Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology

About Department

We explore the fascinating world of animals — from molecules to complex behaviour. We connect cutting-edge science with modern education, seeking answers to some of the most pressing questions in contemporary biology and medicine.

Our Approach

We believe that the key to understanding health lies in viewing the organism as a whole. That’s why we focus on an integrated approach that brings together two essential domains: physiology and ethology. This unique perspective allows us to explore how disruptions in environmental rhythms contribute to the development of civilisation-related diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurological disorders.

Main Research Directions

Chronobiology and Health

We investigate how internal biological clocks influence our health and why their disruption contributes to the development of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Epigenetics and Development

We analyse how environmental factors, especially maternal influences, shape an individual for life and affect susceptibility to conditions such as depression or autism.

Survival Strategies and Behaviour

We uncover individual stress coping strategies (so-called “coping strategies”) and analyse innate and learned behaviours in animals, including those living in zoos.

Cutting-Edge Technologies in Practice

Modern research requires the best available technologies. Our laboratories are equipped for advanced gene and protein analysis (using methods such as real-time PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry), as well as for working with cell cultures. We are proud to serve as the reference centre for DataSciences telemetry monitoring in Central and Eastern Europe. For continuous, long-term, and non-invasive behavioural monitoring of animals, we use the PhenoTyper system (Noldus).

A brief presentation of our department and its facilities.

Our Collaborations and Partnerships

Science is all about collaboration. That is why we work closely with several institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS), clinical centres in Bratislava, as well as with renowned international partners.