Project description
Unravelling the multifaceted nature of sensory neuroplasticity in adult humans
The capability of our brain to change in response to environmental pressures is defined as neuroplasticity. It underlines the peak of our ability to learn in early childhood and allows us to adapt to the external world. However, the plastic potential of the brain decreases with age. This means it is harder for our sensory brain to react to injury and sensory loss. In this context, the EU-funded HOPLA project will unravel the multifaceted nature of sensory neuroplasticity in adult humans, elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore new forms of plasticity. Specifically, it will combine classic behavioural measurements of visual and auditory perception with neuroimaging techniques and virtual reality environments.
Objective
Fine-tuning of our sensory systems, learning, memory and cognition rely on neuroplasticity, the capability of our brain to change in response to environmental pressures. Neuroplasticity is maximal during development, underlying the peak of our ability to learn in early childhood and also allowing us to adapt to the external world. As we age, the plastic potential of the brain decreases, especially for sensory cortices. The classical view is that the sensory brain becomes hard-wired after the temporal window of maximal plasticity called critical period (6-7 years in humans). As a consequence, the ability of our sensory brain to react to injury, sensory loss and to recover from conditions established during development becomes limited in adulthood.
In my previous research I have shown that a particular form of neuroplasticity called homeostatic plasticity is relatively preserved beyond the critical period, opening new horizons on adult sensory plasticity. Building on these observations, in project HOPLA I will unravel the multifaceted nature of sensory neuroplasticity in adult humans, elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore new forms of plasticity.
The project is articulated around four unresolved issues:
1- What is the relationship between Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity?
2- What is the role of excitation/inhibition balance in enhancing and consolidating homeostatic plasticity?
3- Is it possible to elicit new forms of visual and auditory homeostatic plasticity?
4- What is the interplay between neuroplasticity occurring between and within sensory modalities?
To address these questions, I will combine classic behavioural measurements of visual and auditory perception with state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques and virtual reality environments both in healthy and clinical populations (amblyopic and deaf adults). The proposed research is based on strong theoretical hypotheses and has outstanding applications for neuro-rehabilitation in adult humans.
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)
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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-STG - Starting 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-2020-STG
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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.
75794 PARIS
France
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.