Project description
Insight into the role of feedback connections in the brain
The sensory networks of the cerebral cortex mainly consist of lateral and feedback connections, with feedforward input only accounting for 10 % of synapses. The scope of the EU-funded FOFC project is to elucidate the role of feedback connections. For this purpose, scientists will combine computational modelling and in vivo imaging to decipher the function and organisation of feedback connections in the mouse visual system. They will train neural network models on different visual tasks and compare the output with in vivo experimental data. Apart from characterising the impact of different feedback pathways, the generated tools can be employed to study other neural pathways.
Objective
Less than 10% of synapses in sensory areas of cerebral cortex are from feedforward input; the rest stem from lateral and feedback connections. Much experimental and theoretical research into sensory processing, however, focuses on the feedforward pathway despite the significant impact feedback connections have on activity. What role do feedback connections play, and how do they carry them out? This project combines computational modeling with in vivo imaging to explore the function and organization of feedback connections in the mouse visual system. Specifically, it proposes training neural network models with feedback connections on different challenging visual tasks, each inspired by a hypothesized role of feedback (such as prediction or localization). Once these models are trained, their response to images can be compared to experimental data collected from multiple visual areas. These models also provide an ideal experimental setting wherein the anatomy of the learned feedback connections can be fully characterized. These characterizations can inform hypotheses about what feedback features should be present in the biology. To explore if these features are present, in vivo imaging will be used to characterize the information carried by different feedback pathways in the mouse visual system. The impact of feedback on neurons in V1 will also be determined by comparing activity under normal circumstances to when these feedback pathways are silenced. In summary, this work will use modeling to relate properties of feedback connections to their function and test for these properties experimentally. It will also develop an approach that can be applied to many neural pathways.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine anatomy and morphology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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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.
WC1E 6BT 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.