# Center for Central Nervous System Function

> **NIH NIH P20** · BROWN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $2,433,407

## Abstract

Purposeful human behavior requires attention, decisions and construction and production of abstract
sequences, all basic functions mediated by brain networks primarily located in the neocortex, but modulated
and shaped by sub-cortical processing. In a general and even a specific sense, attention, decision making and
production of abstract sequences are key components of human mental activities. Deficits in these functions
are common in both neurological and psychiatric disorders and can result in a wide range of higher-order
behavioral deficits, including anxiety. We propose to continue, for at least another five years, the COBRE
Center for Central Nervous System Function at Brown University that will investigate the mechanisms of
higher-brain function focusing on decision making, abstract sequence construction and attention, while
developing statistically valid tools to reveal brain connectivity pattern. This COBRE consists of four research
projects led by junior faculty and one by an established investigator. Shenhav will investigate brain
mechanisms of cognitive interference during value based decision using multi-modal brain recordings.
Desrochers will investigate the neural basis of sequence monitoring in humans and non-human primates using
neuroimaging and circuit disruption. FeldmanHall will examine the neural and affective mechanisms of socially
risky learning using neuroimaging and behavior. Eloyan will develop quantitative methods for brain connectivity
network estimation and inference using functional MRI signals. Jones will investigate the causal role of
neocortical beta events in human sensory perception. A Design and Analysis Core and a Behavior and
Neuroimaging Core will facilitate the research goals of these projects and benefit the broader Brown
community by developing new tools and optimizing existing ones to image brain structure and function with
MRI and EEG, while insuring proper experimental design and analysis procedures across the projects. Project
Leaders will have senior faculty mentors who will provide support and guidance on research, publication, grant
preparation, and career development. An Administrative Core will oversee the operations of this COBRE
Center. The COBRE Center for Central Nervous System Function will fall under the auspices of the Brown
Institute for Brain Science. The COBRE Center will leverage the administrative resources available through the
Brown Institute for Brain Science to ensure efficient operation and coordinate with other brain science research
activities at Brown.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10246477
- **Project number:** 5P20GM103645-09
- **Recipient organization:** BROWN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JEROME N SANES
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $2,433,407
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-08-15 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10246477

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10246477, Center for Central Nervous System Function (5P20GM103645-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10246477. Licensed CC0.

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