Dosenbach Lab
Nico U.F. Dosenbach, MD, PhD
Our research group is driven by the intricate complexity of the human brain. To address the challenges of studying brain organization and function, we have developed a multi-faceted research strategy that integrates advanced imaging, behavioral science and computational methods.
Precision functional mapping (PFM)
One of our core approaches is precision functional mapping, which involves collecting high-quality MRI data from individual brains to generate detailed functional network maps. This method has revealed novel insights, including the identification of the somato-cognitive action network, and enhances our understanding of individual variability in brain function.
Brain-wide association studies (BWAS)
We also conduct brain-wide association studies using large-scale consortium datasets to identify associations between brain structure or function and cognitive or psychiatric traits. This approach provides valuable population-level insights into brain-behavior relationships.
Precision imaging drug trials (PIDT)
Through precision imaging drug trials, we investigate the effects of psychoactive medications on the brain at the individual level. These studies help refine our understanding of how drugs influence neural circuits and behavior.
Neuroplasticity and behavioral interventions
Our group explores behavioral plasticity through interventions such as constraint-induced movement therapy, and we study perinatal stroke survivors as models of successful neuroplasticity. These investigations inform strategies for rehabilitation and recovery.
Real-time MRI monitoring
To address challenges in MRI data quality, we developed FIRMM (framewise integrated real-time MRI monitoring)—a software tool that mitigates the effects of head motion during scanning, improving data reliability.
Deep phenotyping with wearable biosensors
We also employ wearable biosensors to capture real-time behavioral and neuropsychological data. This deep phenotyping approach enhances the precision of our assessments and supports more individualized diagnostics and interventions.
Together, these efforts aim to improve the quality of MRI data, deepen our understanding of brain plasticity and support the development of more effective, personalized treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Principal investigator
Our team
Recent publications
- Patterns of brain-wide associations reflect socioeconomicsMarek, S., Donohue, M. R., Karcher, N. R., Hoyniak, C. P., Chauvin, R. J., Meyer, A. C., Miller, J., Van, A. N., Wang, A., Baden, N. J., Suljic, V., Scheidter, K. M., Monk, J., Whiting, F. I., Ramirez-Perez, N. J., Krimmel, S. R., Metoki, A., Paul, S. E., Gorelik, A. J. & Hendrickson, T. J. & 16 others, Malone, S. M., Schwarzlose, R. F., Cardenas-Iniguez, C., Herting, M. M., Petersen, S. E., Luby, J., Randolph, A. C., Shanahan, M. J., Turkheimer, E., Kay, B. P., Gordon, E. M., Laumann, T. O., Barch, D. M., Fair, […]
- Beyond the Homunculus—SCAN-AMN as a Shared Action-Oriented Neural Substrate across Movement DisordersBalachandar, A., Hernandez-Guillen, A., Dosenbach, N. U. F., Lang, A. E. & Ganos, C., Jun 2026, In: Movement Disorders. 41, 6, p. 1349-1354 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
- An international mega-analysis of psychedelic drug effects on brain circuit functionGirn, M., Doss, M. K., Roseman, L., Preller, K. H., Palhano-Fontes, F., Pasquini, L., Barrett, F. S., Mallaroni, P., Mason, N. L., Timmermann, C., McCulloch, D. E., Fisher, P. M., Winston, B. S., Moujaes, F., Muller, F., Liechti, M. E., Vollenweider, F. X., Ramaekers, J. G., Kuypers, K. & Araujo, D. B. & 7 others, Sporns, O., Siegel, J., Dosenbach, N., Nutt, D. J., Carhart-Harris, R. L., Stamatakis, E. A. & Bzdok, D., Apr 2026, In: Nature medicine. 32, 4, p. 1543-1554 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article […]
- Parkinson’s disease as a somato-cognitive action network disorderRen, J., Zhang, W., Dahmani, L., Gordon, E. M., Li, S., Zhou, Y., Long, Y., Huang, J., Zhu, Y., Guo, N., Jiang, C., Zhang, F., Bai, Y., Wei, W., Wu, Y., Bush, A., Vissani, M., Wei, L., Oehrn, C. R. & Morrison, M. A. & 22 others, Zhu, Y., Zhang, C., Hu, Q., Yin, Y., Cui, W., Fu, X., Zhang, P., Wang, W., Ji, G. J., He, J., Wang, K., Fan, D., Wang, Z., Kimberley, T., Little, S., Starr, P. A., Richardson, R. M., Li, L., Wang, M., Wang, D., Dosenbach, N. U. […]
- Frame-wise multi-echo distortion correction for superior functional MRIVan, A. N., Montez, D. F., Laumann, T., Cho, P. N., Suljic, V., Madison, T., Baden, N. J., Ramirez-Perez, N., Scheidter, K. M., Monk, J. S., Whiting, F. I., Adeyemo, B., Chauvin, R. J., Krimmel, S. R., Metoki, A., Rajesh, A., Roland, J., Salo, T., Wang, A. & Weldon, K. B. & 13 others, Sotiras, A., Shimony, J., Kay, B. P., Nelson, S. M., Tervo-Clemmens, B., Marek, S., Vizioli, L., Yacoub, E., Satterthwaite, T. D., Gordon, E. M., Fair, D. A., Tisdall, M. D. & Dosenbach, N. U. F., 2026, In: Imaging Neuroscience. […]