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Nicolas Brunel

Adjunct Professor of Neurobiology
Neurobiology
311 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


We use theoretical models of brain systems to investigate how they process and learn information from their inputs. Our current work focuses on the mechanisms of learning and memory, from the synapse to the network level, in collaboration with various experimental groups. Using methods from
statistical physics, we have shown recently that the synaptic
connectivity of a network that maximizes storage capacity reproduces
two key experimentally observed features: low connection probability
and strong overrepresentation of bidirectionnally connected pairs of
neurons. We have also inferred `synaptic plasticity rules' (a
mathematical description of how synaptic strength depends on the
activity of pre and post-synaptic neurons) from data, and shown that
networks endowed with a plasticity rule inferred from data have a
storage capacity that is close to the optimal bound.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Adjunct Professor of Neurobiology · 2024 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2018 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers
Member of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience · 2018 - Present Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences

In the News


Published May 18, 2022
University Awards 24 New Distinguished Professorships

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Recent Publications


From the perceptron to the cerebellum

Journal Article Comptes Rendus. Physique · June 3, 2025 The perceptron has served as a prototypical neuronal learning machine in the physics community interested in neural networks and artificial intelligence, which included GĂ©rard Toulouse as one of its prominent figures. It has also been used as a mod ... Full text Cite

Inter- and Intrahemispheric Sources of Vestibular Signals to V1.

Journal Article bioRxiv · December 30, 2024 Head movements are sensed by the vestibular organs. Unlike classical senses, signals from vestibular organs are not conveyed to a dedicated cortical area but are broadcast throughout the cortex. Surprisingly, the routes taken by vestibular signals to reach ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Canonical computations for motor learning by the cerebellar cortex micro-circuit

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2024

Striatal Microcircuit Drivers of Adaptive Learning in Habit Formation

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2023

CRCNS: Multiscale dynamics of cortical circuits for visual recognition & memory

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Chicago · 2017 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications


Pierre and Marie Curie University (France) · 1993 Ph.D.