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SUMMARY:Learning to Imagine: Generative Models of Memory Construction and 
 Consolidation
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T140000
DTSTAMP:20260525T000509Z
UID:f8b88367-af3c-f111-88b4-7ced8d9a5614
CREATED:20260420T115234Z
DESCRIPTION:Abstract\n\nEpisodic memory is the (re)construction of an expe
 rience rather than the retrieval of a copy\; memories involve schema-based
  predictions\, show classic patterns of distortion\, and share neural subs
 trates with imagination. Brains need to make predictions to survive\, and 
 to achieve this must extract statistical structure from experience. Genera
 tive neural networks provide a mechanism for learning this by ‘predictio
 n error’ minimisation. We explore how the brain develops and uses genera
 tive models in memory processing. In particular\, many cognitive functions
  involve interplay between episodic (hippocampal) and semantic (neocortica
 l) systems. We present a computational model in which sequential experienc
 es are encoded in hippocampus in compressed form and replayed to train a n
 eocortical generative network. This network captures the gist of specific 
 episodes and extracts statistical patterns that generalise to new situatio
 ns\, enabling efficient reconstruction of the past and prediction of the f
 uture. The two systems interact during recall and prediction\, with the hi
 ppocampus retrieving relevant episodic information into working memory as 
 a basis for generation using the ‘general knowledge’ of the neocortica
 l network. We simulate this interaction as ‘retrieval-augmented generati
 on’\, with the addition of mechanisms to compress episodic memories into
  hippocampus and to consolidate them into neocortex. The model explains ch
 anges to memories over time\, including schema-based distortions\, and sho
 ws how recent episodic and semantic memory contribute to new problem solvi
 ng.
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T152119Z
LOCATION:The Life and Mind Building - Seminar room 7 & 8\, Seminar room 7 
 & 8 The Life and Mind Building South Parks Road Oxford   United Kingdom
SPEAKER:Dr Eleanor Spens (Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences\, 
 University of Oxford)
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