Katja Valli
School of Bioscience
Cognitive neuroscience is a relatively new interdisciplinary research field that merges neuroscience and psychology to explain how biological processes in the brain produce psychological functions, such as visual perception, embodiment, and even dreaming during sleep. This research expands our understanding of how psychological processes are reflected in brain activity. Cognitive neuroscience deepens our insight into how the physical brain enables the mind to function, ultimately contributing to the possibility of leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Our research group investigates the psychology and neural mechanisms underlying consciousness and cognition, integrating both cognitive neuroscientific and philosophical perspectives.
One of the most profound scientific mysteries is how the brain generates subjective experiences. We address this question by examining the phenomenology and neural correlates of experiences in altered states of consciousness, such as sleep, anesthetic-induced states, and hypnosis.
We also study the neural basis of normal cognitive functions and specific conscious experiences, such as attention and the perception of visual or emotional stimuli.
Our second major line of research focuses on psychological well-being and emotion regulation, including projects on dreaming and mind-wandering, how AI could be used to enhance well-being, and the therapeutic effects of anesthetics and psychedelics.
We also conduct research on agency, empathy, ethics and morality, as well as metaphysics.
In our Virtual reality and EEG laboratory, we conduct studies on embodiment utilizing VR and measure the electrical activity of the brain during various tasks, for example, perception of emotionally charged stimuli.
We have many collaborative projects within the University of Skövde and with other universities worldwide (see Research projects), and all our research is based on a strong theoretical and philosophical foundation.