In the “Human Perception, Cognition and Action” department, modern computer graphics and methods from Virtual Reality are used to examine how form and space are represented in the brain so that humans can name objects, interact with them and orient themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Research is conducted into how information from different senses is handled to provide a coherent and consistent representation of the environment. [more]

The focus in the “Physiology of Cognitive Processes” department is on visual perception in primates. Research is conducted primarily into the questions of where visual perception is represented in the brain, which neurological processes underlie object recognition and the integration of different sensual stimuli and how the brain learns. Using magnetic resonance tomography, these issues are examined in experiments that combine psychophysical and the electrophysiological approaches. [more]

The Magnetic Resonance Center is the domicile of the youngest department at the institute. It addresses the methodical development and optimization of imaging processes. The main areas of interest are magnetic resonance tomography with very high magnetic fields and the development of new contrast media which help to provide a detailed view of the function and metabolism of the brain. [more]