Project description DEENESFRITPL 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. Show the project objective Hide the project objective 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 natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologycognitive neuroscience Keywords Decision-making Choices Value Population code Computational model Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2019 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator UNIVERSITAT ZURICH Net EU contribution € 203 149,44 Address RAMISTRASSE 71 8006 Zurich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 203 149,44
