Abstract

In parallel with other species, humans possess a remarkable ability to encode detailed spatial information about our environments, forming cognitive maps that enable efficient navigation and goal-directed behaviour. Recent evidence shows this ability is crucial not only for environmental interaction but also for broader cognitive functions, with its impairment linked to several mental health disorders. In this talk, I will present our recent research findings on spatial cognition, revealing how the brain acquires and represents spatial knowledge. Using virtual reality and ultra-high field 7T MRI , we demonstrate three key findings: a graded representation of spatial novelty to familiarity along the hippocampal long axis extending to the posterior parietal cortex, a dynamic shift in large-scale brain network engagement as spatial knowledge accumulates, and a strong connection between individual differences in cortico-hippocampal connectivity and distinct real-world navigation strategies. These fundamental principles offer new insights into the brain’s spatial mapping systems and their broader significance for human cognition, behavior, and mental health.