Priority Programme “Sensing LOOPS: Cortico-subcortical Interactions for Adaptive Sensing” (SPP 2411)

The second three-year funding period studies adaptive sensory processing through mammalian cortical–subcortical circuits. Priorities are plasticity across timescales, naturalistic behaviour and comparisons between sensory systems. Projects must examine or model microcircuit activity in awake mammals, involve at least two interacting structures including a sensory structure, manipulate neural activity or behaviour, and share data, software and models. Purely anatomical studies, isolated single-region recordings, disease-focused projects, non-mammalian systems and theory without experimental links are excluded. Proposals go through elan by 3 February 2027; first-time applicants must register by 27 January 2027.

Research proposals must satisfy the programme’s scientific requirements and applicable DFG research-grant eligibility rules. Funding institutions must implement the DFG good-research-practice code.