Project description
Big (electrophysiological) data drive a comprehensive model of learning and memory
Understanding the brain and information processing related to learning and memory will require the complementary application of experimental methods and computational models. Experiments obtaining in vivo neural data while animals are performing tasks are complicated yet invaluable to developing predictive models. Our ability to trace information flow is further enhanced by measuring neural activity in more than one brain region simultaneously. The EU-funded CSIT project is developing advanced mathematical methods to analyse large amounts of electrophysiological data from chronically implanted electrodes in two related motor regions of behaving rats during novel skill learning. The high density of high-resolution electrodes provides an ample data set to investigate whether distinct circuits mediate learning and storage of memories or if a shared circuit mediates both.
Objective
The stability-plasticity dilemma is a critical constraint in brain networks underlying learning and memory. The dilemma is how the brain can acquire new information (plasticity) without overriding older knowledge (stability). This project aims to understand how the brain solves this dilemma by investigating the underlying circuits that allow for the transition from the initial exploration of a behavior to its long-term storage. One possibility is that distinct brain circuits drive exploration and storage. Alternatively, a shared circuit may mediate both abilities through the transfer of behaviorally relevant information across brain regions. To rigorously test these models, we need a method to measure behaviorally relevant information transfer, something that is not possible with current methods. In this project I propose to work with Dr. Panzeri, a leading expert in applying information theory to neuroscience, to develop such a method. We will apply this method to a dataset I collected during my PhD, consisting of high-resolution, high-channel count chronic multi-site in vivo electrophysiology in the rat during novel skill learning. This dataset contains simultaneously recorded activity from motor cortex and the basal ganglia, regions that have been implicated in the exploration and the storage of behaviors, respectively. The results of this project will shed light on a fundamental principle in the brain, while providing the broader field of systems neuroscience with an important tool that we will disseminate in an open source format for maximum impact. This project is an ideal progression from my PhD and will allow me to strengthen my skills in computational neuroscience, complementing my training in experimental neuroscience, and preparing me to lead an interdisciplinary lab that combines high-quality in vivo electrophysiology with cutting-edge computational methods to investigate how interactions across brain regions generate complex behaviors.
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 computer and information sciences computational science
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology computational neuroscience
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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-2019
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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.
16163 Genova
Italy
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.