Programm

Spatial cognition and episodic memory are closely intertwined, sharing a common neural foundation in the entorhinal-hippocampal system. Beyond its well-established role in navigation and memory, recent research in adults suggests that spatial coding mechanisms within this system might serve as a neural and cognitive basis for concept formation and generalization. However, little is known about how this foundational function emerges during early development. How do spatial representations evolve to support not only navigation but also the structuring of knowledge? What role does the maturation of the entorhinal-hippocampal system play in shaping both memory and conceptual learning?

This symposium brings together five cutting-edge studies that investigate these developmental questions from infancy to early childhood using behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological approaches. The first talk presents longitudinal data on memory development in 4- to 8-year-olds, incorporating structural MRI to examine neuroanatomical changes. The second explores how 18- to 24-month-olds acquire and retain object-location-context associations, shedding light on early spatial learning mechanisms. The third highlights the role of neural oscillations in shaping memory and learning across development. The fourth study examines the relationship between spatial navigation abilities and early hippocampal and entorhinal development in one-year olds. Finally, the fifth talk investigates the relationship between spatial learning and memory formation in 4- to 8-year-olds.

By integrating findings across different ages and methodologies, this symposium advances our understanding of how spatial coding within the entorhinal-hippocampal system supports not only memory but also the broader cognitive structures essential for knowledge organization and concept formation.