Baljit Khakh (Bal) has made fundamental contributions to understanding astrocyte-neuron interactions. He made important advances in our understanding of brain function by discovering mechanisms of bidirectional signalling between astrocytes and neurons, and by unmasking the molecular and cellular foundations of astrocyte diversity. His work, employing physiological and genetic approaches, revealed astrocytes as causal regulators of neural circuits and behaviour, thus providing new therapeutic strategies for treating brain disorders.
Bal started his laboratory as Group Leader in the Division of Neurobiology at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology before moving to the University of California, Los Angeles where he is Professor of Physiology, Professor of Neurobiology and the Eleanor I. Leslie Chair in Neuroscience. His work has been recognized by several awards, including the H.W Magoun Distinguished Lectureship, the 134th UCLA Faculty Research Lecture and the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award.
Professional position
- Eleanor I. Leslie Chair in Neuroscience and Professor of Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles
