Project acronym CoPeST
Project Construction of perceptual space-time
Researcher (PI) David Paul Melcher
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2012-StG_20111124
Summary The foundation of lived experience is that it occurs in a particular space and time. Objects, events and actions happen in the present moment in a unified space which surrounds our body. As noted by Immanuel Kant, space and time are a priori concepts that organize our thoughts and experiences. Yet basic laboratory experiments reveal the cracks in this illusion of a unified perceptual space-time. Our subjective experience is a construction created out of the responses of numerous sensory detectors which give only limited information. In terms of space, the sensory input from a multitude of tiny windows is organized based on the coordinates of the receptor system, such as the fingertip or a specific location on the retina. In terms of time, sensory input is summed over a limited period which varies widely across different receptor types. Critically, none of these sensory detectors has a spatial-temporal response that corresponds to our subjective experience. Nonetheless, the mind constructs an illusion of unified space and continuous time out of the variegated responses. The goal of this project is to uncover the mechanisms underlying smooth and continuous perception. This project builds on a decade of groundwork in studying specific instances of the integration of visual information over space and time with a new focus on the mechanisms that unite the various phenomena which have up to now been studied separately. A combination of behavioral, neuroimaging and computational approaches will be used to identify the mechanisms underlying spatio-temporal continuity in high-level perception. We will track the dynamic shifts between the various temporal and spatial coordinate frames used to encode information in the brain, a topic which has remained largely unexplored. This research project, driven by specific hypotheses, aims to uncover how uni-sensory, ego-centric sensory responses give rise to the rich, multisensory experience of unified space-time.
Summary
The foundation of lived experience is that it occurs in a particular space and time. Objects, events and actions happen in the present moment in a unified space which surrounds our body. As noted by Immanuel Kant, space and time are a priori concepts that organize our thoughts and experiences. Yet basic laboratory experiments reveal the cracks in this illusion of a unified perceptual space-time. Our subjective experience is a construction created out of the responses of numerous sensory detectors which give only limited information. In terms of space, the sensory input from a multitude of tiny windows is organized based on the coordinates of the receptor system, such as the fingertip or a specific location on the retina. In terms of time, sensory input is summed over a limited period which varies widely across different receptor types. Critically, none of these sensory detectors has a spatial-temporal response that corresponds to our subjective experience. Nonetheless, the mind constructs an illusion of unified space and continuous time out of the variegated responses. The goal of this project is to uncover the mechanisms underlying smooth and continuous perception. This project builds on a decade of groundwork in studying specific instances of the integration of visual information over space and time with a new focus on the mechanisms that unite the various phenomena which have up to now been studied separately. A combination of behavioral, neuroimaging and computational approaches will be used to identify the mechanisms underlying spatio-temporal continuity in high-level perception. We will track the dynamic shifts between the various temporal and spatial coordinate frames used to encode information in the brain, a topic which has remained largely unexplored. This research project, driven by specific hypotheses, aims to uncover how uni-sensory, ego-centric sensory responses give rise to the rich, multisensory experience of unified space-time.
Max ERC Funding
1 002 102 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-01-01, End date: 2017-12-31
Project acronym DREAMS
Project Development of a Research Environment for Advanced Modelling of Soft matter
Researcher (PI) Vincenzo Barone
Host Institution (HI) SCUOLA NORMALE SUPERIORE
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE5, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary "DREAMS aims at developing an integrated theoretical-computational approach for the efficient description of linear and non-linear spectroscopies of several classes of organic probes, dispersed in polymeric matrices that range in complexity from simple polyolefins all the way to large biomolecules (proteins and polysaccharides).
In order to reach this objective, developments along the following lines are required: (i) elaboration of new theoretical models, to expand the scope of currently available treatments; (ii) definition of specific treatments for intermediate regions / regimes in the context of space- and time-multiscale descriptions; (iii) algorithmic implementation of the developed models / protocols in computational codes and, (iv) their efficient integration allowing for seamless flow of information and easy use by non-specialists.
A crucial asset for the success of the planned theoretical-computational developments is represented by an extensive network of solid collaborations with leading experimental groups, that will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of the different chromophore / matrix systems, as well as in the in-depth characterization of their spectroscopic responses. These interactions will thus allow for a stringent and exhaustive validation of the capabilities required of a general and versatile computational tool; at the same time, the experimental groups will make full use of advanced theoretical interpretations in the context of a real-world technological problem.
