Neural circuit control of effort under stress (2023–2026)
Abstract:
This Project aims to investigate how the `decision¿ to persist in exerting effort to obtain a reward is encoded in the
the brain and affected by stress. This work will generate new knowledge on the neural mechanisms through which
stress modifies neural activity to control decision making processes underpinning adaptive behaviours essential
for survival. The expected outcomes of this work include enhanced capacity at the interface of behavioural and
computational neuroscience, that will in turn provide significant benefits through greater insight into brain functions
essential for survival, with long ranging implications for performance optimisation and brain-inspired computing.