Vegard Fiskum
Om
Jeg er nevrovitenskapsforsker med bakgrunn innen biomedisin, nevrovitenskap og eksperimentell sykdomsmodellering. Min forskning fokuserer på hvordan nevrodegenerative sykdommer påvirker nevroner og nevrale nettverk, fra cellulære mekanismer til komplekse nettverksegenskaper.
Forskning
My research aims to understand how neurodegenerative disease alters neural network function across biological scales, from molecular pathology and cellular dysfunction to emergent network dynamics. I combine stem cell-based disease models, electrophysiology, microscopy and advanced network science to investigate how neural systems adapt to disease and how compensatory mechanisms ultimately fail.
My current work focuses on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative disorders, with particular interest in network reconfiguration, criticality, rich-club organisation and computational capacity in biological neural networks. More broadly, I am interested in the principles governing how complex neural systems maintain function despite progressive damage.
Publikasjoner
2026
-
Grønlie, Marthe Bendiksvoll;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2026)
Structural and Synaptic Dysregulation Drives Network Vulnerability in APOE4 Human Neuronal Networks.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2026)
Microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation in degenerating neuronal networks.
Network Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Barker, Roger;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Valderhaug, Vibeke Devold;
Barbieri, Riccardo;
Barbaro, Massimo;
Matthews, Helen;
Øksengård, Anne Rita;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2026)
Addressing the effects of COVID-19 on Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s disease patients (DEFINE).
EU Joint Programme Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND)
Forskningsrapport
2025
-
Kollstrøm, Anna Mikalsen;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2025)
Decoding neural adaptability in the face of adversity:Structural and functional dynamics of selforganized biological neural networks in response to neuropathology.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandling
2024
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks exhibit microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation rendering them highly vulnerable to perturbation.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
2023
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2023)
Increased cost of living - Network scale motor neuron dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandling
2022
-
Heiney, Kristine Anne;
Ramstad, Ola Huse;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Nichele, Stefano.
(2022)
Neuronal avalanche dynamics and functional connectivity elucidate information propagation in vitro.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Bauer, Ulrich Stefan;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Raveendran Nair, Rajeevkumar;
Wijdeven, Rosanne Francisca van de;
Kentros, Clifford;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2022)
Validation of Functional Connectivity of Engineered Neuromuscular Junction With Recombinant Monosynaptic Pseudotyped ΔG-Rabies Virus Tracing.
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
2021
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2021)
Silencing of activity during hypoxia improves functional outcomes in motor neuron networks in vitro.
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Heiney, Kristine;
Ramstad, Ola Huse;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Nichele, Stefano;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2021)
Criticality, connectivity, and neural disorder: A multifaceted approach to neural computation.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig oversiktsartikkel
2019
-
Bauer, Ulrich Stefan;
van de Wijdeven, Rosanne Francisca;
Raveendran Nair, Rajeevkumar;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Kentros, Clifford;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2019)
Modelling functional human neuromuscular junctions in a differentially-perturbable microfluidic environment, validated through recombinant monosynaptic pseudotyped ΔG-rabies virus tracing.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
Tidsskriftspublikasjoner
-
Grønlie, Marthe Bendiksvoll;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2026)
Structural and Synaptic Dysregulation Drives Network Vulnerability in APOE4 Human Neuronal Networks.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2026)
Microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation in degenerating neuronal networks.
Network Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2024)
ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks exhibit microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation rendering them highly vulnerable to perturbation.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Bauer, Ulrich Stefan;
van de Wijdeven, Rosanne Francisca;
Raveendran Nair, Rajeevkumar;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Kentros, Clifford;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2019)
Modelling functional human neuromuscular junctions in a differentially-perturbable microfluidic environment, validated through recombinant monosynaptic pseudotyped ΔG-rabies virus tracing.
BioRxiv
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2021)
Silencing of activity during hypoxia improves functional outcomes in motor neuron networks in vitro.
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Heiney, Kristine Anne;
Ramstad, Ola Huse;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Nichele, Stefano.
(2022)
Neuronal avalanche dynamics and functional connectivity elucidate information propagation in vitro.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Bauer, Ulrich Stefan;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Raveendran Nair, Rajeevkumar;
Wijdeven, Rosanne Francisca van de;
Kentros, Clifford;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2022)
Validation of Functional Connectivity of Engineered Neuromuscular Junction With Recombinant Monosynaptic Pseudotyped ΔG-Rabies Virus Tracing.
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig artikkel
-
Heiney, Kristine;
Ramstad, Ola Huse;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Christiansen, Nicholas;
Sandvig, Axel;
Nichele, Stefano;
Sandvig, Ioanna.
(2021)
Criticality, connectivity, and neural disorder: A multifaceted approach to neural computation.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
Vitenskapelig oversiktsartikkel
Rapport
-
Barker, Roger;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad;
Valderhaug, Vibeke Devold;
Barbieri, Riccardo;
Barbaro, Massimo;
Matthews, Helen;
Øksengård, Anne Rita;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2026)
Addressing the effects of COVID-19 on Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s disease patients (DEFINE).
EU Joint Programme Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND)
Forskningsrapport
Studentoppgave eller avhandling
-
Kollstrøm, Anna Mikalsen;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2025)
Decoding neural adaptability in the face of adversity:Structural and functional dynamics of selforganized biological neural networks in response to neuropathology.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandling
-
Fiskum, Vegard;
Sandvig, Ioanna;
Sandvig, Axel.
