Programm

A remarkable feature of the human mind is the ability to retain memories at different levels of abstraction. We not only have detailed, vivid memories of specific experiences, but also store generalized memories that are based on distinct experiences. This symposium will track the emergence and transformation of such diverse memory representations in the brain. Deniz Kumral will first demonstrate how the formation of memories is reflected in alterations of the brain's microstructure. Anne Bierbrauer will then show how consolidation leads to an emphasis of an episode’s gist at the cost of specific details. Afterwards, Heidrun Schultz will elucidate how reward influences the emergence of generalized memory representations, and Mona Garvert will examine how they are influenced by conditioned fear. Finally, Roland Benoit will provide causal evidence for the neural basis of such memory representations. Together, the five presentations will provide a current perspective on the nature of neural memory representations and how they evolve over time.