Decision variability, arousal and neural noise
The way that neural computations give rise to behavior is shaped by ever-fluctuating internal states. These states (such as arousal, fear, stress, hunger, motivation, engagement, or drowsiness) are characterized by spontaneous neural dynamics that arise independent of task demands. How can we best quantify such internal states, and how do they arise from neural dynamics? How does behavioral and neural variability change across multiple timescales, especially with ageing? We investigate these questions in multiple mammalian species (mice and humans), using large-scale neural recordings, pupillometry and behavioral state quantification.
See Urai et al. 2017; Colizoli et al. 2018; Bergt, Urai et al. 2018; de Gee et al. 2020; Ashwood et al. 2021
Social tipping points
Social norms play a crucial role in determining our day-to-day decisions. How do such norms evolve, and what interventions could be used to accelerate social tipping points towards sustainable norms? We combine social coordination games in the lab with formal models of group decision-making that may help us bridge cognitive insights to behavioral public policy.
Climate action in academia and beyond
Climate change is the most urgent problem currently facing humanity – including a subset who call themselves (neuro)scientists. While many academics still consider (political) activism far outside their comfort zone, the broader scientific community is slowly waking up to the urgency of the situation and the role we can play as a community. We are committed to speaking up about the climate crisis, think about ways in which science itself can decarbonize, and include sustainability in our teaching.
See Urai & Kelly, 2023; Adam et al. 2020; Rae et al. 2021; blog
Other things we care about
Methods for neurophysiology and animal behavior: Urai et al. 2020, Urai et al. 2022
Team science, open science and scientific practice: IBL 2018; IBL et al. 2021; VU Data Conversations
(Gender) diversity and inclusion: blog
CoCoSys lab 