Dr Smadar Ovadia-Caro | Between state and trait: how malleable is macro-scale organization

Understanding the relationship between stable and malleable properties of brain organization is central for elucidating the boundaries of behavioral adaptability. Recent technological and computational advances in non-invasive brain imaging have enabled us to quantitatively describe connectivity patterns along the connectome and create a holistic cartographic description of macro-scale organization. Whole-brain connectivity measures hold great promise for empirically addressing the delicate balance between integration and segregation of functional networks and investigating their involvement in plastic processes. During my talk, I will present my previous and ongoing work that uses connectivity approaches based on ‘resting-state’ (task-absent) functional magnetic resonance imaging, to characterize connectome configurations. I will discuss the implications of these studies for understanding both basic principles of brain organization and mechanisms underlying reorganization after an insult. I will conclude with discussing potential future directions in the study of whole-brain connections from both the methodological and theoretical perspectives.