Matthias Stangl

Research in my lab focuses on how the human brain supports critical cognitive and behavioral functions in our everyday life, such as spatial navigation and memory, and on the neural mechanisms that underlie age-related impairments in these functions. From a methodological perspective, we employ novel neurotechnologies and advanced methodologies such as deep brain recordings in freely-moving individuals with permanently implanted neurostimulator devices, enabling us to study human brain function during natural movement and behavior in real-world settings. In addition, we conduct intracranial electrophysiological recordings in hospitalized patients, providing valuable insights into neural computations at the level of individual human neurons. To complement these invasive recordings, we also utilize non-invasive neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and scalp electroencephalography (EEG). Through this multimodal neuroimaging approach, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and memory, and human behavior more generally, both within and outside of controlled laboratory environments. Together, this holistic approach enables unique insights into human brain function across multiple scales, ranging from the activity of single neurons to the dynamic interactions of whole-brain networks.