Ute Hochgeschwender graduated from the Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany, with degrees in medicine (MD) and philosophy (MA). Her research focused on development and application of molecular genetic tools for basic and translational neuroscience. Over the past several years, she established a research program that advances the concept of using biological light, i.e. light generated by a protein, a luciferase, to control light-sensing photoreceptors. An important goal in addition to the continuous development of this BioLuminescent OptoGenetics technology is the application of these tools for research into the mechanisms and potential, non-invasive treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.