• Mission
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    Mission

    Multilevel systems analysis and modeling of SOmatosensory, Memory, and Affective maPs of body and objects in multidimensional Subjective space

    -SOMAPS-
    NEST-2005-Path-IMP

    The project is aimed at the design and realizations of a generally applicable multilevel systems analysis and modeling strategy for the multidimensional perceptual representation of haptic objects and body. This requires an integrative approach of “somaesthetics”, which considers multi-sensory processes, affective value and memory in context. For this purpose, the project uses a multilevel approach which operationalizes the domains of the physical stimulation, brain activation, and subjective perceptual representation by independent measurement methods linked by mathematical modeling. This triangulation of stimulus, brain and perception will permit the direct prediction from the stimulus domain to the subjective domain.
    To achieve this aim and interdisciplinary consortium of cognitive neuroscientists and psychologists, physicists, computer scientists and engineers from outstanding institutions in four countries has formed to provide the necessary research resources.

    Specific objectives are:

    • New contact and non-contact (laser) multi-stimulus arrays for multiple sensory modalities including pain;
    • Innovative psychophysical methods to quantify spatiotemporal characteristics and interactions at the perceptual level;
    • Advance neurocognitive methods to assess higher-order interactions at the cerebral level;
    • Investigate implicit learning and integration and disintegration (conflict) between senses in object and body perception;
    • Implementation mathematical tools from dynamic casual modeling and multilevel systems analysis to integrate data across measurement levels to improve prediction.

    Scientific and technical results will be applicable to a broad class of cognitive science, medical and industrial measurement problems in assessment of function, rehabilitation and product design. Thus, the project will expand and consolidate Europe’s role in this area.