Objective
The major objective of FUNCOPLAN is to examine groundbreaking questions on the functional role of newly-generated neurons in the adult brain. Using a combination of innovative approaches, our aim is to discover how plasticity in adult-born cells shapes information processing in neuronal circuits.
Adult neurogenesis produces new neurons in particular areas of the mammalian brain throughout life. Because they undergo a transient period of heightened plasticity, these freshly-generated cells are believed to bring unique properties to the circuits they join – a continual influx of new, immature cells is believed to provide a level of plasticity not achievable by the mature, resident network alone. But what exactly is the function of the additional plasticity provided by adult-born neurons? How does it influence information processing in neuronal networks?
These questions are vital for our fundamental understanding of how the brain works. We will address them by studying a unique population of cells that is continually generated throughout life: dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb. These cells play a key role in the modulation of early sensory responses and are renowned for their plastic capacity. However, the role of this plasticity in shaping sensory processing remains completely unknown. FUNCOPLAN’s first objectives, therefore, are to discover novel experience-dependent plastic changes in the cellular features and sensory response properties of adult-born neurons. We will then go much further than this, however, by integrating our discoveries with state-of-the-art techniques for precisely manipulating activity in these cells in vivo. This wholly innovative approach will allow us to mimic the effects of plasticity in naïve circuits, or cancel the effects of plasticity in experience-altered networks. In this way, we will break new ground, demonstrating a unique contribution of plasticity in adult-born cells to the fundamental function of neuronal circuitry.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
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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-COG - Consolidator 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-COG
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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.
WC2R 2LS 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.