Project description
Decoding value signals in the human brain
The human brain routinely makes complex decisions choosing between alternative courses of action. A central hypothesis is that the brain represents the motivational relevance of the choice options by means of value signals. However, it is not clear how the brain computes such values for multi-dimensional options and how it can adapt them to different contexts. The EU-funded COVADIS project represents an interdisciplinary step towards deciphering the neural code for value employing the combination of methods from cognitive neuroscience, computational modelling and behavioural psychophysics. The researchers will create an experimental setup for the study of value signals and present the results as a comprehensive report on a biologically plausible model of the brain computations underlying value processing.
Objective
Humans routinely make complex decisions between alternative courses of action. How our brains enable us to do this is a fundamental question in neuroscience. A central hypothesis is that the brain represents the motivational relevance of the choice options by means of value signals. However, it has remained elusive how the brain computes such values for multi-dimensional options and how it flexibly adapts them to different contexts.
This lack of knowledge has strong implications for society, since it prevents us from adequately treating psychiatric behavioral control disorders that affect the lives of millions worldwide, and since it hampers the rapidly growing artificial-intelligence industry trying to develop agents that are truly capable of autonomous value-based decisions.
This groundbreaking, interdisciplinary action will take an important step towards deciphering the neural code for value through the combined use of methods from cognitive neuroscience, computational modelling, and behavioral psychophysics. Specifically, I will create an experimental setup for the study of value signals, reveal the computational and biological principles of the neural code for value, and synthetize the results into a comprehensive report on a biologically plausible model of the brain computations underlying value processing.
My training in decision-making, neuroimaging, and computational modelling make me the ideal person for this action. The state-of-the-art and interdisciplinary research facilities of the Zürich center for Neuroeconomics at the University of Zürich make it the ideal host institution. At this pioneering lab, I will be trained in cutting-edge decoding methods for neuroimaging, non-invasive brain stimulation, statistical and computational skills, and in communicating the results of this interdisciplinary work. This will boost my ability to lead my own laboratory as an independent researcher in clinical and decision neuroscience.
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.
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
8006 Zurich
Switzerland
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.