Research Assistant: Exploring Brain Activation Patterns in Human Decision-Making User fMRI

Introduction to the topic:

How does the human brain make decisions? Every day we choose between options—what to eat, whether to save or spend money, or whether to take a risk for a possible reward. Some decisions require self-control or waiting for a larger reward instead of taking an immediate one. Others involve risk-taking, where outcomes are uncertain and may lead to gains or losses.

Decision-making is a core cognitive process that underlies everyday behaviour and plays an important role in mental health and self-regulation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), cognitive neuroscience studies these processes by measuring brain activity while individuals perform structured decision-making tasks. By examining patterns of brain activation, we aim to identify neural systems involved in reward processing and cognitive control.

Project details:

In this research project, students will analyze fMRI data from a large sample of healthy young adults to investigate which brain regions are engaged during different types of decision-making. The project focuses on neural systems involved in reward processing (e.g., ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex) and cognitive control (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal regions), which are central to understanding motivation, self-control, and mental health.

Students will work collaboratively to develop fMRI analysis pipelines using SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping). They will learn core steps in neuroimaging analysis, including data preprocessing, statistical modelling, and creation of whole-brain activation maps. They will learn how to visualize and interpret statistical parametric maps, identify activation clusters and relate findings to current cognitive neuroscience literature.

Throughout the project, students will gain hands-on experience in neuroimaging analysis, data quality control, hypothesis testing, teamwork and scientific communication by contributing to a written research report and a poster-style presentation. By the end of the project, students will have an applied understanding of how brain activity patterns support human decision-making.

This project is suited for students in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science, or related fields. Prior experience with neuroimaging or programming is helpful but not required; training will be provided. Motivation and curiosity are key.

Selected relevant publications:

Macoveanu J, et al (2023). Early longitudinal changes in brain structure and cognitive functioning in remitted patients with recently diagnosed bipolar disorder. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.026. PMID: 37442440
Macoveanu J, et al (2023). Associations between aberrant working memory-related neural activity and cognitive impairments in somatically healthy, remitted patients with mood disorders. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291723000715 PMID: 37051904
Cramer, K., Schandorff, J. M., Bruun, C. F., Svarer, C., Macoveanu, J, & Miskowiak. (2024). Effects of cognitive training under hypoxia on cognitive proficiency and neuroplasticity in remitted patients with mood disorders and healthy individuals: ALTIBRAIN study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08463-5

Prerequisites

One year of neuroscience or psychology courses at university level.

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Go to syllabus

Faculty

Julian Macoveanu

Faculty

Ph.D. (Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Karolinska Institute, Sweden, 2006). Ph.D. Licentiate of Engineering (Computational Biology), University of Linköping, Sweden, 2005) MSc. (Biochemistry, Stockholm University, 2002). Postdoctoral Research Associate, Danish Research Center for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre. With DIS since 2014.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Prerequisites

Additional research application required

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Faculty

Julian Macoveanu

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant course?