Understanding how the thalamus influences attention and decision-making in the brain
Official title: Computational Core
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11079580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the thalamus works with the cortex to help us pay attention and make decisions, using animals and people to learn more about how this process works, especially when things are uncertain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 3, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $311,237 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH132642-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with schizophrenia and those interested in cognitive function and brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a detailed biophysical model of how the thalamus interacts with the cortex to influence attention and decision-making processes. By studying non-human primates and tree shrews, the researchers aim to understand how the thalamus integrates sensory information and coordinates brain activity, especially under uncertain conditions. The model will also incorporate data from healthy humans and individuals with schizophrenia to enhance its accuracy and applicability. This work is expected to provide insights into the brain's cognitive networks and their functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding thalamocortical interactions, but this specific approach using detailed biophysical modeling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kopell, Nancy — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Kopell, Nancy
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.