From light to perception: the temporal dynamics of visual processing

University of Geneva , 1 or 2 semesters
This project aims to model visual processing at the individual level using extensive neuroimaging, behavioural, genetic, and linguistics data.
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From light to perception: the temporal dynamics of visual processing
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Visual illusions like #thedress powerfully demonstrate variability in visual perception which can stem from differences in the sensory apparatus or from differences in experience and language. This project aims to make precise predictions about subjective visual experiences and relating these to densely sampled individual Magnetoencephalography (MEG) or Electroencephalography (EEG) data. The high temporal resolution of M/EEG allows us to track the change of visual representations in the human brain. Applying computational models, we can relate these representations to models of retinal cone excitations, visual encoding, perceptual matching, and linguistic descriptions.

The student will contribute to ongoing research by recruiting participants, conducting standardized colour blindness tests, collecting and analysing multimodal data using advanced machine learning methods.

  • The project runs from 1 January 2027 till 1 January 2030
  • Number of placements available: 2 per semester
  • Available in Spring and Fall semester.

Pre-requisites

  • High level (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate student
  • Minimum GPA 3.4
  • Keen interest for neuroscience and visual perception 
  • Programming skills in Python and/or a strong willingness to learn
    Basic knowledge of M/EEG data acquisition or machine learning methods is a plus

Important note: 
Students must remain registered as an undergraduate student at their U.S. or Canadian home institution while participating in the program. The student's home institution must complete the Learning Agreement after acceptance into a project, even if credits will not be transferred to that institution. Transfer of credits is decided by the students' home institution.

Submitting an application, does not guarantee that the student will be offered a placement. The research projects are also available to our domestic degree students; therefore, projects may already be full at the time of applying. Final decision on your admission is solely taken by the Research Supervisor at the host institution.

Faculty of Medicine

Department of Basic Neurosciences

The Department of Basic Neurosciences contains 16 research groups across two campuses, CMU and Campus Biotech. The work of these groups spans multiple levels of brain function—from molecular processes to neurons and complex circuits. We use a wide range of approaches, including cellular systems, animal models, and studies involving human participants. By integrating these perspectives, we aim to uncover how the brain operates in both healthy and diseased states, with the ultimate goal of understanding the biological foundations of human behavior.