On this page you can find the internship projects currently available.
Apprenticeship at CIMeC
Sara Assecondi
e-mail: sara.assecondi@unitn.it
general topic: ageing, working memory, cognitive training, plasticity
methodology: EEG, tCS, behavioural experiments, modelling, data analysis
project description: we have several projects looking at how to slow down cognitive decline in healthy and pathological ageing and in clinical populations. Students may be involved in literature research, experiment design, data collection and/or data analysis.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
methodology: EEG, tCS, behavioural experiments, modelling, data analysis
project description: we have several projects looking at how to slow down cognitive decline in healthy and pathological ageing and in clinical populations. Students may be involved in literature research, experiment design, data collection and/or data analysis.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
Daniel Baldauf
e-mail: daniel.baldauf@unitn.it
general topic: Attention Networks, Cross-cortical Communication Patterns
methodology: Human NeuroImaging (MEG, fMRI, DTI/DWI)
project description: we study brain connectivity and cross-cortical communication by analysing human neuroimaging data with high temporal resolution (MEG/EEG, fMRI), but also structural connectivity measures (human DTI/DWI etc.). A particular focus is put on brain networks that orchestrate functions of attention (i.e. the filtering of incoming sensory information). In their projects, students can get involved in all aspects of experimental work in the lab (i.e. design of an experiment, data collection, and data analysis). Students also get training in a variety of computational skills (programming in Matlab, with state-of-the-art analysis tools such as Brainstorm, FieldTrip, etc.)
methodology: Human NeuroImaging (MEG, fMRI, DTI/DWI)
project description: we study brain connectivity and cross-cortical communication by analysing human neuroimaging data with high temporal resolution (MEG/EEG, fMRI), but also structural connectivity measures (human DTI/DWI etc.). A particular focus is put on brain networks that orchestrate functions of attention (i.e. the filtering of incoming sensory information). In their projects, students can get involved in all aspects of experimental work in the lab (i.e. design of an experiment, data collection, and data analysis). Students also get training in a variety of computational skills (programming in Matlab, with state-of-the-art analysis tools such as Brainstorm, FieldTrip, etc.)
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate/Professional training
open positions: 2
period: all year
open positions: 2
period: all year
Paolo Belardinelli
e-mail: paolo.belardinelli@unitn.it
general topic: interhemispheric connectivity of sensorimotor network; executive functions
methodology: MEG/EEG, TMS; MR-tractography
project description: we aim to shed light on the integration of functional and anatomical interhemispherical connectivity that determines the interplay between the two sensorimotor networks. Our general scientific question is: which are the best functional and anatomical metrics that can integrate causal (neurostimulation), functional (MEG/EEG) and anatomical (tractography) connectivity.
Type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
general topic: interhemispheric connectivity of sensorimotor network; executive functions
methodology: MEG/EEG, TMS; MR-tractography
project description: we aim to shed light on the integration of functional and anatomical interhemispherical connectivity that determines the interplay between the two sensorimotor networks. Our general scientific question is: which are the best functional and anatomical metrics that can integrate causal (neurostimulation), functional (MEG/EEG) and anatomical (tractography) connectivity.
Type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
Stefania Benetti
e-mail: stefania.benetti@unitn.it
general topic: Multisensory processes, Brain development and plasticity
methodology: MRI (sMRI,fMRI, DTI), MEG, Psychophysics and Behavioural Studies
project description - four main lines of research:
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audio-visual speech processing: the role of lip-reading in speech perception/production; developmental trajectories of lip-reading abilities across life-time span; learning to process speech without listening or seeing speech; audio-visual speech processing in individuals with hearing-loss (e.g., deaf cochlear implant users); the relationship between lip- and text-reading;
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combining neurobiological and behavioural indices to predict speech and language outcome after cochlear implant in deaf children and adults;
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speech representation in the brain: how ‘auditory’ is speech phonology? The role of premotor and motor cortex in speech representation and processing in both typical and degraded/altered audio-visual conditions;
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study of functional principles of cross-modal plasticity following sensory deprivation with a particular focus on cross-modal plasticity in early and late deaf individuals.
type of internship: Curricular
open positions: 3
period: all year
Raffaella Bernardi
e-mail: raffaella.bernardi@unitn.it
general topic: Multimodal Computational Models
methodology: Deep learning
project description - our studies focus on grounding language and vision within computational models. We are currently working with visual dialogue games aiming. Interns could join us to:
a) further evaluate how state-of-the-art encoders, we have adapted to the VD task, perform;
b) develop (and evaluate) better decoders that generate more informative dialogues;
c) study human dialogue strategies, in particular how humans adapt their strategies to their interlocutors.
