A seminar hosted by the Bristol Neuroscience Research Network with support from the British Neuroscience Association and the Wellcome Trust Neural Dynamics Programme
How we interpret and react to our environment not only depends on the current sensory information we receive through our sense organs, but also on our previous experience, knowledge of the world and internal mental state.
The goal of the Hofer lab is to understand the neural basis of sensory perception and sensory-guided decision making. We study how the brain processes visual information, and how distributed neural networks interact to integrate visual signals with other information in order to represent and interpret the outside world. Moreover, we aim to reveal how sensory evidence, previous knowledge and behavioural state together influence behaviour to generate flexible reactions to environmental challenges and to guide decisions on how to interact with environmental resources.
To study these questions, we use a wide range of multi-disciplinary methods: in vivo two-photon imaging and other imaging approaches, high-density acute and chronic electrophysiological recordings (such as next-generation Neuropixels technology), a large array of behavioural tasks and circuit modelling, together with molecular and genetic approaches to identify different cell types, record and manipulate their function and trace specific pathways.
All animal behaviour arises from computations in large-scale neural networks involving many different brain areas. Deciphering the computations underlying brain function therefore crucially relies on understanding how brain areas communicate and work together to mediate behaviour. We thus aim to look beyond individual brain areas and study interactions between distributed brain regions including cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia and brain stem circuits.
To book a 1:1 with the speaker, please contact Catherine Brown. Note there are limited slots available and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The day before the talk BN will be hosting a journal club aimed at Early Career Researchers who will spend 1-2 hours exploring an discussing one of the speaker's publications. Participants of the journal club are then invited to have lunch with the speaker the day of the seminar. Spaces are strictly limited! If you are an ECR, and would like to take part, please contact Seán Froudist-Walsh with your expression of interest.
Lecture Theatre C42 is in the Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk. Enter the building via the main entrance, using a UCard. Proceed directly ahead and take the stairs or lift to floor C. Turn left on exiting the lift and follow the signs to C42.