Calvigioni Lab

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How does the brain shape our emotions? Why do some individuals thrive under stress while others struggle with anxiety or depression?

At the Calvigioni Lab, we explore the intricate neural mechanisms that govern emotional behavioral states and mental resilience. By decoding how specific brain circuits process positive and negative experiences, we strive to answer fundamental questions about adaptive emotional behaviors.

Our research bridges systems neuroscience, molecular biology, and endocrinology to shed light on how hormones, neural activity, and life experiences interact to shape mental health across the lifespan.

Whether you are a future team member eager to explore the complexities of the brain or a funding partner seeking to support transformative research, join us in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and transforming mental health science.

About us

We investigate how brain circuits encode emotions, how behaviors adapt to experiences, and how these processes sometimes transition into pathological states like anxiety and depression.

Our research bridges systems neuroscience, molecular biology, and endocrinology to uncover the cellular mechanisms driving behavioral state transitions and vulnerability. Using cutting-edge tools, we push the boundaries of fundamental neuroscience, paving the way for a future with a deeper understanding of the brain, of behaviors, and of mental illness.

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Key focus areas

Neuronal basis of emotional states

Understanding how the brain encodes emotional experiences is at the core of our research. We investigate how specific neural circuits process positive and negative stimuli, focusing on the cellular states and activity patterns that shape emotional behaviors. By mapping, monitoring, and manipulating these circuits in real time during behavior, we aim to reveal how maladaptive encoding of emotional valence contributes to pathological behaviors. Through this, we seek to uncover the mechanisms underlying resilience and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Hormonal modulation of circuits and behaviours

Hormones exert profound regulatory control over neural dynamics. Our research seeks to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which hormones modulate circuit function, orchestrating motivational states and conferring susceptibility to anxiety-like phenotypes.

Critical windows of networks assembly

Why are certain stages of life marked by heightened vulnerability to stress? Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of brain development, characterized by heightened plasticity and dynamic hormonal fluctuations. Our research investigates how age and sex interact with environmental experiences to shape brain circuit assembly, network-level encoding, and behavior.

Why this matters

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Understanding how the brain processes emotions and responds to stressful experiences is essential for tackling some of the most pressing challenges in mental health.

Anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, yet our ability to prevent and treat these conditions remains limited. The Calvigioni Lab aims to bridge this gap by uncovering the neural mechanisms that shape emotional behaviors and vulnerability.

Beyond advancing science, we are committed to training the next generation of neuroscientists. Through mentorship, collaboration, and open communication, we aim to equip young researchers with the tools and vision to push the boundaries of neuroscience.

These guiding principles shape our scientific approach

Curiosity-driven discovery

We encourage bold scientific exploration, fostering independence and intellectual ownership to push the boundaries of neuroscience.

Professional growth

We provide mentorship, training, and opportunities to help you develop the skills needed to excel in your scientific career.

Collaboration & inclusion

We cultivate a supportive, diverse, and respectful environment where teamwork and open communication drive scientific progress.

Contact

Principal Investigator

daniela.calvigioni@liu.se

Researchers

Giuseppe Cazzetta

Sailendrakumar Kolatt Chandran

Pille-Riin Kurrikoff

PhD student

Felipe Meira de Faria

Principal Research Engineer

Juan Martin Uehara

Scholarship Holder

Hamza Barazi

Medical student

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Our division and department

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Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at LiU

WCMM at LiU focuses on the medicine-technology interface, and build upon our existing strengths in research within medical technology, materials science and bioengineering.

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Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience - CSAN

Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN) integrates knowledge and methodology from different areas of basic and clinical neuroscience.

Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)

What characterizes the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) is the wide breadth of research and education. BKV is one of the largest departments at LiU with affiliation mainly to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

More about research at LiU

Research at Linköping University

What makes LiU special is the lack of boundaries between different subjects and faculties, which has resulted in world-leading research environments and companies. We address issues where the results can benefit all of society.