International Research Training Group iRTG 591: Neurosensory Science and Systems: Measuring and Modelling the Processing of Sensory Information and its Applications

The processing of sensory information from the eye, ear, or tactilesystem into its "internal representation" will be investigated, analysed and modelled with a multidisciplinary approach. Both the structure and function of certain subsystems will be considered (e.g., neural networks in the retina) as well as their respective cooperative performance in well-defined psychophysical tasks (such as, e.g., loudness perception in normal and hearing-impaired listeners). Special emphasis is placed on object perception and the physiological basis of object representation which is presumably characterized by similarities and interactions across sensory systems. Since the research methods employed cover molecular genetics, single-cell electrophysiology, human and animal psychophysics, EEG and MEG recording, and numerical modelling, they provide a valid reference frame for functional imaging techniques where special consideration will be given on developing appropriate, improved paradigms. Parts of the results will be used for clinical and technical applications such as improved interpretation offunctional images in neurosensory tasks or improved man-machine-communication by employing auditory-model-based processingtechniques. The applicants expect that a substantial progress can be made in this new area of information processing by a close interaction between neurobiology, psychophysics, numerical modelling and information-technology-driven development of algorithms. Also, a special contribution is maintained to train highly qualified young researchers in this rapidly developing and fascinating field.