Abstract

An individual neuron in the brain can host over 10000 synapses in its expansive shape. These synapses carry out information processing and storage, imparting a critical feature for biological intelligence- parallel computing. My research focuses on understanding the hidden challenges in building this vast number of synaptic connections in the brain.

Short bio

Chao Sun is a Group leader at the Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE) and an Associate professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark. He is fascinated by the use of molecules to process and store information, i.e. chemical computing. Trained as a chemist during Ph.D. with William R. Dichtel at Cornell University and Northwestern University, USA, Chao began his scientific career studying 'smart' molecular self-assembly (2013-2018). Unsatisfied with the simplicity of artificial molecular behaviour, Chao then decided to chase after memory proteins in the brain for his postdoc with Erin M. Schuman, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Germany (2018-2023), where he finds his life-long passion for molecular machines in the brain.  

In his free time, Chao is a cook, a reader, and a novelty-seeking creature. Having grown up in a 'small' coastal city in China (Yantai), Chao is addicted to sea things...

What is an AIAS Seminar?

The AIAS Seminar Series is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellows, AIAS Visiting or Tandem Fellows or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, a fellow will present and discuss her/his current research and work-in-progress to an interdisciplinary audience for 30 minutes, closing off with 30 minutes for questions, comments and discussion.

All seminars are in-person and held in English. To attend online, please contact Sofia Bentsen at sofia@aias.au.dk by 9:00am on the day of the semimar as the latest to request a link.