The special episode of the PORTfolio podcast features a conversation between Dr. Raluca Contu and Dr. Mathias Schmidt from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, exploring the molecular and behavioral mechanisms of stress vulnerability and their neuropsychiatric and metabolic consequences.
This special episode of the PORTfolio podcast features an interview with Dr. Mathias Schmidt, Head of the Stress and Resilience Research Group at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. The conversation, conducted by Dr. Raluca Contu from the Astrocyte Biology Research Group, focuses on the molecular and behavioral mechanisms of stress vulnerability and their neuropsychiatric and metabolic implications.
Dr. Schmidt’s research investigates, among other topics, sex differences in stress responses. His studies have revealed significant disparities in how males and females react to early-life stress and in the prevalence of stress-related disorders—indicating that future treatment strategies must be tailored to patient sex. He also explores new pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to strengthening stress resilience, citing autophagy as an example—a process crucial for coping with stress that can be naturally enhanced through physical exercise and targeted dietary interventions.
In the context of global challenges in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Schmidt emphasizes that the key factor determining the negative impact of stress is not stress itself, but its uncontrollability and unpredictability. He highlights that while genetic background and life history play important roles, everyone can learn to increase their sense of control over stressors.
Collaborating with Łukasiewicz – PORT, Dr. Schmidt was involved in the implementation of the SAME-NeuroID project, which laid the groundwork for subsequent research initiatives, including AUTOHEALTH and ASTRONOMICS.
The conversation was recorded during the 17th International Congress of the Polish Society for Neuroscience, co-organized by Łukasiewicz – PORT.
