Travel report from University of Edinburgh by Konstantinos Tsikonofilos

Why did you chose to visit the University of Edinburgh?

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class academic institution, ideally positioned within the UK’s network of excellence to foster cutting-edge collaborations with my research groups at Karolinska Institutet. Importantly, it is home to the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, which is dedicated to understanding the circuit mechanisms used by the nervous system to produce behaviour.

What did you do during your lab visit at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh?

During my visit, I was hosted by Dr. Sally Till’s group. The teams in Stockholm and Edinburgh share an ongoing collaboration focused on understanding the dynamics of brain activity underlying social and emotional processing. While there, I advanced our joint project by conducting additional analyses on our dataset and outlining the structure for the academic publication through which we will disseminate our findings.

I also gained valuable insight into the group’s methodologies and their approach to researching preclinical models of brain disorders. This exposure extended beyond my host lab, as I engaged with researchers across the Centre and presented our work at a weekly lab meeting involving three research groups.

What were the major differences between working in a lab KI and The University of Edinburgh? 

At the Centre for Psychiatry Research at KI, our work is highly translational, with a strong focus on clinical applications and real-world impact. In contrast, the research in Edinburgh was more fundamental, emphasizing mechanistic studies. I believe both approaches are essential to advancing psychiatric research, and integrating them was a key motivation for my visit.

What was your impression of Edinburgh? 

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, rich in history and culture. The city centre, with its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere, is especially captivating. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. It’s easy to see why Edinburgh is such a popular destination—and having the opportunity to work there was a real privilege.

Do you have any recommendations for researchers wanting to do a research visit in the UK? 

Have a clear plan for what you want to achieve during your visit, and make sure the timing aligns with your project’s needs. This ensures you can both benefit from and contribute meaningfully to your host group. Also, take every opportunity to talk to people—some of the best collaborations begin over coffee breaks! 

Share a memorable experience from your stay...

One highlight was being invited by my host lab to a night of Ceilidh dancing—a traditional Scottish folk dance and social event. It was incredibly fun and surprisingly intense—like a full workout session!

To what extent have your impressions and experiences from your stay abroad affected you personally? 

My time in Edinburgh helped me gain perspective on my research and better understand my place within the broader field. It also reminded me of the importance of communicating my work effectively to researchers from other (sub)fields and reignited my motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration. 

What will you bring back to KI? 

I returned to KI feeling refreshed and inspired, with new ideas for my research projects and a strengthened connection between our two research groups—one that I hope will continue to grow in the years ahead.