Objective
The breakthrough discovery in animal research that fear memories may change upon retrieval – referred to as memory reconsolidation – has drastically changed the view on the malleability of emotional memory. Inspired by these insights, we have developed a novel approach to pharmacologically erase the affective component from fear memories in humans. Although these findings suggest a paradigm shift in clinical practice, there are many fundamental questions to be resolved.
The objective of this proposal is to gain an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of the dynamic balance between the stability and malleability of emotional memory, and consequently develop a revolutionary theory-driven treatment for emotional memory disorders.
This program presents a novel mechanistic framework on memory reconsolidation challenging in several ways the dominant model of emotional memory modification. First, while during traditional interventions cognitive changes are required for a reduction in fear, in our procedure cognitive changes preclude the neutralization of fear memory. On the other hand, post-retrieval changes in the cognitive (WP1) and neural (WP2) expression of fear memory may serve as read-outs to demarcate the underlying processes necessary for memory reconsolidation. Second, in contrast to the immediate, but gradual decline of fear during traditional interventions, with memory reconsolidation the fear reduction is delayed, yet abrupt, and sleep may be essential (WP3). A thorough understanding of these processes is essential for developing a reconsolidation intervention in clinical practice (WP4). Finally, the program aims to understand the paradoxical dissociation, yet interdependence, between the cognitive and emotional expressions of fear memory (WP5). This proposal is unique in its bidirectional translational approach. It involves different levels of analysis: from behavioural science, to neuroscience to clinical science, and backwards.
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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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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-2016-ADG
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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.
1012WX Amsterdam
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.