1. Vision and slogan

We aim to understand how brain circuits give rise to cognition, behavior, and mental function, using world-leading systems neuroscience, and integrating cutting-edge technologies with computational and translational approaches.

Our slogan, "Happy people, happy animals, excellent science, and diversity", coined by May-Britt Moser, reflects our belief that a positive and respectful environment is essential for creativity, productivity, and ethical research.

2. Core values

KISN embraces NTNU’s four core values, interpreted through the lens of our institute’s culture and vision:

Creative: We foster a culture of innovation by supporting high-risk, high-gain research as well as the development of transformative neurotechnologies. We encourage our scientists to explore big, bold ideas that push new frontiers in neuroscience.

Critical: Scientific rigor and open constructive debate are central to our work. We promote critical thinking and constructive feedback, ensuring that ideas are evaluated on merit while maintaining respect for individuals.

Constructive: As a scientific institute, we host multiple collaborative bridges across labs in diverse disciplines. We maintain a constructive and positive atmosphere by resolving conflicts at the lowest possible level, and with a leadership that listens to and acts on feedback from all members of the institute.

Respectful: We always treat our colleagues with kindness and respect, being critical of ideas but never of people. Diversity is a major strength of KISN, as half of our members are international. We recognize and celebrate cultural differences, promote equality and inclusion, and ensure that all members are treated with respect.

3. Strategic long-term ambitions (2026–2035)

A. World-class research

Fundamental discoveries at the core: We aim to continue to lead in systems neuroscience, focusing on cortical algorithms, the neural coding of space, time and memory, as well as sensory perception, motor planning, aging, and dementia, by applying cutting-edge tools and developing theoretical models from animal models to the human brain.

Interdisciplinary synergy: We aim to deepen collaborations with engineering, and AI, biology, and clinical research environments across NTNU and globally. This includes joint projects and grant applications as well as co-supervision of students.

Prestigious funding: We will pursue major funding opportunities from the EU (ERC, Horizon Europe), the RCN (FRIPRO, SFF), international foundations, and funding bodies. Strategic support will be provided for ERC applications and other excellence-based, high-impact proposals to highly competitive funding calls.

Publications: We shall prioritize quality over quantity by aiming for high-impact publications (of the type that get published in Cell, Nature, and Science) focusing on groundbreaking, paradigm-shifting fundamental discoveries with broad implications.

Philanthropy: We will work with the Brain Research Fund to increase its capital and use the increase in annual payouts to promote strategic, excellent research.

Animal welfare: We will strive to maintain the highest possible standards of animal welfare, continuously improving husbandry routines, housing conditions and experimental procedures to promote care and well-being for all animals involved in our research and reduce the number of animals. We treat our animals with respect and recognize their intrinsic value.

Theoretical neuroscience: We aim to attract top talents and strengthen our standing in theoretical neuroscience, building a cluster of researchers with expertise in modeling, data analysis, AI, and cognitive theory. Theoretical groups will work in close collaboration with ongoing experimental work at KISN.

Human/cognitive neuroscience: We shall strengthen our human/cognitive neuroscience core by recruiting top-scientists with a strong interest in integrating human neuroscience with the Kavli Institute’s primary strength in systems neuroscience.

Translational expansion: Through the Norwegian Health Association Centre for Dementia Research and cognitive neuroscience initiatives, we will bridge basic science with human health, focusing on aging, neurodegeneration, and early detection of dementia. We will also align the Dementia Research Center’s focus with KISN’s strengths in entorhinal cortical research, while integrating broader mechanisms and biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Global partnerships and visibility: We will host recurring symposia and workshops, expand visitor programs, and cultivate ties with international institutions to increase visibility and attract international talent.

Recruitment and succession planning: We will cultivate leadership among current senior group leaders, while preparing for external recruitment to ensure continuity, long-term sustainability, and diversification.

B. Technology development and innovation

Neurotechnology: We aim to further develop and disseminate advanced tools such as MINI2P microscopes, next generation Neuropixels probes, and holographic optogenetics. These tools will be shared to promote global scientific progress.

Integration: We will strengthen ties with NTNU’s technology hub at Gløshaugen to co-develop tools for neuroscience research.

Innovation: We will apply open innovation as our preferred model. IP protection may be necessary to secure IP and freedom to operate. We will explore partnerships with industry and health services to translate discoveries into diagnostics, therapeutics, and educational tools.

C. Education and outreach

Graduate excellence: We will enhance our international master’s and PhD programs and undergraduate training through continual evaluation and refinement and by expanding targeted courses in systems neuroscience, experimental design, and computational methods.

Mentorship and supervision: We will implement structured mentorship training, including annual evaluations with dedicated thesis advisory committees, to ensure high-quality supervision and career development. We will also maintain regular meetings with PhD and postdoc representatives and improve feedback mechanisms.

Open science and public engagement: We will share technologies and data to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge. Through open communication and outreach activities we will make our research accessible and understandable to the public.

Policy and advocacy: We will continue to maintain an independent voice in shaping research and education policy, advocating for academic freedom and the value of fundamental science and discovery.

4. Prerequisites for excellent science

Drawing from the NTNU and MH Faculty strategies, KISN’s success depends on:

Academic freedom: We encourage and protect curiosity-driven research by maintaining relative independence from funding pressure and shifts in science policies. We also value ethical awareness and transparency in our research practices, as well as freedom of expression.

Learning organization: We promote a culture of reflection, feedback, and continuous improvement. Our leadership supports professional growth of support staff, scientific trainees, and junior PIs, which are promoted in alignment with institute strategy.

World-class infrastructure: We will maintain, expand, and update our laboratories, imaging systems, computational tools, data platforms and infrastructure in keeping with our status as a national symbol of excellence. Technical staff will continue to receive training and support to ensure excellence.

Clinical collaboration: We will maintain partnerships with St. Olav’s Hospital, the MH Faculty, the Medical Student Research Programme, Helse Midt-Norge, and other health institutions to ensure relevance and impact in translational neuroscience. The Norwegian Health Association Centre for Dementia Research will be key to further expand these collaborations.

Administrative excellence: Our administration will be proactive, responsive, and aligned with academic needs. Solid financial follow-up and forecast will be maintained. HR processes will be streamlined to support international recruitment and onboarding.

Action plan – Short-term goals for the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, 2026–2028

Research

• Launch interdisciplinary projects with NTNU partners (e.g., in AI, engineering, biology, or psychology).
• Submit major grant applications annually, with internal support for ERC proposals.
• Host annual symposia and workshops to increase visibility and attract talent.
• Work on strategic recruitment of new group leaders in line with the institute’s long-term ambitions, including initiating open search processes.
• Finalize the planned expansion of the animal facility.

Education

• Maintain, develop, and implement new PhD level courses in systems neuroscience, theory, and data analysis.
• Improve mentorship structures for PhD candidates by implementing yearly thesis committee meetings in addition to mid-term evaluations.
• Maintain and expand career planning meetings and events for all trainees (e.g., YROCK, MSc program events).
• Improve onboarding and administrative support for international students and postdocs.

Community and culture

• Transparent reporting of ARK (work environment survey) results. Initiate and follow corrective actions accordingly.
• Improve and streamline the onboarding and offboarding processes and offer exit interviews to all employees at the end of their contract.
• Maintain feedback channels and regular leadership consultations with staff and trainees (e.g., general meetings with staff, trainees, GLs, and management).
• Organize off-site retreats for team building and strategic planning and to improve the work environment.