

Zsolt PIRGER, PhD
Since April 2021, I have been the head of the Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicology Research Group, encompassing the former Adaptation Neuroethology Research Group (2014-2021), supported by the National Brain Research Programs (NAP1.0-3.0).
My research activities generally focus on investigating the effects of human-derived (anthropogenic) organic pollutants (e.g., drug residues, UV-filter compounds, microplastics) and cyanobacterial-origin algae toxins (e.g., BMMA, peptide-type cyanotoxins) on the behavioural patterns of invertebrate aquatic species (e.g., Lymnaea stagnalis, Daphnia magna), as well as uncovering the effects of these pollutants on the underlying cellular and molecular processes. I investigate anthropogenic and natural environmental influences disrupting the (neuro)physiological processes of invertebrate organisms at individual, organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels applying modern multidisciplinary methods, including behavioral tests, electrophysiology, functional morphology, IHC, WB, PCR, in situ hybridization, and LC-MS.
The Balaton Limnological Research Institute (BLRI, Tihany, Hungary) has a nearly 40-year history of internationally recognized invertebrate neurobiological research. As a result, we have unique comprehensive knowledge regarding the functioning and structure of neural networks underlying various behavioural patterns (e.g., feeding, reproduction, respiration, and learning). Using this knowledge, with our pioneering emeritus professors (Prof. Károly Elekes, Prof. Tibor Kiss) and our international collaborators (Prof. György Kemenes, Prof. Paul Benjamin, Prof. Ákos Vértes, Dr. Veronica Rivi), we can directly investigate the neural networks involved in learning and memory processes and the key neurons constructing them. This allows us to examine the neurophysiological and neurodegenerative effects of anthropogenic chemical pollutants detected in the waters of Lake Balaton (e.g., psychoactive pharmaceutical residues) or natural cyanotoxins.
As part of supported research projects, I specifically focus on:
Characterization of the neurophysiological and neurodegenerative effects of cyanotoxins isolated from Lake Balaton using a well-established invertebrate model system – National Brain Project 3.0 (NAP3.0, 2022-2026; NAP2022-I-10/2022, PI)
Spatiotemporal detection of anthropogenic pollutants in Lake Balaton and its catchment area - National Laboratory for Water Sciences and Water Safety (VVNL, 2022-2025; RRF 2.3.1-21-2022-00008, Subproject Leader)
The role of soil organic matter stability in the absorption and release of pharmaceuticals - Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA, 2022-2026; OTKA142865, Senior Participant Researcher)
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related changes in the neural network encoding associative memory - Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (FK-OTKA, 2021-2024; OTKA138039, PI)
Previous significant projects:
National Brain Reseach Project 2.0 (2017-1.2.1-NKP-2017-00002; PI (2018-2021)
National Brain Reseach Project 1.0 (KTIA_NAP_13-2-2014-0006; PI (2014-2018)
The Szent-Györgyi Albert Homecoming Postdoctoral Program within the framework of the “National Excellence Program” (A2-SZGYA-FOK-13-0003); PI (2014, 16 months)
Postdoctoral Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (PD OTKA-109099); PI (2013-2016)
„Momentum” Research Found of Hungarian Academy of Sciences (LP 2011/007), subcontractor researcher (2011-2016)
BBSRC Research Fund (R3EL4600); participant researcher, Sussex University, Brighton, UK (2010-2013)
Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA-78224); participant researcher (2009-2013)
Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA-49090); participant researcher (2005-2008)
Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA-43216); participant researcher (2003-2006)
Major awards/scholarships:
“Researcher of the Year” Award by the Veszprém Committee of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA VEAB, 2022)
Bolyai János Research Scholarship (Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2021)
Bolyai János Research Scholarship (Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 2016)
“Researcher of the Year” Award by the Veszprém Committee of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA VEAB, 2014)
Guarantors of Brain (Brain, UK, 2011)

