Objective
We perceive the world around us as constant. When we engage in the same action over days and weeks, for instance when we walk down a familiar road, it feels the same every day. Neurons build a model (or representation) of the external world that is thought to guide behaviour. However, neural representations change over time, leading to a restructured model of the world. This phenomenon, called representational drift, has been identified across a range of brain regions and behaviours, and poses a conceptual challenge: How can changing neural correlates of external variables be reconciled with perceptual stability? This proposal aims to decipher this discrepancy. We recently showed that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) displays little representational drift when mice are engaged in an olfaction-guided memory task. Interestingly, upstream sensory regions relaying olfactory information to the mPFC show prominent drift. These results suggest that drifting codes early in signal processing are converted to a more stable code in the mPFC. Using the primary olfactory cortex to mPFC signal chain as model system, DRIFT-rules aims to systematically map out the extent of representational drift in the mPFC and its upstream partners under conditions of varying computational demands for the mPFC circuitry. Using 1- and 2-photon calcium imaging and chronic electrophysiological recordings with Neuropixels probes in awake mice, we will determine drift during different behaviours, in which the animals rely on olfactory cues to solve distinct cognitive problems. Combining large-scale neuronal activity measurements with novel computational techniques, we will reveal how mechanisms on the level of single cells, microcircuits and neuronal populations contribute to the conversion of drifting to stable codes. This research program will redefine our understanding of how consistent perception and cognitive behaviour are possible in the context of drifting neuronal representations.
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-2025-COG
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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.
66123 Saarbrucken
Germany
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.