Tavish Traut

My research aims to create insights into complex human behaviour by combining theories in neuroscience, psychology, and economics. Specifically, I use neuroimaging (fMRI) techniques to investigate the neural basis of reward-driven and social decision-making. I am particularly interested in human food choice and reward behaviours, social interaction, and economic trading paradigms.

I received an MPhil in Biological Science (Physiology, Development & Neuroscience) from the University of Cambridge and a BS in Physiology & Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Prior to graduate school, I worked as a Senior Data Analyst at Genentech (Roche) and Vice President of Business Development at HUMM, a UC Berkeley accelerator (SkyDeck) startup. Previous research institution affiliations include the University of Zurich (Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics), the Salk Institute of Biological Studies, UC San Francisco, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Recent awards: Trainee Professional Development Award (Society for Neuroscience, 2025), Larry J. Young Memorial Travel Fellowship (Society for Social Neuroscience, 2025), Monika Tesarova Bursary Fund Award (Kellogg College, 2025), Young Investigator Award (European Brain and Behaviour Society, 2024).