The asymmetric spin glass as a model of altered cognition in schizophrenia and the psychedelic state: A neuromagnetic and computational study

This project investigates the brain mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and altered cognitive states using advanced computational models inspired by physics and machine learning. It focuses on understanding how the brain’s activity, thought to operate in a balance between order and disorder (known as criticality), may shift away from this balance in schizophrenia and in the psychedelic state, affecting cognition. By analyzing existing brain data from patients and healthy individuals, the project aims to uncover the dynamical regimes of the brain that are linked to altered cognition and explore their implications for brain-inspired artificial intelligence systems. This collaboration between the Donders Centre for Neuroscience and the University of Montreal brings together complementary expertise. Prof. Kappen’s team at Donders contributes deep knowledge in statistical physics, machine learning, and control theory, while Prof. Jerbi’s team provides advanced neuroimaging analysis and psychiatric insights. This partnership bridges physics, AI and neuroscience, promising innovations in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, as well as generating insights into the many dimensions of biological and artificial intelligence.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karim Jerbi

Student:

Partner:

Radboud University Nijmegen

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: