The aim of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics is to understand information processing in the brains of humans and animals. We use experimental, theoretical and computational methods to elucidate the characteristics and implementations of the cascades of plastic and recurrent interactions that transform sensory data into perceptions, memories, appropriate choices of actions, and motor output.

Understanding Thought Processes

The aim of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics is to understand information processing in the brains of humans and animals. We use experimental, theoretical and computational methods to elucidate the characteristics and implementations of the cascades of plastic and recurrent interactions that transform sensory data into perceptions, memories, appropriate choices of actions, and motor output.
A new miniature NMR implant measures neuronal activity A team of neuroscientists and electrical engineers from Germany and Switzerland developed a highly sensitive implant that enables to probe brain physiology with unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution. They introduce an ultra-fine needle with an integrated chip that is capable of detecting and transmitting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data from nanoliter volumes of brain oxygen metabolism. The breakthrough design will allow entirely new applications in the life sciences.

Scientists develop first implantable magnet resonance detector

A new miniature NMR implant measures neuronal activity
A team of neuroscientists and electrical engineers from Germany and Switzerland developed a highly sensitive implant that enables to probe brain physiology with unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution. They introduce an ultra-fine needle with an integrated chip that is capable of detecting and transmitting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data from nanoliter volumes of brain oxygen metabolism. The breakthrough design will allow entirely new applications in the life sciences.
I build mathematical and computational models of neural processing, with a particular emphasis on representation and learning. The main focus is on reinforcement learning and unsupervised learning, covering the ways that animals come to choose appropriate actions in the face of rewards and punishments, and the ways and goals of the process by which they come to form neural representations of the world. The models are informed and constrained by neurobiological, psychological and ethological data.

Computational Neuroscience
Peter Dayan

Heinrich H. Bülthoff

Human Perception, Cognition & Action
Heinrich Bülthoff

Prof. Dr. Nikos LogothetisThe 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.

Physiology of Cognitive Processes
Nikos Logothetis

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.

High-Field Magnetic Resonance
Klaus Scheffler

Currently there are five independent research groups located at the institute with different research foci.

Sensory and Sensorimotor Systems
Zhaoping Li

Jennifer Li & Drew Robson

Systems Neuroscience & Neuroengineering

Jennifer Li & Drew Robson
Xin Yu

Translational Neuroimaging & Neural Control

Xin Yu
Hamid Noori

Neuronal Convergence

Hamid Noori
Goran Angelovski

MR Neuroimaging Agents

Goran Angelovski
Anke Henning

MR Spectroscopy & Ultra-High Field Methodology

Anke Henning


Talks & Events

Apart from scientific talks, various events are taking place on the campus and at our institute. This includes the regular day of the open house, but also seminars, workshops or conferences that we organize.

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Meet your Scientist

In this series we want to introduce you our latest research via an interview style with the respective scientist explaining their outcome(s) in a very simple way. Have fun!

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News

Peter Dayan receives the distinction of being elected AAAS Fellow

November 27, 2019

Peter Dayan, Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). As a new member of the AAAS section of neuroscience, Peter Dayan was ...

Scientists develop first implantable magnet resonance detector

November 26, 2019

A team of neuroscientists and electrical engineers from Germany and Switzerland developed a highly sensitive implant that enables to probe brain physiology with unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution. They introduce an ultra-fine needle with an ...

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Job Offers

Tierpflegender (m/f/d)

November 11, 2019

Director

June 27, 2019

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Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program

The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen invite students from all over the world to apply for their interdisciplinary 5-year PhD program leading to a PhD in Neuroscience. Full funding will be available for top-ranked applicants.

The application deadline is December 15, 2019.

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