Human cognition is highly adaptive and can reason flexibly with new information. A crucial element for this is our working memory: a quick, reliable, and flexible system to maintain information temporarily, as needed, when needed. The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of how working memory is implemented in the human brain. To this end, the main objective is to develop a neural model of human working memory.
During the project, we will follow an intertwined model-experimental approach. First, we will use electroencephalography (EEG) experiments to investigate the neural basis of human working memory. Although it was long thought that working memory relied exclusively on active neural mechanisms that store information through continuous neural spiking, it was recently discovered that activity-silent mechanisms, such as short-term synaptic plasticity, also play an important role. We will experimentally target these two mechanisms, using EEG in combination with machine learning to reveal working memory contents held within. Second, we will use computational spiking-neuron models to explain the results of the experiments and implement the neural mechanisms responsible. These models will also shed light on the functional significance of having two mechanisms of working memory storage and how they are employed: we hypothesize that these exist to balance energy use, speed of information access, and susceptibility to interference.
The objective of this 4-year PhD position is the production of a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen.
Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.
This 4-year PhD position is embedded in the Artificial Intelligence department at the Faculty of Science and Engineering and in the department of Experimental Psychology at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. The candidate will work under the shared supervision of Prof Dr Jelmer Borst (Artificial Intelligence) and Prof Dr Elkan Akyürek (Experimental Psychology).