BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk//
X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Constructing Cognitive Maps: Neural Mechanisms of Spatial Learning
  and Memory - Dr Deniz Vatansever
DTSTART:20250313T123000Z
DTEND:20250313T133000Z
UID:TALK229315@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Oliver Knight
DESCRIPTION:In parallel with other species\, humans possess a remarkable a
 bility to encode detailed spatial information about our environments\, for
 ming cognitive maps that enable efficient navigation and goal-directed beh
 aviour. Recent evidence shows this ability is crucial not only for environ
 mental interaction but also for broader cognitive functions\, with its imp
 airment linked to several mental health disorders. In this talk\, I will p
 resent our recent research findings on spatial cognition\, revealing how t
 he 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 lon
 g axis extending to the posterior parietal cortex\, a dynamic shift in lar
 ge-scale brain network engagement as spatial knowledge accumulates\, and a
  strong connection between individual differences in cortico-hippocampal c
 onnectivity and distinct real-world navigation strategies. These fundament
 al principles offer new insights into the brain's spatial mapping systems 
 and their broader significance for human cognition\, behavior\, and mental
  health.
LOCATION:Online via zoom
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR