Interview with Professor Dr. Sigismund Huck, MD

In this column, I ask neuroscience professors from around the world the same five questions. Read on to learn more about their research, careers and goals for neuroscience in the future.

Interview with Professor Dr. Sigismund Huck, MD

Center for Brain Research, Division of Pathobiology of the Nervous System

Medical University of Vienna

Professor Dr. Huck is the President of the Austrian Neuroscience Association (ANA). He worked at the Center for Brain Research. He is a guest scientist after retirement at the Division of Pathobiology of the Nervous System.

1. What inspired you to pursue neuroscience as a career? 

As an MD I was initially interested in drugs acting on the nervous system. This led to a more general interest in the function of the nervous system.

2. What do you think is the most important goal of neuroscience research? 

A comprehensive understanding of how the brain handles all its different tasks.

3. What are the main topics and goals of your research?

Composition and function of nicotinic receptors in health and disease.

4. What accomplishment do you think is the most important out of your own research? 

We got quite some insights in the function of neuronal nicotinic receptors.

5. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years in the field of neuroscience? 

Well, as a formally retired researcher, and in reasonable good health, I want the student I am guiding to successfully complete the project we are working on.

 6. Bonus question: What is your advice to a teenager who wants to learn more about neuroscience?

The internet is already a valuable source for information. However, you must be quite fluid in English. See e.g. https://www.dasgehirn.info/https://www.brainfacts.org/https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/