Objective
The neocortex underlies higher cognitive functions in mammals and humans. Its computational function is essential for categorizing external objects into supramodal percepts. This natural categorization depends on multisensory integration to become largely independent of the modality through which relevant input is acquired. In contrast, this remarkable cognitive ability is poorly emulated by artificial systems. The anatomical cortical architecture shows extensive connectivity across its different sensory areas, departing from the classically assumed hierarchical processing scheme. Recent studies demonstrated that primary sensory cortical areas coding for distinct modalities are already interconnected, but the computational role of these heteromodal connections is unknown. My goal is to test whether heteromodal interactions in primary sensory cortical areas transmit inferences about the identity of behaviorally relevant objects perceived across multiple sensory channels. The working hypothesis is that these interactions modify the primary representation of unimodal sensory stimuli, resulting in supramodal perceptual invariance, even in ambiguous unimodal contexts. This study will be carried out in awake behaving rodents trained to discriminate between two multimodal objects, which require the two sensory modalities to be fully distinguished. State-of-the art techniques (two-photon calcium imaging and multisite electrode arrays) to record from large scale neural assemblies, will be combined with modern analysis of neural population dynamics and network simulations. Underlying mechanisms will be explored by optogenetic targeting of specific neuronal populations. My long-term aim is to quantitatively explain encoding and classification of multisensory cues across primary sensory cortical areas. I hope to derive novel generic computational principles by which brain circuits build invariant representations of the environment from ever-changing multisensory input streams.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
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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-2012-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
75794 PARIS
France
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.