type of internship: Curricular
open positions: 2
period: September-mid July
methodology: Deep learning
project description - our studies focus on grounding language and vision within computational models. We are currently working with visual dialogue games aiming. Interns could join us to:
a) further evaluate how state-of-the-art encoders, we have adapted to the VD task, perform;
b) develop (and evaluate) better decoders that generate more informative dialogues;
c) study human dialogue strategies, in particular how humans adapt their strategies to their interlocutors.
type of internship: Curricular
open positions: 2
period: September-mid July
Roberto Bottini
e-mail: roberto.bottini@unitn.it
general topic: we do fundamental research in psychology and neuroscience to understand how the mind represents knowledge
methodology: fMRI, MEG, Behavioral Studies
project description - there are 3 main lines of research going on in the lab:
1) Conceptual Knowledge: How do we think about things that we cannot see, hear or touch? How do we think about the past or plan the future? How can we represent other's people minds, desires and beliefs? How do we retrieve, maintain and manipulate information in our mind's eye? We are exploring the possibility that the mental machinery evolved to represent and navigate space has been recycled to represent and navigate conceptual information and memories.
2) Language processing: How do we make sense of words? How comes that meaningless strings of written signs or arbitrary sounds are related to concepts? How do we retrieve and manipulate conceptual knowledge? Our research follows a semiotic framework according to which meaning is generated by iconic, indexical and symbolic processes that requires the interaction of the memory, language and sensorimotor system.
3) Consciousness: What is the difference between conscious and unconscious cognition? What is the role of consciousness in language processing and it relations with semantics? Why is Siri not yet conscious? We think that our research on knowledge and semantics may help to provide and answer to these fundamental questions.
type of internship:curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions:2
period: all year
Yuri Bozzi
e-mail: yuri.bozzi@unitn.it
general topic: mouse models of autism spectrum disorders
methodology: gene expression studies (RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting) on brain tissues from genetically modified mice; behavioural characterization of genetically modified mice.
project description: over-reactivity and defensive behaviors in response to tactile stimuli are common symptoms in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These behaviors have also been observed in mice lacking ASD-associated genes such as Fmr1 (fragile X mental retardation protein 1). Recently, we showed that mice lacking the ASD-associated gene Engrailed 2 (En2-/- mice) have a reduced connectivity in somatosensory cortex, accompanied by fear and active avoidance responses to repeated whisker stimulation. Thus, impaired somatosensory processing is a common feature in mice lacking ASD-related genes. In this project, we want to extend our analyses to other monogenic mouse models of ASD, namely Cntnap2 and Shank3b knockout mice, which are known to have anatomical defects in the somatosensory cortex. By using gene expression and behavioural approaches, we aim at characterizing somatosensory defects in these mutant mouse lines relevant for ASD.
type of internship: curricular
open positions: 2
period: all year
Stefania Bracci
e-mail: stefania.bracci@unitn.it
general topic: object vision in the biological and artificial brain
methodology: fMRI and behavioural experiments
project description: we investigate what are the basic dimensions underlying object representations in visual cortex combining behavioural experiments, neuroimaging data, and deep neural networks.
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
Luigi Cattaneo
e-mail: luigi.cattaneo@unitn.it
general topic: voluntary and affective movement; executive functions
methodology: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; motion tracking of the human body; Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping in neurosurgical patients; MR-tractography.
project description: we aim to describe the spatial and temporal dynamics of brain networks that transform explicit intentions and inner needs, together with information about the outside world, into voluntary or automatic movements. Particular attention is put on brain connectivity. Experimental models include neurostimulation and tractography in healthy human volunteers and lesion-behaviour mapping in neurosurgical patients.
