Research

Multisensory Integration

The brain assembles different sensory stimuli into a coherent picture through fast and flexible communication mechanisms, such as neural synchronization within and between brain regions. Multisensory integration is a fundamental property of brain circuits, dynamically interacting with motor processing, cognition and attentional mechanisms. Our recent work uses computational modeling to investigate how the brain determines stimulus coherence and integrates multisensory information.

Theta power reflects interplay between working memory and multisensory integration. Michail et al., 2021, J Neurosci

Functional coupling across different frequency bands support intersensory attention. Keil et al., 2016, Cortex

Multsensory processing of naturalistic cell phone stimuli. Pomper et al., 2014, PLOSONE

Neural oscillations in response to visuotactile motion stimuli. Krebber et al., 2015, Neuroimage

Modeling individual alpha phase-perception relationships for personalized neuroscience. Rohe & Senkowski, Preprint

Six main mechanisms of neural oscillations. Senkowski & Engel, 2024, Nat Rev Neurosci

Review on the relationship between attention and multisensory integration. Talsma et al., 2010, TICS

EEG recordings in a visuotactile attention paradigm. Pomper et al., 2015, Hum Br Mapp

Computational modeling of the Audiovisual Rabbit Illusion. Günaydın et al., 2026, Sci Rep

Neural timescale dynamics and multisensory integration. Senkowski & Engel, 2024, Nat Rev Neurosci

Cortical network dynamics underlying interensory attention. Keil & Senkowski, 2018, Neuroscientist

Intracranial ECoG recordings during multisensory processing. Michael et al., 2022, Neuroimage

GABA mediates the relationship between gamma power and multisensory integration. Balz et al., 2016, Neuroimage

Neural signatures of schizophrenia

Beyond positive and negative symptoms, schizophrenia patients experience subtle perceptual and cognitive deficits, likely driven by altered neural synchronization. Surprisingly, multisensory processing shows only minor impairments and can even compensate for attentional deficits. We are currently investigating whether working memory deficits are generalizable or subfunction-specific.

Glutamate concentration in STS and occipital cortex. Balz et al., 2018, Front Psychol

Relationship between beta power and clinical symptoms. Moran & Senkowski, 2025, Schizophrenia

Long-range beta band temporal correlations (Moran et al., 2019, Front Psychiatr)

Auditory N1 component suppression during audiovisual speech procesing. Senkowski & Moran, 2022, Neuroimage:Clin

Review on the role of fontal gamma oscillations and working memory deficits. Senkowski & Gallinat, 2015, Biol Psychiatr

Intact multisensory integration in patients compensates for attention deficits. Moran et al., 2021 Cerb Cortex

Crossmodal processing of pain

Our research examines how sensory input from other modalities affects acute pain processing. Such crossmodal stimuli can either reduce pain by distraction or enhance it by increasing salience. We have demonstrated this bidirectional modulation of pain perception and processing. Additionally, we hypothesize that chronic pain distorts body representation in the brain, with implications for developing virtual reality interventions for chronic pain treatment.

Visual stimuli influence the processing of pain. Pomper et al., 2013, Neuroimage

Needle observation increases pain. Höfle et al., 2012, Pain

Distorted body representation in patients with chronic pain and VR applications (Senkowski & Heinz, 2016, Neurosci Biobehav Rev).

Emotional faces influence the processing of pain. Senkowski et al., 2011, J Neurosci

Prestimulus alpha oscillations shape pain perception. Höfle et al., 2013, EJN

Review on the crossmodal processing of pain. Senkowski et al., 2014, TICS

Other topics

We have conducted projects on diverse topics including adult ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, cochlear implants, genetics, and MR spectroscopy. Currently, we are investigating memory processing in PTSD, applying knowledge of dynamic neural memory processes to understanding memory dysfunction, which is a core feature where traumatic memories become fragmented and intrusive.