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Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences

The central theme of the Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences at the HWK is “Brain Worlds”. This thematic framework comprises three interconnected perspectives:

  • The world in the brain: the brain’s representation of the environment and the shaping of the brain by the external world;
  • Brains in the world: the effects of neuroscientific research on our sense of self, i.e. how we perceive ourselves as brains in the world and shape the environment with our brains;
  • Cultural Intelligence: the connection of these two perspectives.

The world in the brain 

Many aspects of the environment are represented in our brain structures and functions. This also means that our brain is changed by external influences, mental images, internal regulation processes, etc. Such changes can even lead to permanent, individually specific modifications of the brain’s functional architecture, which in turn affect our experience and behavior. Biological as well as cultural factors have an impact on the creation and the development of the “world in the brain”. The guiding principle of this thematic perspective is illustrated by the exemplary questions listed below:

  • How do we perceive our environment? Which perceptual, cognitive, emotional, motivational, and socio-cultural aspects contribute to these processes?
  •  What happens after cerebral lesions? How can functional loss be compensated and how can lost or impaired brain functions be restored?
  • How do we manipulate the world in our brain? What are the consequences for brain functions and structures?
  • What are the neuronal processes underlying these abilities? Can these processes be changed – and how?

Brains in the world

Neuroscientific knowledge has gained a growing influence on our everyday life over the past decades: it increasingly influences our self-perception as human beings, the understanding of socio-cultural processes, and also the interaction of the neurosciences with other scientific disciplines. Individuals as well as societies are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that we are affected and shaped by our neuronal “hardware”. Thus, we perceive ourselves as “brains in the world” and we understand our social environment as “a world of brains”. Some guideline questions for this thematic perspective are collected below:

  • What is the impact of knowledge about our biological and genetic endowment and the connection between mind and brain on the neurosciences and cognitive sciences and related disciplines?
  • What are the consequences of neuroscientific research for our individual, social, and socio-cultural perception of ourselves? How do we shape the world with our brains?
  • What are potential practical applications of the newest findings from the field of neurosciences and cognitive sciences (e.g., learning research, education science, and medicine, etc.)?
  • How can our environment be optimally adapted to the performance of our brains?
  • What technical solutions can benefit from neuroscientific findings?
  • Where are the limitations and ethical problems of neuroscientific research?

Cultural Intelligence connecting the brain and the world

The human species differs from all other species in its desire to create a connection between brain, mind, and the external world. This specific characteristic has been termed “Cultural Intelligence”, and is exemplified in the formation of culturally defined groups, the development of a “theory of mind” and of empathy, and reflections on the self, humankind, and the meaning of our existence. Again, some guideline questions referring to this thematic perspective are listed below:

What aspects characterizing human beings are constant across cultures (universals)? What conclusions can we draw regarding the distinctiveness of the human species based on these universals?

  • Which neuronal structures and functions represent specifically human characteristics?
  • How does Cultural Intelligence arise in individual and species development? What will future steps in evolution with respect to these skills look like?
  • Can concepts of neuroscience and cognitive science help answer fundamental questions of human existence?

Scientific program:

At the HWK, the area of Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences covers the entire scope of contents described above. On the one hand, this means that there are no narrow constraints on topics; on the other hand, interdisciplinary co-operation is not only possible but desired. The scientific program is designed to appeal to a large number of scientific fields and sub-disciplines, including neuroscience and cognitive science-oriented branches of biology, psychology, medicine, philosophy, pharmacology, information technology, physics, etc.

Fellowships:

The HWK sponsors the residence of excellent scientists with a doctoral degree for periods of between three and ten months (Fellowships) – for Junior Fellowships up to twelve months. All Fellows live at the HWK and participate in the scientific and social exchange within the institute. Practical research projects are conducted in co-operation with partners from regional scientific institutions.

How to become a HWK Fellow

Conferences:

The HWK organizes a considerable number of small, intensive conferences and workshops from the entire scope of neurosciences and cognitive sciences as well as interdisciplinary events. The institute is an ideal location for short retreats of study groups and for international symposia. Most conferences are initiated by local or (inter-)national co-operation partners. In addition, the HWK also organizes self-initiated meetings within the scientific program which contribute to the promotion of neurosciences and cognitive sciences in Germany’s northwestern region.

Conferences and workshops in the area of Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences 

Hanse Lectures in Neuroscience:

For the “Hanse Lectures in Neuroscience” series, the HWK invites a select number of renowned scientists each semester. The speakers are invited to give a lecture, usually on the last Thursday of each month, and to visit the regional study groups, labs, and institutions, often leading to new scientific co-operations.

 

Partners and collaborators:

For more information, please contact the e-mail address: dpoggel[ at ]h-w-k.de

Interesting Links

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