GRK 2416: MultiSenses-MultiScales: Novel approaches to decipher neural processing in multisensory integration

多感官过程是构成感知、认知、学习和行为的基础。然而，大脑无缝整合大量同时多感官输入的能力所依据的结构和功能架构却鲜为人知。在多个范围内--从蜂窝到网络和系统级别--专门的机制实现了跨模式处理。以前，多感觉整合被认为主要发生在较高水平的大脑皮层，并在与时空刺激特征相关的计算原理的理论框架内进行研究。最近，(I)身体刺激属性不能完全解释多感觉法则，(Ii)感觉加工流甚至在非常早期阶段就相互影响，以及(Iii)多感觉加工是可塑性的和动态的，这一点变得明显起来。虽然这些发现挑战了许多关于跨通道整合的传统观点，但我们仍然缺乏关于多感觉知觉形成的神经基础的连贯图景。根本问题仍未得到解答。因此，RTG 2416的目标是在概念上理解在多个尺度上管理感觉信息的跨模式整合的机制。通过实施独特的多感官-多尺度方法，我们大大提高了我们在多感官神经科学的几个领域的知识。这个RTG提供了深入的感觉神经生物学专业知识，培养了跨学科合作的精神，并提供了各种尖端技术的实践培训。RTG财团非常适合实现这些雄心勃勃的目标。因此，我们培训从细胞向系统和行为过渡的专家个人，从而为受训人员准备各种职业道路。连贯而灵活的课程为神经科学的核心概念奠定了坚实的基础。此外，还根据个人需求定制了专门的课程计划。结合创新的资质要素、专业技能发展以及--最重要的是--在培育环境中进行独立研究的机会，我们培养出能够在最高国际水平上竞争的神经科学家。总之，RTG 2416已经成为对多感官整合的机械基础感兴趣的国内和国际博士生研究人员的主要地点。

Multisensory processes are fundamental in scaffolding perception, cognition, learning, and behavior. However, the structural and functional architecture that underlies the brain’s ability to seamlessly integrate a multitude of simultaneous multisensory inputs is poorly understood. Across multiple scales – from cellular to network and systems levels – specialized mechanisms enable crossmodal processing. Previously, multisensory integration was considered to primarily occur in higher-level cortices and was examined within a theoretical framework of computational principles associated with spatiotemporal stimulus characteristics. More recently, it has become evident that (i) physical stimulus attributes do not fully account for multisensory precepts, (ii) sensory processing streams affect one another even at very early stages, and (iii) multisensory processing is plastic and dynamic. While these findings have challenged many traditional views of crossmodal integration, we still lack a coherent picture of the neural basis underlying multisensory percept formation. Fundamental questions remain unanswered. Therefore, the goal of RTG 2416 is to gain a conceptual understanding of the mechanisms that govern crossmodal integration of sensory information at multiple scales. By implementing a unique MultiSenses–MultiScales approach, we substantially advance our knowledge in several areas of multisensory neuroscience. This RTG provides in-depth expertise in sensory neurobiology, fosters the spirit of transdisciplinary collaboration, and offers hands-on training in a variety of cutting-edge techniques . The RTG consortium is ideally suited to achieve these ambitious goals. Consequently, we train expert individuals that make the transition from cells to systems and behavior, thus, preparing trainees for various career paths. A coherent, though flexible curriculum builds a solid foundation in the core concepts of neuroscience. In addition, a specialized course program is tailored to individual needs. Combined with innovative qualification elements, professional skill development and – most importantly – the opportunity to conduct independent research in a nurturing environment, we train neuroscientists that can compete at the highest international level. In summary, RTG 2416 has become a prime location for both national and international doctoral researchers interested in the mechanistic foundation of multisensory integration.