Understanding how the brain works requires approaches that can bridge behavior, neural activity, and computation. Some of these questions—especially those involving perception, cognition, and decision-making—can only be answered by studying systems that closely resemble the human brain. This is why carefully regulated research with non-human primates remains an essential part of modern neuroscience.
At the same time, we recognize that this work carries a profound ethical responsibility. Our laboratory is committed to conducting research with the highest standards of animal care, transparency, and accountability. This page is intended to provide a clear and accessible view of how our research is conducted, how animal welfare is ensured, and how oversight is maintained.
Our research aims to understand how the brain transforms visual input into meaningful behavior—how we recognize objects, interpret complex scenes, and act on what we see. These are fundamental computations of the brain, and disruptions in them are central to many neurological and psychiatric conditions, including disorders of perception, cognition, and social understanding. Insights from this work also directly inform the development of artificial intelligence systems, helping build technologies that see and learn more like humans.
Answering these questions requires linking neural activity to behavior with high precision. While non-invasive methods in humans provide important insights, they cannot capture the detailed, moment-to-moment neural dynamics needed to uncover underlying mechanisms. Carefully designed studies with non-human primates allow us to make these measurements in ways that are not otherwise possible, while studying a system that closely resembles the human brain.
For this reason, such studies are undertaken only when they are essential and when no alternative approach can provide the same level of understanding. Each experiment is designed with this constraint in mind—maximizing scientific insight while minimizing the number of animals used and ensuring the highest standards of care.
At the same time, our work in developing accurate in silico models of brain function is central to this effort. These models allow us to test hypotheses, explore alternatives, and narrow down experimental questions in advance. By doing so, we actively reduce and refine the need for animal research, restricting it to domains where reliable computational or non-invasive methods do not yet exist.
Read our story and where we are headed: https://medium.com/@kohitij_71633/a-brief-window-into-our-lab-8b20e92c0eb8
Animal welfare is central to every aspect of our research. Our animals are not simply subjects in experiments; they are living beings under our continuous care and responsibility.
We follow strict guidelines established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care, as well as institutional and veterinary standards. This includes:
All procedures are reviewed and approved before they begin, and are subject to ongoing evaluation throughout the course of the research.
Our experiments are designed to be as minimally invasive as possible while still addressing important scientific questions. Animals are trained using positive reinforcement and participate in tasks that involve viewing images or videos and making behavioral responses.
Sessions are structured to prioritize comfort and engagement. Animals are monitored continuously, and any signs of distress result in immediate evaluation and, if necessary, cessation of the session.
Importantly, data collection is only one part of the process. A significant portion of our effort is dedicated to ensuring that experimental design, training, and care protocols are aligned with best practices in animal welfare.
Our research is not conducted in isolation. It is subject to multiple layers of independent oversight.
All protocols are reviewed and approved by institutional animal care committees, and our facilities and practices are regularly evaluated under national standards established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care. These reviews assess not only compliance, but also the quality of care and the justification for each study.
In addition, our laboratory maintains detailed records of animal care and experimental procedures, ensuring that all aspects of our work are documented and auditable.
We believe that trust in science requires openness. While certain aspects of research must remain controlled to protect both animals and the integrity of experiments, we are committed to sharing as much information as possible about our practices.
We welcome constructive dialogue about the role of animal research in science. We are also actively working to make our research more accessible through public-facing summaries, demonstrations, and collaborations that bridge science and society.
Scientific progress and ethical responsibility are not opposing goals—they must go hand in hand. Our commitment is not only to advancing knowledge, but to doing so in a way that reflects respect, care, and accountability at every step.
We recognize that this work raises important questions, and we believe those questions deserve clear, honest answers. This page is one part of that ongoing commitment.