" yesterday. Way to go, Goksu!
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Today is the last chance to have your impact on education DOUBLED! Thanks to a generous gift from the Stiles Nicholson Foundation & The Pray Family your gift to our Ask Max education program will be matched up to $50,000. The challenge ends tonight at midnight - so don't wait! buff.ly/IcqQb3g
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
If you've ever toured MPFI, you've likely met Dr. Naomi Kamasawa. Now, after 15+ years of electron microscopy, she is retiring. With 50+ publications & countless talks and outreach events, Naomi has inspired thousands to get excited about microscopy. Please join us in wishing her a happy retirement!
050
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
IMPRS-SC Alumna Dr. Zidan Yang has received the Larry Katz Memorial Lecture Award. In appreciation of the late Larry Katz for his pioneering work, this honor is awarded to a grad student who has done “the most original and significant work in the past 2 years on neuronal circuits.” buff.ly/iOsB6S6
020
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
It's Science Appreciation Day & we are feeling the love thanks to Wellington High School and Eagles Landing Middle School students who took the time to send thank you notes and slides to our researchers and education staff, thanking them for their work. We're grateful for our community's support!
020
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Carina Arnold, the latest grad from our joint MPFI/FAU IMPRS PhD program! Carina completed her doctoral work in the Blakely Lab at Florida Atlantic University, advancing our understanding of how serotonin signaling shapes behavior at the molecular level. Congrats, Dr. Arnold!
020
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
We’re still catching our breath from Sunposium 2026! From deciphering neural circuits to showcasing bidirectional neurotech, the summit reiterated that amazing breakthroughs arise through global collaboration. Explore the highlights: www.mpfi.org/sunposium-20...
Sunposium attendees 2026
020
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Today is our last day of #Sunposium2026 and we would like to recognize one of our signature sponsors, @thorlabs.bsky.social, for your support! We enjoyed learning about new advances in Mini2P Imaging and other exciting advanced imaging technology. Learn more about Thorlabs at buff.ly/e8PhxoN
010
Reposted by Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Thorlabs, Inc. @thorlabs.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Excited to be here at the @mpfneuro.bsky.social #Sunposium26 where we are demonstrating our Mini2P with Spark Lasers. If you're nearby, visit us at booth 102!🔬
031
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Thank you to @zeiss-microscopy.bsky.social, one of our signature sponsors of #Sunposium2026. From exhibiting at the event to presenting captivating technology talks, ZEISS has been a big part of making our event a success! Learn more about their innovative microscopy solutions at buff.ly/YysjhJx
000
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Sunposium 2026 starts today! We look forward to welcoming more than 450 neuroscientists for 3 days of talks, exhibits, posters, networking, and more! If you are joining us, please have your QR code ready at check in, which was sent to the email you used to register.
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Through March, gifts to Ask Max will be matched 100% (up to $50k!), thanks to the generosity of Donald & Penny Pray & the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation. Your support brings real scientists into local classrooms. Make a gift today: bit.ly/3OpqgG0
School-aged children with teacher performing science experiment
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Today is the LAST CHANCE to register for Sunposium 2026! Join us in West Palm Beach, FL, March 9-11 for this innovative conference of global leaders in basic neuroscience. Learn more and register today: www.mpfi.org/events/sunpo...
Sunposium attendees networking.
120
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
What does a Bach masterpiece have to do with 86 billion neurons? At our February #ScienceMeetsMusic, Dr. Moritz Helmstaedter spoke on a journey from the intricate "cables" of the brain to the timeless Goldberg Variations. We explored how our synapses sculpt memories as we listen. buff.ly/qJwgklv
0103
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Join us for Science Meets Music on March 24! Dr. Sarah Stern will discuss how the brain, hormones, and modern life shape eating habits. Featuring musical selections by Arnaud Sussmann and the Palm Beach Chamber Music Society. Register now: www.mpfi.org/smmmar26/
Dr. Sarah Stern
020
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
How is technology reshaping the future of care? Dr. David Fitzpatrick joined healthcare leaders at Invest: Palm Beach to discuss "The Future of Healthcare," where he highlighted how breakthrough tools like optogenetics and AI have their roots in neuroscience. #Neuroscience #HealthcareInnovation
010
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
We were thrilled to have @watanabelab.bsky.social from Johns Hopkins University speak today at MPFI about his recent findings on axon morphology and their implications for function and plasticity. Thank you, Dr. Watanabe!
Shigeki Watanabe stands in the lobby of Max Planck Florida Institute next to a statue of Max Planck.
030
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience @mpfneuro.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Join us for a Science Meets Music concert, Feb. 11! Dr. Moritz Helmstaedter, Dir. at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research & classical pianist, will discuss how the brain processes expectations & empowers music recall. Register now: www.mpfi.org/smmfeb26/
Dr. Helmstaedter holds a book while seated in front of a piano
000