Master’s Research Project: Do Humans Have an Electromagnetic Sense? 

Aart Nederveen, H.Steven Scholte, Wietske Zuiderbaan

Amsterdam University Medical Center & Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam

Project Duration: 5-6 months (full-time) or equivalent part-time. Intern or thesis. Start date: Flexible Location: Amsterdam UMC & Department of Psychology

Project Overview 
Join our interdisciplinary team investigating whether humans can sense electromagnetic fields (EMF)? Currently we do have some evidence that in single volunteers an EMF modulation of the visual hemodynamic response function (HRF) can be measured. It is unclear what this means, does the EMF influence the measurements of does it influence brain function?  Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, we aim to explore if and how the human brain processes electromagnetic signals – potentially uncovering a hidden sensory capability.

Research Questions

– Can fMRI detect the brain’s response to electromagnetic field signals?
– How, and does, EMF exposure modulate visual processing in the brain?
What You’ll Do

– Conduct fMRI experiments combining visual stimulation with controlled EMF exposure
– Investigate if the EMF effect actually influence brain processing by investigating the signal and noise levels of the system in explaining brain activity.
Required skills & courses

– Programming experience (Python preferred)
– Courses: NeuroImaigng | BoldMRI & Cognitive AI & NN and/or Cognitive AI & NeuroImaging
– Interest in experimental neuroscience
What We Offer

– Work with cutting-edge neuroimaging technology
– Access to unique experimental setup combining EMF and fMRI
– Experience with advanced analysis methods
– Supervision by experts in neuroimaging and neuroscience
– Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research
– Potential for publication in high-impact journals
Current Progress
We have preliminary evidence of EMF modulation of visual responses in individual participants. Your project will build on these findings to:

– Investigate temporal dynamics of EMF effects
– Analyze signal-to-noise characteristics
– Develop encoding models of EMF-brain interactions

How to Apply
Send your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcript to h.s.scholte@uva.nl