In summary, DREAMS relies on a carefully planned combination of theoretical developments, computational implementations, and interactions with experimentalists, in order to achieve a novel and cutting-edge result, namely to provide the scientific community with a set of computational tools that will make possible the simulation and prediction of response and spectroscopic properties of multi-component materials."
Summary
"DREAMS aims at developing an integrated theoretical-computational approach for the efficient description of linear and non-linear spectroscopies of several classes of organic probes, dispersed in polymeric matrices that range in complexity from simple polyolefins all the way to large biomolecules (proteins and polysaccharides).
In order to reach this objective, developments along the following lines are required: (i) elaboration of new theoretical models, to expand the scope of currently available treatments; (ii) definition of specific treatments for intermediate regions / regimes in the context of space- and time-multiscale descriptions; (iii) algorithmic implementation of the developed models / protocols in computational codes and, (iv) their efficient integration allowing for seamless flow of information and easy use by non-specialists.
A crucial asset for the success of the planned theoretical-computational developments is represented by an extensive network of solid collaborations with leading experimental groups, that will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of the different chromophore / matrix systems, as well as in the in-depth characterization of their spectroscopic responses. These interactions will thus allow for a stringent and exhaustive validation of the capabilities required of a general and versatile computational tool; at the same time, the experimental groups will make full use of advanced theoretical interpretations in the context of a real-world technological problem.
In summary, DREAMS relies on a carefully planned combination of theoretical developments, computational implementations, and interactions with experimentalists, in order to achieve a novel and cutting-edge result, namely to provide the scientific community with a set of computational tools that will make possible the simulation and prediction of response and spectroscopic properties of multi-component materials."
Max ERC Funding
2 152 600 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2018-01-31
Project acronym ECSPLAIN
Project Early Cortical Sensory Plasticity and Adaptability in Human Adults
Researcher (PI) Maria Concetta Morrone
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DI PISA
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), SH4, ERC-2013-ADG
Summary Neuronal plasticity is an important mechanism for memory and cognition, and also fundamental to fine-tune perception to the environment. It has long been thought that sensory neural systems are plastic only in very young animals, during the so-called “critical period”. However, recent evidence – including work from our laboratory – suggests that the adult brain may retain far more capacity for plastic change than previously assumed, even for basic visual properties like ocular dominance. This project probes the underlying neural mechanisms of adult human plasticity, and investigates its functional role in important processes such as response optimization, auto-calibration and recovery of function. We propose a range of experiments employing many experimental techniques, organized within four principle research lines. The first (and major) research line studies the effects of brief periods of monocular deprivation on functional cortical reorganization of adults, measured by psychophysics (binocular rivalry), ERP, functional imaging and MR spectroscopy. We will also investigate the clinical implications of monocular patching of children with amblyopia. Another research line looks at the effects of longer-term deprivation, such as those induced by hereditary cone dystrophy. Another examines the interplay between plasticity and visual adaptation in early visual cortex, with techniques aimed to modulate retinotopic organization of primary visual cortex. Finally we will use fMRI to study development and plasticity in newborns, providing benchmark data to assess residual plasticity of older humans. Pilot studies have been conducted on most of the proposed lines of research (including fMRI recording from alert newborns), attesting to their feasibility and the likelihood of them being completed within the timeframe of this grant. The PI has considerable experience in all these research areas.
Summary
Neuronal plasticity is an important mechanism for memory and cognition, and also fundamental to fine-tune perception to the environment. It has long been thought that sensory neural systems are plastic only in very young animals, during the so-called “critical period”. However, recent evidence – including work from our laboratory – suggests that the adult brain may retain far more capacity for plastic change than previously assumed, even for basic visual properties like ocular dominance. This project probes the underlying neural mechanisms of adult human plasticity, and investigates its functional role in important processes such as response optimization, auto-calibration and recovery of function. We propose a range of experiments employing many experimental techniques, organized within four principle research lines. The first (and major) research line studies the effects of brief periods of monocular deprivation on functional cortical reorganization of adults, measured by psychophysics (binocular rivalry), ERP, functional imaging and MR spectroscopy. We will also investigate the clinical implications of monocular patching of children with amblyopia. Another research line looks at the effects of longer-term deprivation, such as those induced by hereditary cone dystrophy. Another examines the interplay between plasticity and visual adaptation in early visual cortex, with techniques aimed to modulate retinotopic organization of primary visual cortex. Finally we will use fMRI to study development and plasticity in newborns, providing benchmark data to assess residual plasticity of older humans. Pilot studies have been conducted on most of the proposed lines of research (including fMRI recording from alert newborns), attesting to their feasibility and the likelihood of them being completed within the timeframe of this grant. The PI has considerable experience in all these research areas.
