top of page

Research

Overview and Publications

My research explores the intersections of artificial intelligence, cognitive-neuroscience, and consciousness science, centering on embodied intelligence, spatial cognition, and the philosophy of mind. By integrating theories of consciousness with embodied cognition, I aim to bridge cognitive neuroscience and machine learning. This interdisciplinary approach examines how sensorimotor processes and global representations enhance AI, developing systems that reflect human and animal cognition for real-world adaptability. My work also delves into spatial cognition and panpsychism, investigating how embodied interactions shape our understanding of space and self, and highlighting the role of bodily experience in grounding both cognitive functions and philosophical insights into consciousness.

Artificial Intelligence

1Embodied Intelligence

My research integrates consciousness theories and embodied cognition in artificial systems to bridge cognitive neuroscience and machine learning. By modeling sensorimotor processes and global representations, I aim to develop adaptive AI systems that mirror human and animal cognition, enabling more robust and versatile intelligence for real-world environments. 

Cognitive-neuroscience

2 Spatial Cognition

My research investigates how bodily action influences spatial cognition, particularly the formation and use of spatial representations for (mental) navigation. By examining embodied interactions within large-scale environments, we aim to illuminate how sensory-motor processes shape spatial understanding and decision-making.

Graphical Abstract.tiff
In Press
Published

Kuske, N., Clay, V. (2023). Does Bodily Action Shape Spatial Representation? Evidence from Virtual Reality, Sensory Augmentation and Map Learning. bioRxiv, 2023-10. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.15.562402

​

Kuske, N., Ragni, M., Röhrbein, F., Vitay, J., & Hamker, F. (2022). Demands and potentials of different levels of neuro-cognitive models for human spatial cognition. In, E. Ferstl, L. Konieczny, & R. Stülpnagel (Eds.), Proceedings of KogWiss2022, the 15th Biannual Conference of the German Society for Cognitive Science (pp. 115-116). Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. https://doi.org/10.6094/UNIFR/229611

​

König, S.U., Keshava, A., Clay, V., Rittershofer, K., Kuske, N.,& König, P. (2021). Embodied Spatial Knowledge Acquisition in Immersive Virtual Reality: Comparison to Map Exploration. Frontiers in Virtual Reality,2, 625548. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2021.625548

​

König, S.U., Clay, V., Nolte, D., Duesberg, L., Kuske, N., & König,P. (2019). Learning of spatial properties of a large-scale virtual city with an interactive map.Frontiers in human neuroscience,13, 240. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00240

image.png

Philosophy of Mind

3 Panpsychism

My research explores the ethical and existential implications of panpsychism, the idea that consciousness or simple phenomenal awareness is a fundamental property of a large class of physical systems including fundamental particles. This view challenges our understanding of moral obligations and personal identity, potentially providing new frameworks for ethical responsibility and fulfilling existential needs traditionally met by religious beliefs.

In Press

For all published research see my Google scholar

bottom of page