Mapping the Motor System with Brain Stimulation

The Action Control Laboratory at University of Oregon (headed by Ian Greenhouse) and scientists from the Germany-based Max Planck Institutewhich carries out basic research in the life sciences, natural sciences and the social and human sciences—are collaborating in the area of TMS brain mapping with particular emphasis on the sensori-motor cortex. A neuroscience conference held at the University of Oregon in October 2026 will provide the occasion to discuss collaborative research opportunities and develop grant proposal ideas

The Action Control Lab is in the Department of Human Physiology at the University of Oregon. This lab studies how the brain controls movement. For example, how do humans initiate and cancel prepared movements, and what underlies variability in our actions? To answer these types of questions, scientists use a combination of behavioural testing, electrophysiology, brain stimulation, and neuroimaging methods. They study both healthy individuals and patients with movement disorders.

The MPI group has developed and is developing sophisticated algorithms for precise TMS-based brain mapping, while the Oregon group applies those techniques to their research on the neural computations for human action control. This work has basic science and clinical relevance.

This event is part of International Education Month (IEM) programming. View the full calendar of IEM events here: https://international.uoregon.edu/IEM.