Objective
Synaesthesia is a common neurodevelopmental phenomenon (2-5% of the population) where stimulation of one sense automatically triggers an experience of another. Familial clustering indicates that synaesthesia is highly heritable. However, this genetic contribution is poorly understood and likely heterogeneous, a major hindrance to our understanding of the neurobiology. My objective is to remove this barrier through the most comprehensive interrogation of synaesthesia genetics to date, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and integrative approaches.
This study will focus on individuals who associate letters and numbers with colour (grapheme-colour synaesthesia), as this type of synaesthesia is common and the most reliably measured. I will apply two complementary approaches in parallel. Whole genome sequencing in two newly ascertained multigenerational synaesthesia families will determine the role of rare genetic variants (Work Package 1, WP1), while genome-wide genotyping of 1000 unrelated synaesthetes will unmask contributions from common variation (WP2). Using existing candidates and novel genes discovered in this work, I will perform multi-level in silico analyses to test if genetic information supports the prevailing theory of neural hyperconnectivity as an underlying aetiology (WP3). WP1-3 will help to define the genetic landscape of synaesthesia, while opening novel research avenues into the neurobiology of sensory perception.
This fellowship will provide a diverse set of stepping-stones toward my professional goal of becoming an independent researcher in the rapidly advancing field of neurogenetics. The research and training plans will deepen my current skillset and add a suite of complementary informatics skills that will significantly enhance the quality and competitiveness of my scientific career. The multi-platform dissemination and public outreach strategy involves both the scientific community and main stakeholders at the major milestones (WP4).
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 computer and information sciences data science
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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-2015
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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.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.