Max ERC Funding
2 493 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-05-01, End date: 2019-04-30
Project acronym FOLDHALO
Project Folding with Halogen Bonding
Researcher (PI) Pierangelo Metrangolo
Host Institution (HI) POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary "The focus of this research project will be on halogen bonding, namely any noncovalent interactions involving halogen atoms as electrophilic species (electron density acceptor sites, Lewis acids, halogen bonding-donors). In particular, the overall goal of the project will be to fully elucidate the capabilities and properties of halogen atoms as recognition “sticky” sites in the context of biomolecules.
The general objective of this research project will be achieved through the application of a multi-dimensional approach to the understanding of the intermolecular interactions involving halogenated molecules in chemistry and biology. The programme of work will centre around three closely integrated and synergistic strands. The common theme is to exploit halogen bonding for the design of “smart” peptides and foldamers (Strand 1), the obtainment of complexes of polyhalogenated organic pollutants with serum proteins (Strand 2), and to assemble biomimetic sensors for polyhalogenated organic pollutants (Strand 3).
For the first time a multidisciplinary team composed by synthetic chemists, small molecule crystallographers, biologists, physicists, and protein crystallographers will join forces around the fundamental issues of: a) contributing to the establishment of the nature and properties of halogen bonding in ligand/biomolecule systems; b) improving our understanding of long-distance intermolecular interactions and their role on the energy profiles of biochemical transformations; c) facilitating preparation of more rationally designed new halogenated drugs; d) allowing for the mechanistic understanding of reactivity of halogen-containing molecules for the development of efficient and ""green"" synthetic and bioremediation methods.
The overall aim of this project is, therefore, to enlighten to the scientific community the potential that halogen bonding has to become a very powerful tool in the manipulation of molecular recognition phenomena in chemistry and biology."
Summary
"The focus of this research project will be on halogen bonding, namely any noncovalent interactions involving halogen atoms as electrophilic species (electron density acceptor sites, Lewis acids, halogen bonding-donors). In particular, the overall goal of the project will be to fully elucidate the capabilities and properties of halogen atoms as recognition “sticky” sites in the context of biomolecules.
The general objective of this research project will be achieved through the application of a multi-dimensional approach to the understanding of the intermolecular interactions involving halogenated molecules in chemistry and biology. The programme of work will centre around three closely integrated and synergistic strands. The common theme is to exploit halogen bonding for the design of “smart” peptides and foldamers (Strand 1), the obtainment of complexes of polyhalogenated organic pollutants with serum proteins (Strand 2), and to assemble biomimetic sensors for polyhalogenated organic pollutants (Strand 3).
For the first time a multidisciplinary team composed by synthetic chemists, small molecule crystallographers, biologists, physicists, and protein crystallographers will join forces around the fundamental issues of: a) contributing to the establishment of the nature and properties of halogen bonding in ligand/biomolecule systems; b) improving our understanding of long-distance intermolecular interactions and their role on the energy profiles of biochemical transformations; c) facilitating preparation of more rationally designed new halogenated drugs; d) allowing for the mechanistic understanding of reactivity of halogen-containing molecules for the development of efficient and ""green"" synthetic and bioremediation methods.
The overall aim of this project is, therefore, to enlighten to the scientific community the potential that halogen bonding has to become a very powerful tool in the manipulation of molecular recognition phenomena in chemistry and biology."
Max ERC Funding
1 393 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-03-01, End date: 2018-02-28
Project acronym I.MOVE.U
Project Intention-from-MOVEment Understanding: from moving bodies to interacting minds
Researcher (PI) Cristina Becchio
Host Institution (HI) FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2012-StG_20111124
Summary "From observing other people’s movements, humans make inferences that go far beyond the appearance of the observed stimuli: inferences about unobservable mental states such as goals and intentions. Although this ability is critical for successful social interaction, little is known about how – often fast and reliably – we are able to make such inferences.
