Program

The integration of novel information into long-term memory can be promoted by presenting it within a known semantic context. For instance, acquiring new vocabulary in a foreign language is easier when it can be linked to pre-existing knowledge. This behavioral effect, also known as schema-dependent memory formation, has been demonstrated with various stimulus materials and across different species. Neurobiological models suggest that functional connectivity changes between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) promote the integration of novel information into existing knowledge structures, but several fundamental questions remain unresolved. This symposium aims to address these open questions by bringing together interdisciplinary research from both human and animal studies. More specifically, we will examine (a) the role of neurotransmitters, with a particular focus on dopamine, and their modulatory effects in the context of schema-dependent learning, (b) potential age-related changes, (c) the distinct neural mechanisms involved in encoding, consolidation, and retrieval, as well as (d) the interplay between novelty and prior knowledge. Taken together, the goal of this symposium is to discuss current views of schema-dependent memory formation, highlight its behavioral relevance across the adult lifespan and pinpointing underlying neural processes to refine future research.