(2023)
Increased cost of living - Network scale motor neuron dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandling
Undervisning
Emner
I've lectured in NEVR3001 - Cellular and systems Neuroscience every year since 2020.
Veiledning
MSci students
2019-2020 Anna Mikalsen Kollstrøm, MSci in Neuroscience, NTNU
2020-2021 Sondre Valentin Jordbræk, MSci in Neuroscience, NTNU
2023-2024 Marie Wahlstrøm, MSci in Systems Biology and Biotechnology, NTNU
2024-2025 Anniken Mathea Rafnum Sjødal, Specialization project and MSci in Nanotechnology, NTNU
2025-2026 Ylva Maria Nordahl Bremer, MSci in Nanotechnology, NTNU; Sara Bjellås Gilje, Specialization project and MSci in Nanotechnology, NTNU; Lars Julius Metz, MSci in Neuroscience, NTNU
PhD candidates
2022-2025 Anna Mikalsen Kollstrøm, PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU. Thesis title: Decoding neural adaptability in the face of adversity - Structural and functional dynamics of self-organized biological neural networks in response to neuropathology
Formidling
Advanced in vitro modelling of ALS
ALS i Norge: Forskning gir håp, støtten uteblir
2026
-
Annen presentasjonSandvig, Ioanna; Fiskum, Vegard; Metz, Lars Julius. (2026) Reservoir Computing with Biological Neural Networks. The Limbi Structure of the Brain: From Bench to Bedside
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Metz, Lars Julius; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2026) What neural network features predict computational capacity?. FENS Forum 2026
2025
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2025) Microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation in degenerating neuronal networks. FENS Regional Meeting 2025
2024
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KonferanseposterWinter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Hanssen, Katrine Sjaastad; Fiskum, Vegard; Kollstrøm, Anna Mikalsen; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Reverse engineered neural circuit motifs as computational substrates. The Brain Conference - Circuits for Movement
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Winter-Hjelm, Nicolai; Christiansen, Nicholas; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2024) Deciphering micro-and mesoscale dynamics in ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks. 4th Nordic Neuroscience Meeting
2022
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KonferanseposterLal, Pradeep; Fiskum, Vegard; Kermen, Florence; Ostenrath, Anna Maria; Palumbo, Fabrizio; Jurisch-Yaksi, Nathalie; Muto, Akira; Kawakami, Koichi; Yaksi, Emre. (2022) The role of GnRH3 neurons in modulating olfactory computations and odor induced feeding behaviors. Imaging Structure and Function of the Zebrafish Brain Conference
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KonferanseposterHeiney, Kristine Anne; Ramstad, Ola Huse; Fiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Nichele, Stefano. (2022) Neuronal avalanche dynamics and functional connectivity as indicators of the computational capacity of in vitro neuronal networks. FENS Summer School on "Artificial and natural computations for sensory perception: what is the link?"
2021
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KonferanseforedragHeiney, Kristine; Ramstad, Ola Huse; Fiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Nichele, Stefano. (2021) From in vitro to computational models of the brain: What can criticality tell us about neural computation?. NRSN National Neuroscience Symposium
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2021) Hypoxia as a model of neural network perturbation and the effect of global inhibition on neural network functionality. NRSN National Neuroscience Symposium 2021
2020
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna. (2020) Hypoxia as a model of neuronal network insult and the effect of global inhibition on neuronal network functionality. FENS Virtual Forum 2020
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KonferanseposterHeiney, Kristine; Ramstad, Ola Huse; Fiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Axel; Sandvig, Ioanna; Nichele, Stefano. (2020) Manipulation of the scaling behavior of neuronal avalanches toward achieving criticality. FENS 2020 Virtual Forum
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KonferanseposterHeiney, Kristine; Ramstad, Ola Huse; Fiskum, Vegard; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sandvig, Axel; Nichele, Stefano. (2020) Computational behavior of biological neural networks through the lens of criticality. NAISys - From Neuroscience to Artificially Intelligent Systems
2019
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KonferanseforedragFiskum, Vegard. (2019) Can hypoxia-induced network dysfunction be ameliorated by global network inhibition In vitro?. 4th Christmas Neuroscience Symposium
2018
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KonferanseposterLal, Pradeep; Weth-Malsch, Daniela; Fiskum, Vegard; Kermen, Florence; Palumbo, Fabrizio; Pelgrims, Robbrecht; Jurisch-Yaksi, Nathalie; Muto, Akira; Kawakami, Koichi; Yaksi, Emre. (2018) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuromodulation of olfactory computations in zebrafish brain. The 11th FENS Forum of Neuroscience 2018
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KonferanseposterFiskum, Vegard; Nichele, Stefano; Sandvig, Ioanna; Sandvig, Axel. (2018) Modelling neural network dynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). NRSN 6th Annual PhD conference in Neuroscience
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KonferanseposterLal, Pradeep; Weth-Malsch, Daniela; Fiskum, Vegard; Palumbo, Fabrizio; Kermen, Florence; Pelgrims, Robbrecht; Jurisch-Yaksi, Nathalie; Muto, Akira; Kawakami, Koichi; Yaksi, Emre. (2018) The function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in olfactory computations. The European Chemoreception Research Organization (ECRO) 2018