From neuroscience to society: A multi-disciplinary study of human perception and cognition. This project aims to use a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the factors influencing human perception and cognition - from the level of basic neuroscience, through to the wider impact felt by individuals and society when these functions are either impaired or enhanced. This will inform the basic research question of how the brain generates a conscious experience, identify the relationship between ....From neuroscience to society: A multi-disciplinary study of human perception and cognition. This project aims to use a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the factors influencing human perception and cognition - from the level of basic neuroscience, through to the wider impact felt by individuals and society when these functions are either impaired or enhanced. This will inform the basic research question of how the brain generates a conscious experience, identify the relationship between altered visual cognitive function and clinical symptoms of psychosis, and determine the current prevalence and neuroethical issues associated with the non-medical use of drugs to enhance cognitive or perceptual function within Australia.Read moreRead less
The brain in real time: a neural model of rhythmic action and perception. This project aims to study a fundamental function of the human brain: its temporal architecture. It will provide an innovative perspective on the neural mechanisms underlying and relating perception, intention, and voluntary action in real time, though a combination of eye-tracking, behaviour, and neural recordings. By providing a common language with which to relate perception, cognition, volition and action, this will ....The brain in real time: a neural model of rhythmic action and perception. This project aims to study a fundamental function of the human brain: its temporal architecture. It will provide an innovative perspective on the neural mechanisms underlying and relating perception, intention, and voluntary action in real time, though a combination of eye-tracking, behaviour, and neural recordings. By providing a common language with which to relate perception, cognition, volition and action, this will provide significant benefits that will transform the way we think about brain function.Read moreRead less
Chronic pain and functional impairment following traumatic injury: an investigation into the impact of compensation status and experience. This project will enhance understanding of the impact of the psychosocial factors and the compensation process on recovery from traumatic injury. The project will generate new resources (screening and referral guidelines; educational materials) to improve decision making consistency, client experience, and recovery from road trauma.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100588
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Gene-environment interactions in the regulation of neuroplasticity and cognitive function . This project will study the effects of different housing conditions on neuroplasticity-related cognitive function by combining an innovative operant conditioning behavioural test (computerised touch-screen technology) and new molecular approaches. Potential gene-environment interactions will be revealed using genetically targeted mice which have never been assessed in that context (mutants with altered gl ....Gene-environment interactions in the regulation of neuroplasticity and cognitive function . This project will study the effects of different housing conditions on neuroplasticity-related cognitive function by combining an innovative operant conditioning behavioural test (computerised touch-screen technology) and new molecular approaches. Potential gene-environment interactions will be revealed using genetically targeted mice which have never been assessed in that context (mutants with altered glucocorticoid and serotonin signalling). This project will study whether specific stages of the neuroplasticity process are differentially modulated through gene-environment interactions, ultimately resulting in changes to behaviour and cognitive functions. This will lead to a better understanding of the potential approaches that could be used to improve cognitive function.Read moreRead less
Learning from errors: examining the neural mechanisms underlying performance monitoring and adaptive behaviour. This project aims to contribute to current scientific thinking on how the brain mechanisms underlying error processing influence adaptive behaviour. Self-recognition of errors deteriorates in many clinical conditions and is a predictor of poor prognostic outcome. However, it remains unclear how such dysfunction leads to the failure to adapt behaviour.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100750
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,106.00
Summary
Associative learning and fluid intelligence: Computational and neurogenetic analyses. This project investigates genetic contributions to associative learning, one of our most fundamental abilities. Associative learning allows us to navigate in our environment, predict future events and make appropriate decisions. Electrophysiological measures will be used to study learning processes precisely and to investigate their relationship to polymorphisms in genes that regulate neural function. This rese ....Associative learning and fluid intelligence: Computational and neurogenetic analyses. This project investigates genetic contributions to associative learning, one of our most fundamental abilities. Associative learning allows us to navigate in our environment, predict future events and make appropriate decisions. Electrophysiological measures will be used to study learning processes precisely and to investigate their relationship to polymorphisms in genes that regulate neural function. This research will further understanding of the mechanisms that generate individual differences in learning ability and will have applications for educational techniques and behavioural interventions.Read moreRead less
Mapping and manipulating fear prediction errors. This project plans to use Pavlovian conditioning to map and then manipulate the brain architecture of fear prediction errors. It asks fundamental questions about how Pavlovian conditioning and associative learning enable us to learn to fear, to reduce fear, and to respond appropriately to danger. It aims to answer these questions with behavioural sophistication and previously unobtainable cell-type, temporal, and circuit-level precision. It aims t ....Mapping and manipulating fear prediction errors. This project plans to use Pavlovian conditioning to map and then manipulate the brain architecture of fear prediction errors. It asks fundamental questions about how Pavlovian conditioning and associative learning enable us to learn to fear, to reduce fear, and to respond appropriately to danger. It aims to answer these questions with behavioural sophistication and previously unobtainable cell-type, temporal, and circuit-level precision. It aims to provide new insights into the mechanisms of Pavlovian conditioning, associative learning, and emotion: insights that are necessary to shape the next generation of theoretical accounts and practical applications.Read moreRead less
PET imaging of learning-related plasticity in awake behaving rats. The objective of the project is to combine an investigation of basic learning paradigms with functional Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats in order to answer critical questions about the neurobiological basis of learning and decision-making in the brain. MicroPET technology provides PET images without the confounds induced by anaesthesia. Using this technology, the project intends to observe whole-brain changes in ....PET imaging of learning-related plasticity in awake behaving rats. The objective of the project is to combine an investigation of basic learning paradigms with functional Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats in order to answer critical questions about the neurobiological basis of learning and decision-making in the brain. MicroPET technology provides PET images without the confounds induced by anaesthesia. Using this technology, the project intends to observe whole-brain changes in dopamine neurotransmission in awake, behaving rats while they learn to predict motivationally relevant outcomes based on environmental cues and on their own actions (ie during Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, respectively). The outcomes of this research may improve our understanding of the neural changes responsible for debilitating disorders of the brain and mind.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101275
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Contribution of basal ganglia networks to the fine-tuning of action. This project aims to identify the changes occurring in specific brain circuits when new behaviours are learned. Our ability to perform efficient goal-directed actions involves a learning process in which separate movements are organised into sequences of action. This project aims to determine how this is encoded in the brain by mapping basal ganglia networks that are directly engaged during different stages of learning. This pr ....Contribution of basal ganglia networks to the fine-tuning of action. This project aims to identify the changes occurring in specific brain circuits when new behaviours are learned. Our ability to perform efficient goal-directed actions involves a learning process in which separate movements are organised into sequences of action. This project aims to determine how this is encoded in the brain by mapping basal ganglia networks that are directly engaged during different stages of learning. This project also seeks to identify specific neural circuits that are important for the refinement of action. The knowledge developed in this project is expected to support the development of training programs to instruct individuals in specialised tasks and may be used in the design of biologically inspired robots.Read moreRead less
Atypical cognition in autism: preference for nonverbal coding and impaired connectivity? This project will investigate whether individuals with autism prefer to think 'in pictures' rather than use words, and whether their thinking shows evidence of limited connections across brain regions. Establishing either characteristic for autism would provide important direction in improving diagnosis and intervention for affected children.