B8: Dynamics and control of recurrent cortical networks

Principal investigator:

Prof. Dr. Klaus Obermayer

Project summary:

We will analyse the dynamics and ``controllability'' of recurrent networks of adaptive, pulse-coupled  model neurons. We will first investigate the dynamical properties of network motifs and of biologically plausible, spatially structured models of cortical networks with noise and delays. We will then consider different kinds of cortical control strategies and ask how they affect rates, oscillations, and synchrony. We will determine parameter settings for which networks are particularly sensitive to feedback control. Results will be compared with data from primary visual cortex in order to provide  evidence for self-organized control in cortical computation.