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Mind, Brain, Behavior

A person with an eye tracker holds a cup in his hands and looks at it
Photo: Rolf K. Wegst

Perceive, recognise, act: Our brain performs at its best when it comes to grasping the environment. Experiences do not simply pass us by, but literally imprint themselves on our brains. The creation of the image of the world in our heads is a fascinating process that is the focus of psychological and neuroscientific research. In Marburg, a systemic approach plays an important role. Researchers from Marburg and Giessen are working in a joint project on everyday perception. For example, the interaction between the eye and the hand is a complex process involving many brain regions. This is often only noticed when it does not work, for example in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or after a stroke. Mental illnesses are also reflected in the brain, partly this is genetically determined, partly environmental conditions and experiences cause the use of genes in the brain to change. Researchers from clinical neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology are working together to clarify these connections. The experimental, neurobiological orientation is a hallmark of Marburg's psychology and neurosciences. Researchers who have received ERC (European Research Council) and AvH (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation) funding have been working together here for many years in alliances between Marburg, Giessen, Darmstadt and other locations.

In May 2023, our researchers submitted a draft proposal as part of the Excellence Strategy II together with the Justus Liebig University Giessen and the Technical University Darmstadt as well as other partner institutions. The Cluster of Excellence TAM - The Adaptive Mind aims to put the scientific understanding of human perception, thought and action on a new footing by researching and explaining how people adapt to changing conditions.

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