A research hub for the study of cognitive processes in non-neural organisms
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The non-neural cognition research (NnCR) group investigates cognitive behaviour across a variety of model systems.
Our team is composed of researchers from various disciplines who share in the commitment to diversify the range of systems we typically investigate at the level of cognitive behaviour. Specifically, we aim to advance both theoretical and experimental research programmes into non-neural systems through an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to research and collaboration that is equally open-minded and critically engaged.
One of the model organisms we are currently focused on is Physarum polycephalum, or the ‘acellular slime mould’, which is capable of some pretty surprising things.
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The non-neural cognition research group was founded in 2024 by a team of researchers that span philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science with the shared aim of investigating the adaptive behavioural motifs in a wide array of model systems and using theory and experiments to explore the possible cognitive nature of such behaviour.
Specifically, we take a comparative approach to various dimensions of cognition beyond the paradigmatic human case. Our aim is to better understand the similarities and differences in the underlying mechanisms/processes of cognitive behaviour across different kinds of biological organisms.
To do so, we examine how (and in what sense) non-neural systems can be said to learn, decide, solve problems, interact, plan, and remember.
Find out more about the non-neural cognition research group, our research network, ongoing projects, research opportunities and more below.
Build a research community with us!
We are a vibrant research group working on both theoretical and experimental projects related to the study of non-neural cognition.
Our philosophy
We aim to better understand the diversity of cognitive processes across non-neural systems by taking a comparative approach to behaviour.
Research themes
We use both theoretical and experimental approaches to examine the behaviour of a range of model systems.
Resources
Our community provides additional resources and research materials relevant to the multidisciplinary study of non-neural cognition.
Communications
Find us on social media, sign up to our mailing list, or see what we’re currently up to on our blog here.
Collaboration
Connect with researchers working across different fields, explore the growing number of relevant researchers, and contribute to a grass-roots academic community by proposing your own projects!
Get involved!
We investigate cognitive processes in a wide variety of model systems at both the theoretical and experimental level.
Collaboration and community
- Meet fellow researchers who work on non-neural cognition.
- Showcase your projects and get feedback from an expert community of researchers.
Resources and outreach
- We publish and host work about non-neural cognition.
- Exclusive access to ongoing theoretical and experimental projects and content.
The NnCR blog (coming soon!)
Join our mailing list!
Stay in the loop with everything you need to know about ongoing projects and the expansion of our research network.
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