Professor Markus Fendt takes over presidency of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society
Magdeburg neuroscientist to represent over 40 nations in behavioural neuroscience
Prof. Dr. Markus Fendt from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical Faculty of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg has been elected as the new president of the International Behavioural Neuroscience Society (IBNS). The handover took place on 30 June 2025 during the IBNS annual conference in Tromsø (Norway). Prof. Fendt succeeds Prof. Dr. Jill Silverman from the University of California, Davis, who held the position for two years.
This selection honours Professor Fendt's outstanding scientific achievements and his long-standing commitment to the international research community. As one of the leading German representatives in this field of research, he brings extensive expertise to the table: Prof. Fendt has been working at the University of Magdeburg since 2012. He is an internationally recognised expert in the field of behavioural and neuropharmacology and conducts research in particular into the neural basis of emotions, social behaviour and cognitive functions. He has been involved in the IBNS for many years: for five years, he was one of two European representatives on the Executive Board. As chair of the programme committee, he was also responsible for organising the 2024 annual conference in Panama City (Panama). With his election as president-elect in 2024, he was confirmed as the designated president of the society. The appointment underscores the international recognition of neuroscience in Magdeburg.
Founded in 1992, the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society promotes interdisciplinary exchange and international cooperation in the field of behavioural neuroscience. Its members include researchers from over 40 countries – from disciplines such as psychology, biology, neuroscience, pharmacology and medicine.
‘I am very much looking forward to the tasks ahead and consider it a great honour to represent and help shape the IBNS over the next two years,’ says Prof. Fendt. He is particularly committed not only to promoting scientific excellence, but also to upholding fundamental values: ‘Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned about the growing challenges facing science worldwide – whether due to declining public funding or ideologically motivated attacks on certain areas of research. Our response must be to uphold scientific standards and resolutely defend academic freedom.’
Prof. Dr. Markus Fendt, photographer Sarah Rinka
The IBNS, Fendt continues, remains committed to its mission of promoting excellence in behavioural neuroscience and advocating for equal opportunities and inclusion for scientists from all social groups. ‘I look forward with great confidence to two exciting and productive years and would like to thank everyone in advance for their support – both personally and on behalf of our scientific community.’
With Professor Fendt at the helm of the IBNS, international behavioural neuroscience gains a recognised leader who impresses with both her scientific expertise and her commitment to the values of the academic community.
Scientific Contact
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Markus Fendt
Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
E-Mail: markus.fendt@med.ovgu.de