Resume
This presentation will explore my personal and professional journey from basic psychobiology research to clinical human studies, culminating in neuroimaging investigations of psychiatric patients. Beginning with my foundational work in psychobiology, I will discuss how my initial focus on animal models and the basic mechanisms of brain function provided a critical stepping stone towards clinical research. I will highlight the key moments that prompted my shift from the lab to clinical settings and how this transition allowed me to approach psychiatric conditions from a new perspective.
Furthermore, I will delve into the introduction of neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET scans, which opened new avenues for studying the neural correlates of mental disorders. By combining these advanced tools with a psychobiological understanding, my research has aimed to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience and the clinical needs of patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses. Throughout the talk, I will reflect on the ethical and practical challenges faced in human research, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The presentation will conclude with thoughts on the future of neuropsychiatric research, emphasizing the continued integration of basic and clinical approaches to further understand and treat mental health conditions.
Bio
Carles Soriano-mas is a PhD in Psychology with an accredited expertise in Clinical Neuropsychology. He began his research career in the field of basic psychobiology, where his doctoral thesis focused on animal models of neuromodulation to enhance learning and memory. For over 20 years, he has dedicated his research to mental health, employing neuroimaging techniques in humans. His work has primarily addressed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and mood disorders. Currently, he is a professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology at the University of Barcelona, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on research methods in psychology. He is the principal investigator of the Psychiatry and Mental Health research group at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), as well as the OCD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders research group at the University of Barcelona’s Institute of Neurosciences. Over the course of his career, he has supervised 15 PhD dissertations, led 12 research projects, and published over 200 articles in international peer-reviewed journals.