Nico Scherf

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences

Research at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences revolves around human cognitive abilities and cerebral processes, with a focus on the neural basis of brain functions like language, memory, emotions and human social behaviour, music and action. Our studies look into the perception, planning, and generation of these, and analyzes the interaction and common functional bases of their production and perception. Other research focuses on plastic changes in the human brain and the influence this has on various cognitive abilities, and also the neuronal and hormonal basis of ‘modern diseases' like high blood pressure and obesity. In addition, the further development of imaging methods for the neurosciences is a focal point of research at the Institute. The MPI for Human Cognitive and Brain Science provides an exciting framework for these topical and alluring theoretical domains, with the full gamut of cognitive and neuroscientific methodology available under one roof. The Institute consists of four departments. Managing Director is Professor Dr Christian Doeller. Departments: Neurology (Villringer) Neuropsychology (Friederici) Neurophysics (Weiskopf) Psychology (Döller) A hallmark of the Institute and its research strategies is the dovetailing of research, development, and engineering. The centre draws on elaborate modern imaging techniques – new 7-Tesla and a Connectom MRI scanner were taken into use in – which are gaining ground even as part of more conventional behavioural approaches. Both Leipzig's long tradition in conducting psychological and neuroscientific research and the ultra-modern equipment at the Institute provide an environment that offers new perspectives.