Research Topics and Projects: Overview

In our lab we study functional principles and underlying neural mechanisms and plasticity of the human neuro-cognitive system. More precisely, multisensory functions and experience-dependent plasticity of the brain constitute the focus of our research. We are currently addressing these phenomena in our lab with different strategies:

(1) Functional principles and underlying neural mechanisms of sensory and cognitive functions are studied in a healthy adult population. This basic scientific approach focuses on multisensory processes and sensory-motor functions.

(2) Further, using a retrospective and developmental approach, the impact of alterations of the typical developmental trajectory are studied. This approach focuses on behavioral and neural plasticity as a consequence of sensory deprivation, e.g. in blind individuals, and as a consequence of reafferentation of the affected modality later in life, e.g. after cataract surgery. Examples of research questions on this topic are: compensatory plasticity of cognitive and sensory functions (e.g., do intact sensory systems increase their capacities in the absence of another sensory system?); and functional restitution of visual and multisensory functions after a transient phase of sensory deprivation.

(3) In a prospective developmental approach, behavioral changes are compared to structural and functional changes of the brain. In this research area, neural development of multisensory functions are the center of attention.

(4) Constraints of behavioral and neural plasticity (i.e., the brain's flexibility to show structural and functional changes) are the focus of training studies (approach of behavior dependent plasticity). The brain's capacity to adapt to new (environmental) demands changes during the lifespan. Training studies including different age groups have to be conducted. Such trainings can be short (e.g. perceptual or cognitive trainings for some hours or days) or ongoing (e.g. physical activity for months or years).

Neuro-cognitive functions are measured with a combination of behavioral and electrophysiological measures (event-related potentials, EEG), imaging techniques (functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) and gaze direction measures. Results of the developmental cognitive neuroscience - when and how do and can humans learn - are relevant in various contexts. They give insights into critical and limiting factors in childhood, possibly leading to an improvement of the learning environment for all age groups; they can help to build effective (neuo-) rehabilitation programs for people with developmental disorders, sensory deprivation or brain injury.