Project description
Cortical tracking of speech as language processing biomarker
Speech processing and reading are essential skills that influence social, educational and professional development. However, early biomarkers for learning disabilities such as developmental dyslexia (DD) and second language acquisition remain unexplored. The ERC-funded CORTICAL RHYTHMS project will use advanced neuroimaging tools and longitudinal studies to investigate cortical tracking of speech (CTS), a process that measures the alignment between fluctuations in speech signals and brain activity. It will explore CTS predictive capabilities and causal relationships in early language development, second language learning, reading, DD and illiteracy. Ultimately, it establishes CTS as a biomarker for language processing and to develop a real-time, closed-loop neurofeedback protocol. This protocol will enhance language learning and improve methods for diagnosing second language acquisition challenges and DD.
Objective
Speech processing and reading are essential unique human abilities underpinning social, educational, and professional advancement. However early biomarkers for learning disabilities such as Developmental Dyslexia (DD) and for second language learning have yet to be identified. Here, cutting edge neuroimaging tools, carefully designed tasks, and longitudinal designs will be used to record cortical tracking of speech (CTS), namely, the temporal alignment between fluctuations in the speech signal and fluctuations in electrical brain activity across different populations. Specifically, we will investigate the predictive ability and causality of CTS 1) at an early age in language development, 2) for second language learning, reading, DD and illiteracy, 3) establish the domain-specificity of CTS as ‘biomarker of language processing’, and 4) pioneer a real-time closed-loop neurofeedback protocol modulating CTS to adaptively change language processing and learning through neurofeedback. This project represents a radically new scientific approach that will break new ground by investigating the predictive ability of CTS that combined with longitudinal designs and real-time closed-loop neurofeedback will allow us to (1) establish causal relationships and (2) use this novel approach to improve L2 learning and to diagnose and remediate DD.
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Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
Funding Scheme
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-ADG
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20009 San Sebastian
Spain
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