Dr. Pablo B. Martinez de Morentin is a Group Leader in the Neuroscience Theme at the University of Leeds (since 2023), where he investigates how gut-derived nutrient signals and environmental food cues converge in the brain to shape eating behaviour. He previously held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at the University of Aberdeen with Prof. Heisler, studying hypothalamic and brainstem circuits regulating feeding and glucose metabolism. He earned his PhD in Endocrinology from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), focusing on how hormones and compounds regulate energy balance through brain AMPK and thermogenic pathways. His work seeks to reveal novel neural mechanisms to guide anti-obesity strategies.

My research focuses on characterising neural circuits involved in regulating food intake, and the influence that homeostatic and environmental factors have on these circuits and consequently on feeding behaviour.

I am a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Leeds, who just joined the Morentin Lab. Throughout my involvement in the Morentin Lab, I am interested in developing my skills in animal handling and design thinking, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing research in the lab.

Sanaa is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leeds, where she is developing research experience in neuroscience. She previously completed a diploma in Biologics and Process Technology, gaining industry training during an internship at Novartis in the Microbiology Quality Control department. Within Dr. Pablo’s lab, she is contributing to research on the neural circuits regulating feeding behavior while further developing her computational skills. She is particularly interested in how experimental and computational approaches can be combined to investigate brain function.

 I am a third-year Neuroscience student with a strong interest in mental health research and public engagement. Currently, I am completing a capstone project focused on engaging students aged 16-17 in discussions about mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. Through this project, I am developing accessible educational resources, delivering school-based workshops, and creating an e-portfolio to reflect on the impact of public engagement in raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health.

I am currently a third-year student at the University of Leeds pursuing a Biomedical Sciences degree, with an interest in neuroscience. I am excited to contribute to the ongoing research at the de Morentin Lab, exploring the neural circuits involved in feeding behaviours. Through this experience, I aim to deepen my understanding of this area, while further developing my computational skills.