Isabella Wagner is a cognitive neuroscientist and her main research topics revolce around memory and the neural codes underpinning it.

Durable memories

Why are some memories long-lasting, while others fade away with time? How can we predict the ‘fate’ of a memory already when information is being studied? I test these questions in human participants, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and multivariate pattern techniques.

Memory training

Participants of the World Memory Championships show exceptional memory performance — being able to memorise large amounts of arbitrary information within short time. I study how initially mnemonics-naïve participants can reach exceptional memory performance using the ‘method of loci’.

Cognitive maps & the human microbiome

Research over the last years revealed a tight connection between the brain and the human gut microbiome. I am interested in how cognitive maps and abilities are linked to gut microbial characteristics, and am currently setting up this new research line.