I.MOVE.U intends to provide the first comprehensive account of how intentions are extracted from body motion during interaction with conspecifics. Covert mental states such as intentions become visible to the extent they contribute as dynamic factors to generate the kinematics of a given action. By combining advanced methods in psychophysics and neuroscience with kinematics and virtual reality technologies, this project will study i) to what extent observers are sensitive to intention information conveyed by body movements; ii) what mechanisms and neural processes mediate the ability to extract intention from body motion; iii) how, during on-line social interaction with another agent, agents use their own actions to predict the partner’s intention. These issues will be addressed at different levels of analysis (motor, cognitive, neural) in neurotypical participants and participants with autism spectrum disorders. For the first time, to investigate real-time social interaction, full-body tracking will be combined with online generation of biological motion stimuli to obtain visual biological motion stimuli directly dependent on the actual behavior of participants.
I.MOVE.U pioneers a new area of research at the intersection of motor cognition and social cognition, providing knowledge of direct scientific, clinical, and technological impact. The final outcome of the project will result in a new quantitative methodology to investigate the decoding of intention during interaction with conspecifics."
Summary
"From observing other people’s movements, humans make inferences that go far beyond the appearance of the observed stimuli: inferences about unobservable mental states such as goals and intentions. Although this ability is critical for successful social interaction, little is known about how – often fast and reliably – we are able to make such inferences.
I.MOVE.U intends to provide the first comprehensive account of how intentions are extracted from body motion during interaction with conspecifics. Covert mental states such as intentions become visible to the extent they contribute as dynamic factors to generate the kinematics of a given action. By combining advanced methods in psychophysics and neuroscience with kinematics and virtual reality technologies, this project will study i) to what extent observers are sensitive to intention information conveyed by body movements; ii) what mechanisms and neural processes mediate the ability to extract intention from body motion; iii) how, during on-line social interaction with another agent, agents use their own actions to predict the partner’s intention. These issues will be addressed at different levels of analysis (motor, cognitive, neural) in neurotypical participants and participants with autism spectrum disorders. For the first time, to investigate real-time social interaction, full-body tracking will be combined with online generation of biological motion stimuli to obtain visual biological motion stimuli directly dependent on the actual behavior of participants.
I.MOVE.U pioneers a new area of research at the intersection of motor cognition and social cognition, providing knowledge of direct scientific, clinical, and technological impact. The final outcome of the project will result in a new quantitative methodology to investigate the decoding of intention during interaction with conspecifics."
Max ERC Funding
999 920 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-09-01, End date: 2018-08-31
Project acronym LEX-MEA
Project Life EXperience Modulations of Executive function Asymmetries
Researcher (PI) Antonino Vallesi
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2012-StG_20111124
Summary Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes underlying goal-directed behaviour. Two crucial executive functions are criterion-setting, the ability to form new rules, and monitoring, the capacity to evaluate whether those rules are being applied correctly. They differentially engage left and right prefrontal regions. Determining the impact of experience on these key functions will help understand individual differences and, crucially, reveal the available degrees of freedom for active intervention in case of decline or deficit. The central goal of LEX-MEA proposal is to unveil which neural and experiential factors shape these high-level functions across the life-span. The specific aim of the proposal is threefold. First, by using a multimodal neuroimaging approach, it will unveil how prefrontal hemispheric asymmetries underlying executive functions change depending on the task context, and whether this division of labour is advantageous. Second, it will study how significant real-life experiences, such as practicing a skill that entails a specific executive function, modulate these functions and their neural underpinning. We will target 2 groups of professionals, simultaneous translators and air traffic controllers, who make extensive use of criterion-setting and monitoring, respectively, to test whether, in different stages of skill acquisition, they show a generalized benefit for the specific executive function trained. Third, we will test whether having practiced a skill requiring a certain executive function throughout life constitutes a compensatory factor against cognitive aging. The ultimate objective is to lay the cognitive and neural foundation for a full understanding of these extraordinary abilities not only in normal conditions but also in diverse diseases and to boost particular executive functions with tailored, theory-guided training programs.