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 5
period: all year
Albrecht Haase
e-mail: albrecht.haase@unitn.it
general topic: Neuronal coding, Neural network dynamics, Connectivity, Olfaction, Learning & Memory, Sleep, Neurophysics, Neuroactive substances, Neurotoxins
methodology: Two-photon microscopy, Calcium imaging, Optogenetics, Data analysis, Maschine Learning, insect models
project description: we offer an involvement in different projects on the above-mentioned topics. Our core facility is a two-photon in vivo imaging platform, our standard models are honeybees, fruitflies, ants. Students will receive training in the required techniques, like in vivo morphological and functional imaging, immunohistochemistry, image postprocessing, advanced image analysis, programming platforms: MATLAB, LabView, Machine learning, Behavioural assays, Statistical data analysis, Genetic engineering, Beekeeping.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 4
period: all year
project description: we offer an involvement in different projects on the above-mentioned topics. Our core facility is a two-photon in vivo imaging platform, our standard models are honeybees, fruitflies, ants. Students will receive training in the required techniques, like in vivo morphological and functional imaging, immunohistochemistry, image postprocessing, advanced image analysis, programming platforms: MATLAB, LabView, Machine learning, Behavioural assays, Statistical data analysis, Genetic engineering, Beekeeping.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 4
period: all year
Uri Hasson
e-mail: uri.hasson@unitn.it
general topic: Computational models of brain and cognition
methodology: fMRI analysis, EEG analysis, computational modeling using deep neural networks for computer vision and text analytics.
project description: two projects are available: one focuses on the modeling psychological surprise, what makes an event surprising - we study this using language and decision making; the second project will help develop a new functional connectivity method for identifying brain networks and sub-networks that are involved in accomplishing specific tasks.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 3
period: all year
methodology: fMRI analysis, EEG analysis, computational modeling using deep neural networks for computer vision and text analytics.
project description: two projects are available: one focuses on the modeling psychological surprise, what makes an event surprising - we study this using language and decision making; the second project will help develop a new functional connectivity method for identifying brain networks and sub-networks that are involved in accomplishing specific tasks.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 3
period: all year
Aurelie Herbelot
e-mail: aurelie.herbelot@unitn.it
general topic: computational models of meaning
methodology: distributional semantics (including both count-based and neural models), formal semantics.
project description - possible topics cover the following areas:
a) integration of symbolic and distributional approaches to meaning;
b) speaker-specific meaning
c) incremental and small data learning.
type of internship: curricular
open positions: 2
period: February 2020-June 2020 and September 2020-December 2020
Jorge Jovicich
e-mail: jorge.jovicich@unitn.it
general topic: development and application of quantitative MRI tools to characterize the human brain
methodology: structural, functional and metabolic brain MRI
project description: we have multiple ongoing projects (see group’s journal and conference publications). They include work with healthy volunteers and special populations from local or collaborative studies (e.g., neurosurgery, neurodegenerative diseases, sensory-deprived, etc.). Contact us to evaluate possibilities to contribute.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
methodology: structural, functional and metabolic brain MRI
project description: we have multiple ongoing projects (see group’s journal and conference publications). They include work with healthy volunteers and special populations from local or collaborative studies (e.g., neurosurgery, neurodegenerative diseases, sensory-deprived, etc.). Contact us to evaluate possibilities to contribute.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: all year
Uwe Mayer
e-mail: uwe.mayer@unitn.it
general topic: Neurobiology of Comparative Cognition
methodology: behavioural measurements and training of domestic chicks, neuroanatomical and histological preparations, neuro-anatomical staining procedures, immunohistochemistry, mapping neuronal activity on the basis of immediate early gene products, lesioning, tracing, electrophysiological recordings of single unit and low field potentials in the brain of domestic chicks.
project description: We are constantly running various projects investigating the neurobiological basis of spatial and social cognition in domestic chicks. If you are interested in comparative neuroscience, animal behaviour/neuroanatomy and are willing to learn neurobiological methods used in our lab, please don't hesitate to write an email to Dr. Uwe Mayer who will provide you more specific infos about currently available projects. Please visit also our Group website.
type of internship: Master/Bachelor thesis internships and volunteers
open positions: 4
period: minimum six month
project description: We are constantly running various projects investigating the neurobiological basis of spatial and social cognition in domestic chicks. If you are interested in comparative neuroscience, animal behaviour/neuroanatomy and are willing to learn neurobiological methods used in our lab, please don't hesitate to write an email to Dr. Uwe Mayer who will provide you more specific infos about currently available projects. Please visit also our Group website.
