The brain contains many ingenious networks of billions of interconnected neurons. Can you imagine that, together, they have an information processing capacity and flexibility that far exceeds modern supercomputers, or any artificial intelligent system? In this specialisation, we aim at unravelling the neuro-computational mechanisms of this fascinating, complex system and use this knowledge for relevant applications, such as robotics and neuro-technology.
Themes
The Neurophysics specialisation covers multiple themes:
Machine learning, Neuroinformatics, NeuroAI, Complex Systems
The computational and theoretical analysis of complex neural networks, ranging from simulating large-scale interactions between individual neurons, to communication between different brain areas, and the closed-loop interactions between brain, body, and environment. The theoretical work focuses on the development of machine-learning and artificial intelligence models, including biologically inspired models (spiking neural networks), and on the applications of optimal control.
Sensory and motor systems
We study models of sensorimotor control mechanisms (eye-head-hand coordination), sensory processing (e.g., vision, audition, attention), memory and learning. We also identify their underlying neuro-computational processes, their relevance for robotics and neuro-technology, like the development of neuro-prostheses, and the clinical implications in case of malfunction. We also cover experimental methods in detail, and have access to cutting-edge technology: invasive neural recordings, state-of-the-art MRI, and large-scale neurotechnology initiatives like NeurotechEU and the Dutch Brain Interface Initiative.
