Memory & Cognition

This theme brings together researchers focused on understanding biological intelligence across a range of species and how the brain changes across the life course. Our work is highly interdisciplinary, spanning cellular and molecular processes that support brain function, through to behavioural studies and computational models that provide insight into human intelligence. By integrating across organisms and different levels of analysis our goal is to support a community of researchers focused on tackling contemporary problems in psychology and neuroscience.

Key areas include: 

  • Cellular mechanisms of brain function (e.g. synaptic plasticity, receptor biology, neuromodulation, cellular physiology).

  • Systems approaches to neural circuits and their computations across different contexts, including learning and memory, sensory processing, spatial navigation, mood and sleep. 

  • Cognitive processes that underpin attention, perception, memory, language and decision-making.

  • The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in understanding natural intelligence.

  • Use of advanced experimental and analytical methods, including neuroimaging, virtual reality, electrophysiology and machine learning.

 

This work provides a strong foundation for discovery-led research and contributes to wider institutional priorities around brain science, AI and data-driven approaches.

Funding in this area is well aligned with UKRI (particularly MRC, EPSRC and BBSRC), ERC, and Wellcome Trust Discovery Science. 

 

Theme Leads

       

Professor Jeffrey Bowers (j.bowers@bristol.acuk)

Dr Paul Anastasiades (paul.anastasiades@bristol.ac.uk)