type of internship: Master/Bachelor thesis internships and volunteers
open positions: 4
period: minimum six month
Veronica Mazza
e-mail: veronica.mazza@unitn.it
general topic: Attention, Perception, Aging, Visual working memory, Training
methodology: EEG and behavioral measures
project description: please consult the group's website for further details
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions: 2
period: all year
Carlo Miniussi
e-mail: carlo.miniussi@unitn.it
general topic: Non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation (TBS) techniques and their combination with other imaging techniques (e.g. TMS-EEG coregistration)
methodology: TMS, tES, TMS-EEG coregistration
project description: recording/Data Analysis
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions: 2
period: all year
Simona Monaco
e-mail: simona.monaco@unitn.it
general topic: Action and Perception
methodology: behavioural and fMRI experiments
project description: the project is focused on investigating how we use vision and touch to perceive objects and guide actions
type of internship: Curricular and Professional training
open positions: 2
period: all year
Francesco Pavani
e-mail: francesco.pavani@unitn.it
general topic: Multisensory processes
methodology: behavioural, EEG / MEG
project description: auditory processing, deaf cognition and cochlear implants
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions: 2 curricular/ 2 Post-graduate/ 2 professional training
period: all year
Stefania Pighin
e-mail: stefania.pighin@unitn.it
general topic: mental simulation, decision-making under stress, medical decision-making
methodology: behavioral studies
project description : we are currently working on different projects on the above-mentioned topics. Students are offered the opportunity to be involved in various experimental phases (from experimental planning, to data collection and data analysis) by running experiments both inside and outside the laboratory.
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: from September to June
Paola Sgadò
e-mail: paola.sgado@unitn.it
general topic:
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vertebrate models of neuropsychiatric disorders;
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molecular bases of social cognition.
methodology: social behaviour, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, epigenetic, genome editing, viral tracing.
project description:
project description:
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early social behaviour in vertebrates: molecular and a cellular mechanisms and link to autism spectrum disorders;
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development of novel strategies for genome editing in domestic chicks.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 4
period: all year
open positions: 4
period: all year
Valeria Anna Sovrano
e-mail: valeriaanna.sovrano@unitn.it
general topic: animal cognition
methodology: behavioral observation, visual discrimination test, operating conditioning
Project description
Studying fish: spatial representation, categorization of objects, perception of visual illusions, numerical skills
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions: 5
period: all year
Katya Tentori
e-mail: katya.tentori@unitn.it
general topic: Reasoning and Decision
methodology: behavioral studies
Project description
Various studies on the following topics: inductive and probabilistic reasoning; causal cognition; information search; decision biases (also in old adults); medical decision making; forecasting.
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2
period: September-June
Marco Tettamanti
e-mail: marco.tettamanti-1@unitn.it
general topic: Neurobiology of language
methodology: Multimodal MRI, MEG, behavioural
project description: several research projects investigating the spatio-temporal brain dynamics of natural language are currently ongoing in the lab, focusing on:
project description: several research projects investigating the spatio-temporal brain dynamics of natural language are currently ongoing in the lab, focusing on:
- language acquisition in development and across the lifespan;
- the role of personal experience in grounding conceptual-semantic representations and in concept formation;
- syntactic computation principles and syntax-semantics interface mechanisms;
- anatomo-functional correlation of language in aphasia.
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 3
period: all year round
open positions: 3
period: all year round
Massimo Turatto
e-mail: massimo.turatto@unitn.it
general topic: we study the relation between learning attention and motivation
methodology: Behavioral and EEG methods
project descriptio: two main research projects:
methodology: Behavioral and EEG methods
project descriptio: two main research projects:
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the effects of motivation on attention;
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mechanisms for distractor filtering
type of internship: Curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 2 Curricular / 2 Post-graduate
period: all year
open positions: 2 Curricular / 2 Post-graduate
period: all year
Luca Turella
e-mail: luca.turella@unitn.it
general topic: Control of movements - Understanding of actions and intentions
methodology: fMRI/MEG/behavioral
project description - the student can be involved in two different types of projects: the first project aims to characterize the neural representations of the actions we perform in everyday life; the second project aims to characterize the neural networks underlying the understanding of the action and the intentions of others.
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate/professional training
open positions: 4
period: all year
Giorgio Vallortigara
e-mail: giorgio.vallortigara@unitn.it
general topic: Neuroscience of animal cognition
methodology: early gene expression, qPCR, behaviour
project description: Animacy detection, Number and space cognition
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 6
period: all year
Moritz Wurm
e-mail: moritz.wurm@unitn.it
general topic: localize and characterize the neural processes of action understanding, from perceptual analysis to conceptual access
methodology: fMRI, MEG, psychophysics
project description: please consult the group's website for further details of the research projects. Students will be offered the opportunity to be involved in various experimental phases (from literature research to experiment design, data collection and data analysis).
type of internship: curricular/Post-graduate
open positions: 3
period: all year