fMRI Lab

Closely combined with computational concepts and theories, our fMRI lab focuses on the principle mechanisms of the human visual system. In particular, the primary visual cortex and attentional effects including bottom-up and top-down processes are investigated.

Using fMRI, we investigate the brain areas involved in the recognition and processing of visual and multisensory features; the results will be combined with computational theories to model the underlying neuronal mechanisms. In particular, questions such as the following will be answered: How does the human brain manage to process individual sensory stimuli and unite them into a coherent perception? Which processes control decisions based on such stimuli?

In order to gain a better understanding of how the brain processes and connects sensory inputs, several methodological approaches will be combined:

1. hardware processes at the neuronal level through fMRI
2. the analysis of perception and action at the behavioural level, and
3. computer-aided analysis and modelling.

Our research direction is highly guided by Prof. Zhaoping Li’s computational models and theories about human visual system. Moreover, state-of-the-art hardware including MRI compatible eye trackers and a stereoscopic presenting system, that enables us to present complex stereoscopic stimuli and record eye movement data during scanning. In addition to a 3T scanner which is fairly common, an ultra-high field (9.4T) scanner is also ready for scientific study in our institute.