Theme 4: Natural Computing & Neurotechnology
This theme integrates theoretical, computational, experimental, and technological research at the Donders Institute and has as its scientific mission to uncover fundamental mechanisms of brain functions.
This common mission is realized via two distinct but complementary research lines: “Natural Computing” and “Neurotechnology”.
Natural Computing
The Natural Computing research line aims to understand the computational principles, mechanisms and algorithms that drive learning, inference and control in neural systems and replicate these processes in machines. To this end, we unite researchers in computational neuroscience, systems neuroscience, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Research topics range from advances in machine learning and control theory to experimental and computational neuroscience to understanding the mechanism behind the way in which neurons, learning rules and network structures determine computation, so that and development of (biophysically realistic) models of neurons, synaptic learning rules and neural network architectures can be developed.
Together, these advances will provide insights into natural computing, ranging from information processing in single neurons to goal-directed behavior of natural agents in complex environments. Fundamental research will also promote breakthroughs in neuromorphic computing and other novel brain-based technologies. Moreover, it paves the way for more robust and efficient autonomous systems, thereby reducing the gap between artificial and natural intelligence.
Neurotechnology
The Neurotechnology research line aims to achieve technological breakthroughs in the measurement and control of neural activity and the associated behavior. Our objective is to reveal principles of brain function at the neuron, circuit and systems level by making use of state-of-the-art technology as applied to experimental data. This not only involves advances in brain recording, brain state decoding and control but also the development and active dissemination of novel algorithms that provide optimal interpretation and control of neural systems.
Breakthroughs in this area may provide insights into behaviour and mental processes that cannot be obtained otherwise, yield a causal understanding of brain circuits and restore sensory, cognitive and motor function in patients that suffer from a variety of brain disorders.
Contact
Fleur Zeldenrust, (speaker of this theme)
T: 024-3655931
E: f.zeldenrust@neurophysiology.nl
Secretary
Marie-Louise Beenen
T: 024-3653276
E: ml.beenen@donders.ru.nl
Researchers and research groups
Christian Beckmann 
Principal Investigator
Statistics Imaging Neuroscience
Michael Cohen 
Principal Investigator
Synchronisation in Neural Systems
Ton Coolen 
Principal Investigator
Physics of Machine Learning and Complex Systems
Peter Desain 
Principal Investigator
Brain Computer Interfacing
Martin Dresler 
Principal Investigator
Sleep and Memory
Bernhard Englitz 
Associate Principal Investigator
Computational Neuroscience Lab
Linda Geerligs 
Principal Investigator
Dynamic and naturalistic cognitive neuroscience
Marcel van Gerven 
Principal Investigator
Artificial Cognitive Systems
Koen Haak 
Associate Principal Investigator
Vision and Imaging Neuroscience
Saskia Haegens 
Associate Principal Investigator
Brain Rhythms
Anne-Sophie Hafner

Principal Investigator
Molecular dynamics of the Synapse
Tom Heskes 
Affiliated Principal Investigator
Machine Learning (iCIS)
Max Hinne 
Associate Principal Investigator
The Uncertain Systems Lab
Bert Kappen 
Principal Investigator
Machine Learning (Biophysics)
Tim Kietzmann 
Associated Principal Investigator
Cognitive Computational Neuroscience
Johan Kwisthout
Principal Investigator
Foundations of Natural and Stochastic Computing
Pablo Lanillos Pradas 
Principal Investigator
Artificial Cognitive Systems
Eric Maris 
Principal Investigator
Neurophysiology of Active Perception
André Marquand 
Principal Investigator
Predictive Clinical Neuroscience
José P. Marques 
Associate Principal Investigator
MR Structural Quantitative Imaging
David Norris 
Principal Investigator
MR Techniques in Brain Function
Freyja Ólafsdóttir 
Research Fellow
Neural Mechanisms of Episodic and Spatial Memory
Robert Oostenveld 
Associate Principal Investigator
MEG methods
Michael Tangerman 
Associate Principal Investigator
Data-driven Neurotechnology lab
Theme: Natural Computing & Neurotechnology
Serge Thill 
Principal Investigator
Foundations of Intelligent Technology (FoundIT)
Paul Tiesinga 
Principal Investigator
Neuroinformatics
Paul Verschure 
Principal Investigator
SPECS-lab
Fleur Zeldenrust 
Research fellow
Biophysics of neural computation