Modeling neural mapping and remapping in the hippocampus

Navigation and memory for every-day episodes are thought to depend on the hippocampus and associated brain networks, supported by the characteristic properties of the underlying neural networks. Considerable progress in uncovering the neural basis for spa tial cognition in the hippocampus and parahippocampus has recently been made at the Centre for the Biology of Memory (Norway). As a PhD student in this international center of excellence I have contributed to this progress by providing new, high-impact in sight into the organization of the spatial networks, emanating from interplay between novel experimental discoveries and theoretical modeling. Today, theoretical modeling is an increasingly important tool in most scientific fields, and has proven partic ularly successful in advancing neuroscience (e.g. Hodgkin and Huxleys (1952), Hebb (1949), Marr (1971)). To establish how the neural representations of space interact to produce cognitive functions like memory and navigation, I have realized that a rigoro us theoretical framework of hippocampal dynamics must be developed. I propose to pursue this undertaking by drawing on the world-leading theoretical expertise of an American center of excellence (Salk Institute, San Diego). The Neuromaps project aims to b uild a computational model for how the newly revealed cell types enable the hippocampus to form, store and switch between neural memory maps. It is my hope that the training and experience I receive at the Salk Institute will enable me to establish a No rwegian research group that through combining experimental and theoretical techniques is better equipped to lead research in the field of neuroscience that can ultimately reveal how activity at the single-neuron level leads to cognitive function at the sy stems and behavioral levels.