Already from an early age, Fiona Müllner knew she wanted to be a scientist. 

“It was actually the reason why I did not study medicine, because I didn't want to be a doctor, but I wanted to do science,” Fiona says, reflecting on the moment she chose to study mathematics, physics and philosophy over medicine. Yet, it was a neuroscience course in her first year that captured her imagination, setting her on a trajectory that would combine numbers, molecules, and the mysteries of the brain.

"I've always had the urge to describe things in numbers. I want a mechanistic understanding, a mathematical model of how things work. I think I've been searching for that in everything I do."

She soon switched to what was then a new field: molecular medicine, a blend of human biology and medicine, without giving up mathematics. Over time, her research journey shifted focus from the hippocampus toward sensory systems. “If you want to have a mechanistic model, you need to develop a bottom-up understanding of how things work,” she says. This path eventually brought her to the thalamus, where she began laying the groundwork for a research group of her own. 
 

A mechanistic understanding of the brain

Analytical and deeply inquisitive, she describes herself as someone who constantly questions—her own data, the interpretations of others, and the assumptions behind accepted knowledge. This drive is fueled by a fundamental fascination: the brain as the seat of identity. “It’s inherently fascinating to work toward a mechanistic understanding of what makes us who we are and how we think.”

Even as she builds her group, Fiona remains focused on rigorous, hands-on science. She envisions using behavioural paradigms in awake mice to explore how the brain actively interacts with its own sensory perception, a project both ambitious and meticulously grounded in technique.

She is well aware that with such ambition come challenges. “I think the main challenges are methodological, because the techniques I use are intricate. Getting everything to work together takes effort, but once you get data, it is deeply rewarding. It is also important to appreciate datasets that you acquire along the way. You cannot predict discoveries, you can only be prepared for making them by looking at things carefully.”

Freedom goes hand in hand with constructive feedback

When it comes to leadership, Fiona brings the same analytical clarity and humanistic drive. She seeks to provide freedom for her group members, while remaining available to guide and support when needed. Equally important is fostering motivation and feedback. “A key for doing good research is to nourish the excitement that people have,” she says. Dialogue and interaction with the broader scientific community are central to her philosophy.

“I plan to create an environment for my group that enables open dialogue about their research. We’ll have regular meetings and interactions, and I’ll also encourage them to seek input and feedback from outside. I think this is crucial for maintaining motivation and fueling the drive to understand."

Her leadership style is informed by experience. She recalls environments where she thrived—where autonomy and positive feedback allowed her to flourish—and strives to recreate that for her team. “Deep challenges are part of life as a researcher,” she notes. “You need encouragement and momentum to cross the valleys.”
 

Bridging research into broader contexts

Though her work is rooted in basic neuroscience, she maintains a forward-looking perspective. She is intrigued by connections between her research and rapidly developing fields such as artificial intelligence. “I’m not an AI researcher,” she clarifies, “but I’m fascinated by how our findings could inform AI, especially in making it more efficient.” For her, science is interdisciplinary by nature, and understanding the potential applications of fundamental research is a natural extension of curiosity. 

“I’ve always worked between disciplines and have a strong interest in multidisciplinary dialogue. I like to think ahead to how my research and results might one day be interpreted or applied in broader contexts—even if it is a long stretch” she explains

Ready for the journey

In five years, she intends to have established a more detailed understanding of the brain circuitry she studies and to have integrated behavioural paradigms into her research. Beyond technical milestones, she aims to cultivate a team that thrives on dialogue, analytical thought, and excitement—a space where science is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “Science is a long journey. While it is refreshing to climb a mountain by yourself once in a while, it can be even more fun when having good company”, she adds.

• Read more about Fiona's research project