Systems neuroscience · University of Manchester

How does the brain know which way it's facing?

We investigate the neural circuits that give us a sense of direction, and how vision and self-motion signals keep that internal compass aligned with the world.

Explore our research

Head directionSensory integrationSpatial navigation

What we study

The brain's internal compass.

Knowing where we're facing feels effortless. Behind that experience lies a network of neurons that continuously tracks direction, combines information from our movements and senses, and anchors our internal representation to the environment.

At the Duszkiewicz Lab, we study the circuitry and computations that make this possible, with a focus on the head-direction system and the cortical networks supporting spatial orientation.

01 / CIRCUITS

Head-direction networks

How do populations of neurons represent and maintain an internal estimate of heading?

02 / SENSORY INPUT

Visual anchoring

How do landmarks and visual information calibrate the brain's directional representation?

03 / COMPUTATION

Neural dynamics

How do cortical circuits integrate signals and stabilise spatial representations over time?

Our approach

From neurons to navigation.

We combine large-scale neural recordings, controlled visual environments and computational analysis to understand how spatial representations emerge from circuit activity.

Neuropixels recordingsHead-direction circuitsVisual environmentsClosed-loop experimentsPopulation dynamicsComputational modelling

Get in touch

Let's connect.

For research enquiries or collaborations, please find our current contact details through the University of Manchester staff directory.

Find us

Dr Adrian J. Duszkiewicz

Principal Investigator
Division of Neuroscience
University of Manchester
Stopford Building, Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom