# Tracking Flow of Attention in Visual Circuits Across the Brain

> **NIH NIH RF1** · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2023 · $1,413,807

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Sensory processing is a way to understand the nervous system in action. Behavioral context
strongly affects sensory processing. For example, a brief visual stimulus is easier to detect if it
appears in a predictable spatial location. This attention to visual space strongly enhances
neural and behavioral responses to stimuli in those locations, but the detailed neural
mechanisms spanning multiple brain areas remain unknown. This is largely because we lack
the ability to measure specific neurons and circuits across multiple brain areas in real-time
during behavior that elicits visual spatial attention. We are uniquely positioned to bridge this
critical knowledge gap by leveraging tools for functionally targeted, multi-area recordings from
genetically defined neuron subtypes to establish the timing and organization of attentional signal
flow throughout the visual system during behavior.
This innovative combination of techniques will enable us to 1) Establish neural timing of spatial
attention across visual cortical areas 2) Establish organization of visual spatial attention
networks 3) Establish laminar and cellular substrates for multi-area visual spatial attention
networks
SIGNIFICANCE. This project will meet a significant need to understand how an internal
cognitive state—attention—modulates the intensity of external sensory events. Establishing a
detailed blueprint for neural substrates of attention and sensory processing will provide greater
understanding of cognitive flexibility, and provide insight for conditions characterized by deficits
of attention and sensory perception.
INNOVATION. This work provides technical innovation by pairing a visual attention task with
optically targeted, multi-area Neuropixels population recordings from genetically resolved
neuron subtypes and functionally resolved input, feedforward, and feedback pathways. We
provide conceptual innovation by defining how an internal cognitive factor like attention
coordinates and enhances information processing across multiple stages of a major sensory
pathway.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10665957
- **Project number:** 1RF1NS132288-01
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Bilal Haider
- **Activity code:** RF1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1,413,807
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-13 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10665957

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10665957, Tracking Flow of Attention in Visual Circuits Across the Brain (1RF1NS132288-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10665957. Licensed CC0.

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