How brains learn to navigate complex environments
Official title: Acquiring cognitive maps: how brains learn hidden structure
Funded at New York University · NIH-11084427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how animals create mental maps to help them make choices in tricky situations, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our brains work when we make decisions, especially for those affected by conditions that impact decision-making.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $145,174 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH132043-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly those experiencing difficulties with decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neuropsychiatric disorders or those not experiencing decision-making challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how animals develop internal cognitive maps that help them make decisions in complex environments. By studying the neural circuitry involved in this process, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex, the project aims to understand how these cognitive maps are formed and utilized during decision-making tasks. The research employs advanced computational modeling and neural recordings in rodents to explore the mechanisms behind learning and decision-making. Ultimately, the findings could lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders that affect decision-making abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance treatment strategies for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, improving their decision-making capabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cognitive maps and decision-making processes, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hocker, David — New York University
- Study coordinator: Hocker, David
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.