INVESThub Brownbag: Experimental Research and Biomarkers: What Are the Options, What Do They Measure, and Which Should I Use in My Project?

Time: Wednedsday 17 September 11.00-12.30

Place: Educarium 4.floor, EDU441

Presenter: Marie Larose, Senior Researcher, INVEST Research Flagship Centre

Title of the speech: Experimental Research and Biomarkers: What Are the Options, What Do They Measure, and Which Should I Use in My Project?

Abstract: Interdisciplinary research offers complementary perspectives for evaluating the effects of an intervention and addressing key questions such as for whom it works best, and which biological mechanisms may be involved. In this presentation, I will briefly introduce three types of biomarkers—cortisol, genetic predispositions, and epigenetics—and discuss their relevance for different research questions, along with their limitations. I will also highlight recent studies that use these biomarkers. Finally, I hope to open a discussion on how biomarkers can be incorporated into experimental research and the associated ethical and theoretical challenges.