University of Groningen, Dr. Miles Wischnewski
Our Neuromodulation lab at the University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, is focused on research involving non-invasive neurostimulation, with a particular focus on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). Various research topics are studied that would be broadly categorized as ‘cognition’ but they vary considerably. We have projects on social interaction, working memory, decision-making, learning, visual perception, and more.
The main goal of the lab is to get a causal understanding of how oscillations relate to these behavioral outcome measures. Our studies often involve intricate behavioral tasks and may include other physiological measurements, such as EMG, EEG, eye tracking, etc. Furthermore, our faculty has a state-of-the-art driving simulator and one of the world’s only bicycle simulators. The future goal for the lab is to combine neuromodulation with these simulators as well. However, generally, any visiting student or researcher can propose any kind of research idea that relates to non-invasive neurostimulation. All research is focused on fundamental mechanisms in healthy volunteers.
Non-invasive brain stimulation, with a focus on tACS, tDCS, and tRNS. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may also be possible, depending on the exact research idea (to be discussed). Besides that, we use electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and eye tracking.
This can be flexible, but the goal would be to at least perform some data collection. As such, being physically at our institute for about 3 months or longer would be ideal. Full projects (including preparation, analysis, and writing) likely take longer but can partially be done remotely.
Students are expected to cover their own expenses.
If you would like to know more or are interested in joining us, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Miles Wischnewski at m.wischnewski@rug.nl. More information can also be found at www.mileswischnewski.com
Groningen is a beautiful city in the north of the Netherlands. Truth be told, finding housing for longer stays is difficult, and one would be advised to start searching early. Rents can vary significantly depending on the type of housing, but would be roughly between 500 (shared facility) and 1000 (studio) Euro (Unfortunately, the Netherlands is pretty expensive). More information about the University of Groningen can be found at: https://www.rug.nl/