Objective
Neuroimaging allows to characterize patterns of neural activity that specifically correlate with mental functions such as perception, memory, and emotions. However, conventional imaging experiments are purely observational and cannot be used to establish a causal link between brain activity and the mental functions that are studied. Here I propose using a new approach to investigate causal links between the two: I will use real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) with neurofeedback to teach participants to voluntarily regulate either the level of brain activity or of the functional coupling of brain areas. I will then test how self-regulation of activity (or connectivity) affects perception and memory, thus allowing an understanding of the causal relationship between the two.
Using neurofeedback, I will (a) test how self-regulating brain connectivity in the visual cortex affects visual feature integration, (b) explore the use of neurofeedback to treat patients with visual hemispatial neglect, which is a common and disabling neurological disorder, and (c) use neurofeedback to manipulate visual memory consolidation by indirectly affecting neurotransmitter systems. Besides these three main projects, I will significantly advance the field of rtfMRI-based neurofeedback by (a) extending the neurofeedback approach to control functional brain networks instead of only a single area (connectivity feedback), and by investigating (b) how long learned self-regulation is maintained without further training, (c) if self-regulation causes structural changes in brain anatomy, and (d) how important strategy guidelines are for learning self-regulation.
These projects will provide new insights into the causal links between brain activation and mental functions, and they will also provide important methodological innovations which will lay the foundation for valuable clinical applications.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences psychology cognitive psychology mental processes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine anatomy and morphology
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
1211 Geneve
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.