Dr. Öngür, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, has a background in neuroscience and clinical psychiatry. His research focuses on two areas: the clinical course of psychotic disorders and their neurobiology. Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have unpredictable trajectories, making it challenging to anticipate long-term outcomes. Understanding the factors that shape these outcomes could improve treatment personalization and help allocate limited resources more effectively.

On the neurobiological front, Dr. Öngür’s group investigates brain abnormalities associated with psychotic disorders and explores novel treatments to address these dysfunctions. These conditions often impair the integration of thoughts and sensory input, alongside mood disturbances like depressive and manic episodes. The team employs diverse tools—including MRI, MRS, genetics, cell biology, cognition research, and computational modeling—to study malfunctioning brain systems and develop targeted therapeutic approaches.