The Trondheim node consists primarily of the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at NTNU. Since its inauguration, the Institute has focused on neural circuit mechanisms of behaviour, using spatial representation as a window to understanding cortical computation. In collaboration with Menno Witter, who joined in 2007, the Mosers have uncovered key elements of the neural circuit for spatial mapping and navigation. In 2014 they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this work.
The number of Group Leaders at the Kavli Institute is now 8, the staff of employees has exceeded 120, and the Institute has started many collaborations with St. Olav’s hospital and the MR centre through the recruitment of joint staff to work on the new 7T MR scanner as well as joint participation in projects funded by the Regional Health Authorities. The Institute has hosted 2 RCN-driven Centres of Excellence (2003-12 and 2013-22), 3 ERC Advanced Investigator Grants (Mosers), and multiple ERC Starting Grants (currently Whitlock, Yaksi, Doeller), in addition to numerous individual RCN grants, including TOPPFORSK to Witter and Kentros.