Project description
Neural mechanisms linking past, present and predictions
The hippocampus is essential for learning and memory and is connected extensively with higher cortical regions. Perception is strongly influenced by memories. The ERC-funded MemPercept project will study the hippocampus’ role in mediating how memories influence perception. Specifically, it will investigate whether the hippocampus uses current sensory inputs and memories of their ‘meaning’ in the past to send predictions to the visual cortex that modify perception. To do so, MemPercept will combine advanced cognitive neuroscience methods – including functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, psychophysics and machine learning – to map hippocampal signals, analyse neural oscillations and decode hippocampal representations during perception using deep neural networks. Outcomes could provide insight into phenomena such as hallucinations.
Objective
Perception and memory are intimately linked, yet they are traditionally studied separately, with knowledge gained in one field not significantly impacting the other. Here, I propose to investigate if and how a canonical memory region, the hippocampus, influences perception. Specifically, I hypothesise that the hippocampus generates predictions based on multisensory associations in our environment (e.g. a barking sound predicts that you will see your dog), and sends these predictions to visual cortex, thereby changing what we see. The proposed research uses the gamut of cognitive neuroscience techniques, from cutting-edge neuroimaging to carefully designed psychophysics and machine learning, to investigate the neural mechanisms and computations whereby the hippocampus and visual cortex interact. I will exploit the anatomical precision afforded by 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to pinpoint hippocampal subfield-specific signals and their communication to cortical layers, and the temporal precision of magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate how the hippocampus coordinates learning and predicting using oscillations. Additionally, I will use deep neural networks (DNNs) to reveal the contents of hippocampal representations during perception. Together, I expect that this work will lead to a step change in our understanding of the interplay between memory and perception, since the hippocampus is generally considered a ‘pure’ memory region, whereas I propose that it actually changes how we see the world. Resolving this issue will establish the neural mechanisms whereby memory and perception interact, shedding light on how our brains generate our rich subjective experience of the world. Ultimately, this will improve our understanding of disorders where perceptual inference goes awry, such as in hallucinations.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- social sciences psychology cognitive psychology mental processes
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology cognitive neuroscience
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning deep learning
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology computational neuroscience
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.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
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.
WC1E 6BT London
United Kingdom
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.