The human brain seamlessly synthesizes diverse sensory inputs, vision, audition, touch, and proprioception, to construct coherent perceptions and guide adaptive behaviour. This process, known as sensory and multisensory integration, is fundamental for everyday tasks such as object recognition, navigation, and motor control. Advances in computational neuroscience have provided powerful frameworks for modelling how neural circuits combine information from multiple sensory modalities. However, the precise computational mechanisms and neural architectures that drive this integration in perception and action remain incompletely understood. Delving into these mechanisms not only enriches our core understanding of brain function but also informs the development of artificial systems and neuroprosthetics.
While considerable progress has been made in mapping sensory and multisensory processing at behavioral and neural levels, key questions remain regarding the computational rules and neural implementations underlying integration. How does the brain weigh and combine inputs with varying reliability? At what stages and under what conditions are signals fused versus maintained separately? How do these processes differ between perception and action, and which neurobiological mechanisms are shared or distinct? This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary investigations that combine neurophysiology, psychophysics, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence to reveal new insights into the computational principles governing multisensory integration. By synthesizing experimental, theoretical, and applied approaches, we seek to clarify how the brain manages sensory uncertainties and coordinates perception with flexible, goal-directed action.
We welcome contributions employing empirical, computational, and theoretical methods to advance the understanding of computational mechanisms involved in sensory and multisensory integration. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Neural coding and neural circuit models of sensory/multisensory integration - Bayesian and probabilistic models of perception and action - The role of attention, expectation, and learning in integration processes - Sensorimotor transformations informed by multisensory cues - Temporal dynamics of sensory integration in naturalistic settings - Disorders of sensory or multisensory integration (e.g., autism, schizophrenia) - Applications to artificial intelligence, robotics, and neuroprosthetics
Original research papers, reviews, and theoretical perspective articles are encouraged. Submissions should foster multidisciplinary dialogue and highlight novel computational, neurobiological, or methodological advances.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
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Hypothesis and Theory
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
