Objective
How do we create mental images? Despite extensive research, we still miss an overarching mechanistic understanding of mental imagery: How do the various brain regions involved in mental imagery contribute to the unified percept in our mind's eye? Why do we experience imagery so differently ranging from no to extremely vivid mental images? In this project, we propose a novel perspective on mental imagery, viewing it as a personalised computational process that takes into account individual brain characteristics. The task of this computational process is to progressively transform abstract object descriptions (input) into sensory-like visual representations (output) through feedback connections in the brain’s processing hierarchy. To unravel the stages of this conversion process, we will employ advanced fMRI techniques to measure neural activity across the entire brain at an unparalleled level of detail. Using sophisticated analysis methods, we will decode topographic and semantic information about the content of mental images from activated brain areas. To investigate the causal involvement of specific areas, we will transiently disrupt their activity using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Informed by the fMRI and TMS data, we will develop the first personalized AI-inspired neural network model of mental imagery. This model will simulate the emergence of sensory representations backwards through the processing hierarchy and predict the perceived vividness of generated images for each individual. By implementing the model into a Brain Computer Interface, we will enable participants to see imagined objects on a screen during fMRI scanning. This opens up new applications, such as training the strength of mental imagery by providing neurofeedback based on predicted vividness. This interdisciplinary project, at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and AI, will provide an integrative framework of the generation of subjective experiences in the mind's eye.
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.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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)
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.
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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
6200 MD Maastricht
Netherlands
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.