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I am a computational neuroscientist investigating how the brain's complex biophysical structure gives rise to thought, emotion, and consciousness. My research combines mathematics, physics, and neuroscience to decode the fundamental principles governing brain function—from the microscopic dance of neural oscillations to the large-scale coordination that enables human cognition.
Understanding how billions of neurons organize into coherent patterns that can adapt, learn, and sometimes break down in disease represents one of the most profound challenges in science today. Through computational modeling and advanced neuroimaging techniques, I work to bridge this gap between signals, brain function and human experience, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective treatments for psychiatric and neurological conditions.
After completing my degree in Biomedical Engineering at NOVA University of Lisbon in 2007, I pursued a PhD in Computational Neuroscience in Barcelona. Between 2014 and 2017, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford. I then returned to Portugal, initially joining the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute at University of Minho.
I recently moved to the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon as Assistant Professor at the Bioengineering Department and Researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics, integrated in the LARSyS – Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems. I also have visiting positions at the Champalimaud Center for the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal and at the Center for Music in the Brain in Aarhus University, Denmark.
My main interest is to investigate the fundamental principles underlying brain function. In other words, I am curious about the most primitive biophysical mechanisms at the genesis of coordinated brain activity, ultimately leading to our thoughts and actions. In my research, I test hypothetical mechanistic scenarios using analytical and numerical methods to investigate fundamental brain mechanisms.
My work bridges theoretical modeling with clinical applications, demonstrating how computational approaches can transform our understanding of mental health and neurological disorders. I have published in leading journals and collaborate with international research teams to translate these insights into practical solutions for improving human health.
Our brain is a highly complex structure composed by nearly 100 billion neurons interconnected through more than 100 trillion synapses, but also containing astrocytes, ions, fluids, neurotransmitters, membranes, ventricles, etc. Using synthetic network models, it is possible to simulate the behavior of coupled neural populations aiming to reproduce the spatio-temporal patterns of oscillatory activity observed in the resting human brain. Interestingly, certain mental illnesses have been associated with alterations in these dynamical patterns. Therefore, I believe that investigating the brain's dynamics will not only shed light on the "who we are" question but also provide new insights to fight neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Place of birth: Oporto, Portugal
E-mail: joanacabral@med.uminho.pt
Family: Mother of 3
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