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.
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
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 CiteInter- 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 CiteCortico-thalamic communication for action coordination in a skilled motor sequence.
Preprint · October 30, 2024 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Canonical computations for motor learning by the cerebellar cortex micro-circuit
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2024Striatal Microcircuit Drivers of Adaptive Learning in Habit Formation
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2023CRCNS: Multiscale dynamics of cortical circuits for visual recognition & memory
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Chicago · 2017 - 2023View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Pierre and Marie Curie University (France) ·
1993
Ph.D.