Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng, Mercator Research Group "Structure of Memory", Faculty of Psychology
Research Programme:
We investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory. To do so, we employ two complementary approaches. Our first approach is modeling, including mathematic models as well as computer simulation of complex networks. While all models are simplified, we aim to build biologically realistic models that capture the essence of the neural circuit mechanism underlying learning and memory. Our second approach is data-mining. We develop methods for model-based data analysis and apply such methods. A special focus of our research is placed on the dynamics of the learning process, which generally receives little attention. In both lines of work, we collaborate closely with experimental colleagues both on and outside the RUB campus. We work directly with experimental data such as electrophysiological and electroencephalographical (EEG) recordings, as well as behavioral and imaging data.