© Kerstin Flake
Dr. Sofie Valk
Scientific representative
Main Focus
The central aim of my research is to understand the interplay between biological and social systems. Specifically, I focus on two interconnected objectives: (1) uncovering principles of brain organization, and (2) exploring how these principles relate to human cognition in health and disease. To achieve these goals, we develop and apply cutting-edge computational tools and methods. A particular focus of our work is the social domain, given its pivotal role in environmental input and its relevance to mental health. I integrate insights from diverse fields, including neuroscience, genetics, and psychology, into a cohesive framework that spans the lifespan and bridges neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes.
Curriculum Vitae
Research positions | |
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| 2024 - present | Lise Meitner Research Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (W2) |
| 2021 - present | Research Group Leader, 'Cognitive Neurogenetics,' INM-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany |
| 2020 - 2024 | Otto Hahn Research Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (W2) |
Academic Education |
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| 2012 - 2017 | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany, Ph.D. in Psychology (summa cum laude) |
| 2010 - 2012 | University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, MSc in Brain and Cognitive Sciences |
| 2005 - 2010 |
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, BSc in BetaGamma
Double major: Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy
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Keywords |
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Brain organization, neuropsychiatric conditions, genetic and metabolic underpinnings of brain function, brain development across the lifespan, social neuroscience, translation
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Selected Publications |
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Valk, S. L., Xu, T., et al. (2022). Genetic and phylogenetic uncoupling of structure and function in human transmodal cortex. Nature Communications, 13(1), 2341.
Wan, B., Hong, S. J., et al. (2023). Diverging asymmetry of intrinsic functional organization in autism. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(10), 4331-4341.
Serio, B., Hettwer, M. D., et al. (2024). Sex differences in functional cortical organization reflect differences in network topology rather than cortical morphometry. Nature Communications, 15(1), 7714.
Hettwer, M. D., Lariviere, S., et al. (2022). Coordinated cortical thickness alterations across six neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Nature Communications, 13(1), 6851.
Full publication list on google scholar
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Grants and Research Support |
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Teaching Activities (Selection) |
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Honors and awards |
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Professional Service |
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