Project description
Visual cortical training to enhance navigation for blind individuals
In the European Union, there is limited support and training available for individuals who are blind. Effective navigation methods, such as cane use, sensory substitution devices, and echolocation, exist, but their effectiveness varies greatly among individuals. Some may master these techniques quickly, while others struggle with the basic steps. The ERC-funded CorTrINVI project aims to develop techniques that enhance the spatial perception and navigation skills of blind individuals by training their visual cortices. For blind individuals with intact visual cortices, regularly engaging these areas is essential for maintaining their effectiveness. The project will keep the primary visual cortices active by promoting the use of visual mental imagery. The project promises to advance independence and mobility.
Objective
At the moment, in the European Union, there is very little support and virtually no training for blind people. But there are very
efficient modes of navigating one’s environment that blind people can learn and some of them can learn very easily,
including: (1) Cone use, (2) Sensory substitution devices, (3) Echolocation.
The problem is that the interpersonal variation in all these three techniques is huge. Some blind subjects pick up these
techniques very quickly and use them efficiently, while others struggle even with the most rudimentary steps. The present
Proof of Concept application aims to develop techniques for training blind people’s visual cortices that allow for more efficient
spatial perception and navigation.
Given the well-demonstrated plasticity of the brain, if a brain region is not used regularly, it is reallocated to do something
else. More specifically, if blind subjects whose visual cortices are intact do not use these visual cortices, they get reallocated
(to, for example auditory or olfactory processing). If they use their visual cortex, it works well, if they don’t, it will eventually
stop.
Crucially, all three of the techniques that help blind people navigate their environment rely heavily on the functioning of the
early visual cortices. The key insight is that blind subjects can navigate their environment better if their visual cortices are in
good condition. But how to achieve that? And this is where my own research on the way mental imagery utilizes early visual
cortices can be a game changer. In short, we can keep the primary visual cortices of blind subjects in shape if we have them
use their visual mental imagery. Active reliance on mental imagery prevents the early visual cortices of blind subjects from
being reallocated to other brain functions and thereby allows them to make full use of navigation techniques like sensory
substitution, cone use or echolocation.
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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.
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2024-POC
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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.
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
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.