We investigate neural computations and brain mechanisms for learning and decision-making along with motivation/emotion/social functions.

Hiroyuki Nakahara

Hiroyuki Nakahara, Ph.D.

Team Leader, Integrated Theoretical Neuroscience
hiroyuki.nakahara [at] riken.jp

Research Overview

The long-term goal of our laboratory is to understand the computational principles that underlie the way neural systems realize adaptive behavior, decision-making, and associated learning. In particular, we focus on (1) reward-based learning and decision-making and (2) social learning and decision-making. Toward this goal, we address computational questions by building computational and mathematical models. We also use human fMRI in combination with quantitative approaches such as model-based analysis and neural decoding techniques. We further develop quantitative techniques and methods for realizing innovative data analysis in neuroscience, and also theories and models for brain-based artificial intelligence. In collaborative work with experimental investigators, we investigate the topics of our interest, using various types of experimental data.

Main Research Fields

Complex Systems

Related Research Fields

Informatics / Social Sciences / Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering / Mathematical & Physical Sciences / Biological Sciences / Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy

Keywords

Selected Publications

  1. Fukuda H, Ma N, Suzuki S, Harasawa N, Ueno K, Gardner JL, Ichinohe N, Haruno M, Cheng K, Nakahara H.:
    "Computing Social Value Conversion in the Human Brain."
    Journal of Neuroscience. 39(26):5153-5172. (2019)
    10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3117-18.2019
  2. Terada S, Sakurai Y, Nakahara H, Fujisawa S.:
    "Temporal and rate coding for discrete event sequences in the hippocampus."
    Neuron, 94, 1248-1262 (2017)
    10.1016/j.neuron.2017.05.024
  3. Nakahara, H.:
    "Multiplexing signals in reinforcement learning with internal models and dopamine."
    Curr Opin Neurobiol, 25, 123-129 (2014)
    10.1016/j.conb.2014.01.001
  4. Suzuki, S., Harasawa, N., Ueno, K., Gardner, JL., Ichinohe, N., Haruno, M., Cheng, K., and Nakahara, H.:
    "Learning to simulate others' decisions."
    Neuron, 74(6), 1125-1137 (2012)
    10.1016/j.neuron.2012.04.030
  5. Bromberg-Martin, ES., Matsumoto, M., Nakahara, H., and Hikosaka, O.:
    "Multiple timescales of memory in lateral habenula and dopamine neurons."
    Neuron, 67(3), 499-510 (2010)
    10.1016/j.neuron.2010.06.031
  6. Nakahara, H., and Kaveri, S.:
    "Internal-Time Temporal Difference Model for Neural Value-based Decision Making.", Neural Comput, 22(12), 3062-3106 (2010)
    10.1162/NECO_a_00049
  7. Santos, GS., Gireesh, ED., Plenz, D., and Nakahara, H.:
    "Hierarchical interaction structre of neural activities in cortical slice cultures."
    J Neurosci, 30(26), 8720-8733 (2010)
    10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6141-09.2010
  8. Nakahara, H., Itoh, H., Kawagoe, R., Takikawa, Y., Hikosaka, O.:
    "Dopamine neurons can represent context-dependent prediction error."
    Neuron, 41(2), 269-280 (2004)
    10.1016/S0896-6273(03)00869-9
  9. Nakahara, H., and Amari, S.:
    "Information geometric measure for neural spikes."
    Neural Comput, 14(10), 2269-2316 (2002)
    10.1162/08997660260293238
  10. Nakahara, H., Doya, K., and Hikosaka, O.:
    "Parallel cortico-basal ganglia mechanisms for acquisition and execution of visuomotor sequences: A computational approach."
    J Cognitive Neurosci, 13(5), 626-647 (2001)
    10.1162/089892901750363208

Lab Members

Principal investigator

Hiroyuki Nakahara
Laboratory Head

Core members

Mayank Aggarwal
Research Scientist
Norihiro Harasawa
Technical Staff I
Megumi Morii
Technical Staff II