Summary
Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes underlying goal-directed behaviour. Two crucial executive functions are criterion-setting, the ability to form new rules, and monitoring, the capacity to evaluate whether those rules are being applied correctly. They differentially engage left and right prefrontal regions. Determining the impact of experience on these key functions will help understand individual differences and, crucially, reveal the available degrees of freedom for active intervention in case of decline or deficit. The central goal of LEX-MEA proposal is to unveil which neural and experiential factors shape these high-level functions across the life-span. The specific aim of the proposal is threefold. First, by using a multimodal neuroimaging approach, it will unveil how prefrontal hemispheric asymmetries underlying executive functions change depending on the task context, and whether this division of labour is advantageous. Second, it will study how significant real-life experiences, such as practicing a skill that entails a specific executive function, modulate these functions and their neural underpinning. We will target 2 groups of professionals, simultaneous translators and air traffic controllers, who make extensive use of criterion-setting and monitoring, respectively, to test whether, in different stages of skill acquisition, they show a generalized benefit for the specific executive function trained. Third, we will test whether having practiced a skill requiring a certain executive function throughout life constitutes a compensatory factor against cognitive aging. The ultimate objective is to lay the cognitive and neural foundation for a full understanding of these extraordinary abilities not only in normal conditions but also in diverse diseases and to boost particular executive functions with tailored, theory-guided training programs.
Max ERC Funding
1 475 950 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-03-01, End date: 2018-02-28
Project acronym PARIETALACTION
Project The human Parietal Lobe
Researcher (PI) Guy A. Orban
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PARMA
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), SH4, ERC-2012-ADG_20120411
Summary We will use univariate and multivariate functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques, surface and stereo EEG, and in depth single cell recording to investigate the role of human parietal lobe in the monocular or stereoscopic observation of actions performed by conspecifics either using their biological effectors or artificial implements (tools, spears, bicycle, microphone, etc). The fMRI techniques will provide evidence for segregated processing of different types of observed actions within the parietal cortex. The EEG techniques will provide the time course of the electric activity in the parietal regions in comparison to the events and dynamic changes in the video and the time course in other parts of the action observation network. The stereo EEG also provides a more precise localization than fMRI, serving as an important confirmation of the fMRI results. The single cell recordings are crucial to demonstrate the selectivity of the neuronal processes for actions observed, their postural or kinematic parameters or localization in the visual field. This selectivity is crucial to show the presence of mirror neurons for the different types of actions and the use of tools, to document the contribution of the parietal neurons to discrimination between actions, and to assess the benefits of stereoscopic viewing. This project should yield a comprehensive view of the role of parietal lobe in action planning and understanding, including using artificial implements, and pave the way for understanding how higher-order parietal cognitive processes are rooted in the simpler action planning and understanding capacities.
Summary
We will use univariate and multivariate functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques, surface and stereo EEG, and in depth single cell recording to investigate the role of human parietal lobe in the monocular or stereoscopic observation of actions performed by conspecifics either using their biological effectors or artificial implements (tools, spears, bicycle, microphone, etc). The fMRI techniques will provide evidence for segregated processing of different types of observed actions within the parietal cortex. The EEG techniques will provide the time course of the electric activity in the parietal regions in comparison to the events and dynamic changes in the video and the time course in other parts of the action observation network. The stereo EEG also provides a more precise localization than fMRI, serving as an important confirmation of the fMRI results. The single cell recordings are crucial to demonstrate the selectivity of the neuronal processes for actions observed, their postural or kinematic parameters or localization in the visual field. This selectivity is crucial to show the presence of mirror neurons for the different types of actions and the use of tools, to document the contribution of the parietal neurons to discrimination between actions, and to assess the benefits of stereoscopic viewing. This project should yield a comprehensive view of the role of parietal lobe in action planning and understanding, including using artificial implements, and pave the way for understanding how higher-order parietal cognitive processes are rooted in the simpler action planning and understanding capacities.
