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Brain, Computation and Technology in Multisensory Disorders Assessment

Radboud University Faculty of Social Sciences
✓ Fully Funded ⏰ Closing Soon digital health multisensory integration perception research psychophysics medical technology human factors user-centred design remote assessment

Explore the intersection of brain science and technology by developing a remote tool to assess multisensory disorders. Conduct experimental and computational research to improve real-world diagnostics beyond lab settings.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research enables high-quality remote diagnostics for multisensory disorders, potentially improving patient access to healthcare and facilitating early detection outside traditional clinical environments. By integrating technology and perception science, it supports innovative approaches to digital health and patient-centered care.

Neuroscience Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Eye Movements Perception and Action Multisensory Integration Self-Motion Computational Modeling Bayesian Inference Sensorimotor

Project Description

Project Overview

This project focuses on developing and validating a remote assessment tool called MultiSens-1.0 for multisensory integration disorders. It is a collaboration between Radboud University, two hospitals, and technology companies aiming to enable high-quality perceptual data collection outside traditional labs and clinical settings.

What You Will Do

The PhD candidate will engage in perception research, psychophysics, and user-centred design to contribute scientifically and technically to the MultiSens application. Key tasks include managing end-user participation, stimulus design, human factors investigation, calibration requirements, and prototype evaluation against lab standards. Collaboration with consortium partners and a research secondment at one partner institution is expected.

Expected Outcomes

Outcomes include enhanced understanding of multisensory disorders, validated remote assessment technology suitable for real-world patient studies, and contributions to digital health innovation. The candidate will also mentor students and perform limited teaching duties.

Why This Matters

This research will improve diagnostics and patient care for multisensory disorders by facilitating remote testing that is accessible and accurate, moving assessment beyond traditional laboratory constraints.

Entry Requirements

You hold an MSc degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field. Applied backgrounds such as Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, or Human-Centred Design with rigorous training in human perception research and quantitative methods are suitable. Experience with experimental research and/or computational modeling, plus proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python, is required.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PW
Prof. W.P. Medendorp
Radboud University, Faculty of Social Sciences
6946 Citations
Google Scholar

Prof. W.P. Medendorp is a leading researcher in cognitive neuroscience and perception science, focusing on brain mechanisms underlying multisensory integration and sensorimotor control. At Radboud University, he applies experimental and computational methods to understand how the brain processes sensory information for behavior. He is recognized for combining psychophysics, neuroimaging, and modeling approaches to investigate perceptual and motor systems.

Key Publications

2018
Corticospinal correlates of fast and slow adaptive processes in motor learning
Provided direct neural evidence supporting multiple adaptation processes operating on different timescales in motor learning.
2021
Bayesian causal inference in visuotactile integration in children and adults
Showed that adults integrate sensory cues in an optimal Bayesian fashion and investigated this process in children under 8 years old.
2019
State Estimation in Posterior Parietal Cortex: Distinct Poles of Environmental and Bodily States
Elucidated the role and organization of the posterior parietal cortex in sensory and motor processing.
2020
External location of touch is constructed post-hoc based on limb choice
Demonstrated that touch location in external space is determined after limb selection, explaining errors in crossed-hand conditions.
2023
A somatosensory computation that unifies limbs and tools
Explored how the brain repurposes body-based computations for touch localization to include tools, advancing understanding of tool embodiment.

Research Contributions

Introduced evidence for multiple adaptation processes with distinct timescales in motor learning.
Enhanced understanding of motor control mechanisms which can inform rehabilitation and learning strategies.
Clarified the computations underlying how the brain integrates sensory information for body and tool touch localization.
Provided insight into neural mechanisms of body ownership and tool use, relevant for prosthetics and robotics.
Demonstrated Bayesian integration of multisensory cues in spatial orientation and perception across development.
Advanced knowledge on sensory integration that can improve designs for sensory substitution devices and developmental diagnostics.
Identified the role of posterior parietal cortex in estimating environmental and bodily states during sensory-motor tasks.
Informed neuroscientific models of spatial awareness and sensorimotor coordination, aiding in neurological disorder research.