What is a memory representation? In 1904, Richard Semon introduced the term "engram" to describe the neural substrate for storing memories in the brain. According to this view, an experience engages a subset of cells that undergo off-line, persistent chemical and/or physical changes to form a long-lasting representation of this experience. Reactivation of the very same set of neurons is supposed to induce memory retrieval. Semon's contributions were largely ignored during his lifetime. However, new technological and methodological advances allow the study of memory reprsentations with an unprecedented level of detail? However, it is still debated what excatly constitutes a memory representation, how they allow the formation of large sets of interconnected knowledge, how the brain solves the stability-plasticity trade-off, and how memory representations actually guide adaptive behavior in an ever-changing environment. The present discurs will target the core question by discussing seminal ideas about how memories are formed, maintained and potentially forgotten in neural networks, like the human brain. The literature based work will be accompanied by discussions of talks delivered by leading experts in the field.
- Kursleiter/in: Markus Werkle-Bergner
Semester: ST 2024