Max ERC Funding
2 475 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-04-01, End date: 2018-12-31
Project acronym Perceptual Awareness
Project Perceptual Awareness in the Reorganizing Brain
Researcher (PI) Carlo Alberto Marzi
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), SH4, ERC-2013-ADG
Summary "The present project aims at casting light on the neural and cognitive reorganization of visual function following unilateral lesion at various levels of the central visual system such as optic tract, optic radiation, primary visual cortex, extrastriate visual areas. In the first part of the project we will employ behavioural as well as brain imaging methods to study the basic neural mechanisms of blindsight, that is, above chance visually guided behaviour in hemianopic patients in the absence of visual awareness. The neural and cognitive substrate of this condition will be compared with that of conscious vision in order to tease apart the neural and cognitive mechanisms responsible of the shift from unconscious to conscious vision. In addition to purely behavioural experiments all patients will be tested while recording, in planned sequential experiments, ERP, MEG and fMRI to assess the processing stage and the brain areas subserving unconscious and conscious vision, respectively. This procedure will enable us to correlate the level of perceptual awareness retained or acquired and the lesion site. In the second part of the project we will use visual imagery to ""access"" the deafferented or lesioned visual cortex. By means of fMRI and MEG recording we will assess the effect on specific cortical areas of focusing a mental visual image on given portions of either the intact or the hemianopic field. The results of this procedure will constraint the development of novel imagery-based visual rehabilitation protocols tailored individually on the basis of the lesion profile of the patients and on the presence of concurrent brain imaging feedback on the plastic cortical changes occurred as a result of specific training."
Summary
"The present project aims at casting light on the neural and cognitive reorganization of visual function following unilateral lesion at various levels of the central visual system such as optic tract, optic radiation, primary visual cortex, extrastriate visual areas. In the first part of the project we will employ behavioural as well as brain imaging methods to study the basic neural mechanisms of blindsight, that is, above chance visually guided behaviour in hemianopic patients in the absence of visual awareness. The neural and cognitive substrate of this condition will be compared with that of conscious vision in order to tease apart the neural and cognitive mechanisms responsible of the shift from unconscious to conscious vision. In addition to purely behavioural experiments all patients will be tested while recording, in planned sequential experiments, ERP, MEG and fMRI to assess the processing stage and the brain areas subserving unconscious and conscious vision, respectively. This procedure will enable us to correlate the level of perceptual awareness retained or acquired and the lesion site. In the second part of the project we will use visual imagery to ""access"" the deafferented or lesioned visual cortex. By means of fMRI and MEG recording we will assess the effect on specific cortical areas of focusing a mental visual image on given portions of either the intact or the hemianopic field. The results of this procedure will constraint the development of novel imagery-based visual rehabilitation protocols tailored individually on the basis of the lesion profile of the patients and on the presence of concurrent brain imaging feedback on the plastic cortical changes occurred as a result of specific training."
Max ERC Funding
2 139 556 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-03-01, End date: 2019-02-28
Project acronym TRANS-NANO
Project Advancing the Study of Chemical, Structural and Surface Transformations in Colloidal Nanocrystals
Researcher (PI) Liberato Manna
Host Institution (HI) FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE5, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) are among the most investigated nanomaterials in Nanoscience due to their high versatility. Research on NCs went through much advancement lately, especially on synthesis, assembly and on the study of their transformations, most notably via cation exchange (all fields in which the PI has contributed already). However, the integration of NCs with fabrication tools that employ conditions such as irradiation, etching and annealing is at a very early stage since we do not have a systematic knowledge of what transformations are triggered in the NCs under those conditions. Also, an issue related to the incorporation of NCs in materials/devices is whether, over time, the NCs will remain as they are, or they will transform into other structures. Plus, these transformations in NCs are poorly studied as they require fast recording techniques. This proposal will embark on an ambitious investigation of post-synthetic transformations in solution-grown NCs: by advancing the understanding of various aspects of chemical, structural and surface transformation of NCs, we will uncover new fabrication techniques that will employ such nanostructures as the key ingredients. This in turn will have a strong impact in opto-electronics, as several electronic components entirely made of NCs will be delivered. Four objectives are targeted: i) developing radically new sets of experimental tools for the investigation of chemical transformations in NCs, above all the ability to monitor in real time these transformations; ii) developing solution-grown nanostructures able to undergo programmed transformations under a defined stimulus; iii) understanding the role of irradiation on the fate of surface ligands and on cation exchange reactions in NCs; iv) combining chemical, structural and surface transformations towards NC-based opto-electronics. The success of the proposal hinges on the proven capabilities of the PI, with ample support from the host Institution.
Summary
Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) are among the most investigated nanomaterials in Nanoscience due to their high versatility. Research on NCs went through much advancement lately, especially on synthesis, assembly and on the study of their transformations, most notably via cation exchange (all fields in which the PI has contributed already). However, the integration of NCs with fabrication tools that employ conditions such as irradiation, etching and annealing is at a very early stage since we do not have a systematic knowledge of what transformations are triggered in the NCs under those conditions. Also, an issue related to the incorporation of NCs in materials/devices is whether, over time, the NCs will remain as they are, or they will transform into other structures. Plus, these transformations in NCs are poorly studied as they require fast recording techniques. This proposal will embark on an ambitious investigation of post-synthetic transformations in solution-grown NCs: by advancing the understanding of various aspects of chemical, structural and surface transformation of NCs, we will uncover new fabrication techniques that will employ such nanostructures as the key ingredients. This in turn will have a strong impact in opto-electronics, as several electronic components entirely made of NCs will be delivered. Four objectives are targeted: i) developing radically new sets of experimental tools for the investigation of chemical transformations in NCs, above all the ability to monitor in real time these transformations; ii) developing solution-grown nanostructures able to undergo programmed transformations under a defined stimulus; iii) understanding the role of irradiation on the fate of surface ligands and on cation exchange reactions in NCs; iv) combining chemical, structural and surface transformations towards NC-based opto-electronics. The success of the proposal hinges on the proven capabilities of the PI, with ample support from the host Institution.
Max ERC Funding
2 430 720 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-03-01, End date: 2019-02-28
Project acronym Transfer-Learning
Project Transfer Learning within and between brains
Researcher (PI) Giorgio Coricelli
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), SH4, ERC-2013-CoG
Summary The neural bases of adaptive behavior in social environments are far from being understood. We propose to use both computational and neuroscientific methodologies to provide new and more accurate models of learning in interactive settings. The long-term objective is to develop a neural theory of learning: a mathematical framework that describes the computations mediating social learning in terms of neural signals, structures and plasticity. We plan to develop a model of adaptive learning based on three basic principles: (1) the observation of the outcome of un-chosen options improves the decisions taken in the learning process, (2) learning can be transferred from one domain to another, and (3) learning can be transferred from one agent to another (i.e. social learning). In all three cases, humans appear able to construct and transfer knowledge from sources other than their own direct experience, an underappreciated though we believe critical aspect of learning. Our approach will combine neural and behavioral data with computational models of learning. The hypotheses will be formalized into machine learning algorithms and neural networks of “regret” learning, to quantify the evolution of the learning computations on a trial-by-trial basis from the sequence of stimuli, choices and outcomes. The existence and accuracy of the predicted computations will be then tested on neural signals recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The potential findings of this project could lead us to suggest general principles of social learning, and we will be able to measure and model neural activation to show those general principles in action. In addition, our results could have important implications into policy-making - by revealing what type of information agents are naturally inclined to better learn from - and clinical practice - by outlining potential diagnostic procedures and behavioral therapies for disorders affecting social behavior.
Summary
The neural bases of adaptive behavior in social environments are far from being understood. We propose to use both computational and neuroscientific methodologies to provide new and more accurate models of learning in interactive settings. The long-term objective is to develop a neural theory of learning: a mathematical framework that describes the computations mediating social learning in terms of neural signals, structures and plasticity. We plan to develop a model of adaptive learning based on three basic principles: (1) the observation of the outcome of un-chosen options improves the decisions taken in the learning process, (2) learning can be transferred from one domain to another, and (3) learning can be transferred from one agent to another (i.e. social learning). In all three cases, humans appear able to construct and transfer knowledge from sources other than their own direct experience, an underappreciated though we believe critical aspect of learning. Our approach will combine neural and behavioral data with computational models of learning. The hypotheses will be formalized into machine learning algorithms and neural networks of “regret” learning, to quantify the evolution of the learning computations on a trial-by-trial basis from the sequence of stimuli, choices and outcomes. The existence and accuracy of the predicted computations will be then tested on neural signals recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The potential findings of this project could lead us to suggest general principles of social learning, and we will be able to measure and model neural activation to show those general principles in action. In addition, our results could have important implications into policy-making - by revealing what type of information agents are naturally inclined to better learn from - and clinical practice - by outlining potential diagnostic procedures and behavioral therapies for disorders affecting social behavior.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 998 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-08-01, End date: 2020-01-31
