Cognitive functions underlying sequence processing in the macaque and human brain

Ben's research focuses on understanding the neurobiological systems that support language and the evolution of these brain networks, with the goal of developing animal models in which language-related processes might be better understood. He will combine sequence processing tasks and comparative neuroimaging techniques to investigate the extent to which the cognitive abilities that underpin language in humans might be shared by non-human primates, and how far these abilities are supported by evolutionarily conserved networks of brain areas. Ben will collaborate with Professors Tim Griffiths and Chris Petkov (Newcastle University) and Professor Angela Friederici (Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig).