# Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center

> Unlocking Minds in the Canary Islands.


## Posts

- [Conference on Mechanisms of Statistical Learning and Predictive Brain Function](https://gccognitive.es/conference-on-mechanisms-of-statistical-learning-and-predictive-brain-function-developmental-clinical-and-intervention-perspectives/): Our conference on statistical learning is set to commence on Tuesday, October 21, and Wednesday, October 22, 2025, bringing together experts to delve into the intricate relationship between statistical learning, clinical neuroscience, and cognitive control. The comprehensive program promises a deep dive into the latest findings across key domains of psychological science. Day One: Statistical Learning and Cognitive State The event officially kicks off with Session 1: Clinical, spectrum, and developmental perspectives in statistical learning. This morning session, starting at 10:10, will address critical questions ranging from the typical development of statistical learning (Eszter Tóth-Fáber) to its connection with clinical […]
- [Poster presentations at SENC 2025](https://gccognitive.es/poster-presentations-at-senc-2025/): We are excited to announce that we will be participating in the 20th Meeting of the Spanish Society for Neuroscience 2025, which is held right here in our home city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria! Our team will be presenting three posters on Thursday (September 4) and Friday (September 5), showcasing some of our latest research. Karolina Horváth will present a poster titled “Individual differences in the interplay between predictive processing and executive control among subclinical traits” (Poster 452, Session 5). This research explores how people with ADHD-like traits affect the interplay between their ability to predict events and […]
- [Our mind wandering project earns research grant](https://gccognitive.es/our-mind-wandering-project-earns-research-grant/): The Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center is thrilled to announce that one of its own projects, “Exploring the positive effects of mind wandering on statistical learning,” has been awarded the prestigious Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2024 grant. This significant funding of 112,500 euros from the Agencia Estatal de Investigación marks a major milestone for our center. This project, led by Teodóra Vékony, aims to challenge the widespread assumption that mind wandering is solely a negative cognitive process. The research will investigate its potential benefits for statistical learning, a fundamental process for acquiring knowledge from the environment. We plan to […]
- [Media coverage by Scientific American](https://gccognitive.es/media-coverage-by-scientific-american/): We’re excited to share that our research on the surprising benefits of mind-wandering has been featured in a recent Scientific American article! Titled “What a Wandering Mind Learns”, the piece delves into how allowing your mind to drift can actually enhance learning and cognitive processes.Check out the full article to learn more about our findings! https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/when-letting-your-mind-wander-helps-you-learn
- [Media coverage by Scienmag](https://gccognitive.es/media-coverage-by-scienmag/): We’re excited to share that our recent publication, “Individual differences in probabilistic learning and updating predictive representations in individuals with obsessive-compulsive tendencies,” has been highlighted by Scienmag online! Their coverage emphasizes the study’s intriguing findings that individuals with higher obsessive-compulsive tendencies demonstrated consistent performance and adaptability in probabilistic learning tasks. Contrary to some previous assumptions, the research suggests that these individuals may possess unique cognitive strategies that actually enhance their ability to learn in uncertain environments, offering new perspectives for both clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Read the article here: https://scienmag.com/obsessive-compulsive-tendencies-affect-probabilistic-learning-variability/ Article References: Brezóczki, B., Farkas, B.C., Hann, F. et al. Individual […]
- [GC Cognitive Seminar - 19 May 2025](https://gccognitive.es/fnirs-demonstration-by-nirx-copy/): The Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center cordially invites you to the talk of Bianka Brezóczki from the Eötvös Loránd University on May 19 at 14.00. Title: Unraveling the Role of Subclinical Traits in Learning and Memory: Insights from OCD and ADHD Speaker: Bianka Brezóczki, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary Location: Cognitive Seminar Room, Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center (EMU Building, Floor 2)  Abstract:Learning and memory processes are shaped by a wide range of individual differences, including subclinical manifestations of traits commonly associated with clinical disorders. Non-clinical characteristics related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) offer a unique […]
- [fNIRS demonstration by NIRx](https://gccognitive.es/first-phd-course-copy/): A highly engaging workshop on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and its integration with physiological measurements was successfully held recently at the Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center. The session was expertly led by Dr. Adam Takacs, a scientific consultant from NIRx (Berlin, Germany), a leading provider of neuroimaging technology. The workshop provided attendees with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of brain imaging using fNIRS. Dr. Takacs clearly outlined the fundamentals of the technique and highlighted its diverse applications within the fields of cognitive and social neuroscience. Participants gained valuable insights into how fNIRS can be utilized for non-invasively investigating brain […]
- [First PhD course](https://gccognitive.es/first-phd-course/): The UNAM Psychology PhD School has held its first PhD course at the Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center. This PhD course provided a comprehensive overview of advanced data analysis and statistical modeling, blending theoretical understanding with practical application. It kicked off with best practices in data analysis and an introduction to R programming. The course then delved into key statistical methods such as ANOVA, linear mixed models, and Bayesian statistics. To solidify understanding, these methods were demonstrated using reaction time data from an attention and learning task. Although the course assumed basic statistical knowledge, it included a review of core […]

## Pages

- [Preprints](https://gccognitive.es/preprints/): Holczer, A., Pesthy, O., Vékony, T., Csifcsak, G., & Németh, D. (2025). Frontal theta synchronization facilitates the updating of statistical regularities, evidenced by predictive eye movements. bioRxiv. Read the preprint Tirou, C., Vékony, T., Abdoun, O., Tosatto, L., Brovelli, A., Vernet, M., Németh, D., & Quentin, R. (2025). Learning amidst noise: The complementary roles of neural predictive activity and representational changes. bioRxiv. Read the preprint Brezóczki, B., Vékony, T., Farkas, B. C., Hann, F., & Németh, D. (2025,). Obsessive-compulsive tendencies shift the balance between competitive neurocognitive processes. bioRxiv. Read the preprint Vékony, T., Brezóczki, B., Csifcsák, G., Németh, D., & […]
- [Conference on the Mechanisms of Statistical Learning and Predictive Brain Function](https://gccognitive.es/conference-2025/): Conference on Mechanisms of Statistical Learning and Predictive Brain Function: Developmental, Clinical, and Intervention Perspectives October 20-24 – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Organized by Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center, Universidad del Atlántico Medio Location: EMU building, Tafira Baja Campus of the Universidad del Atlántico Medio, Google Maps Schedule (This is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change.) October 20. Monday 14.00 Registration October 21. Tuesday Session 1. Clinical, spectrum, and developmental perspectives in statistical learning 10.10-10.30 Eszter Tóth-Fáber: The development of statistical learning: evidence from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies 10.30-10.50 Flóra Hann: How do autistic traits relate […]
- [In the News](https://gccognitive.es/in-the-news/)
- [Support Us](https://gccognitive.es/support-us/): Our research center is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cutting-edge brain research. From unlocking the mysteries of the mind to developing new ways to support mental health and neurological well-being, our work depends on the generosity of individuals and organizations who believe in the power of science. If you would like to support world-class brain research based in Gran Canaria, we warmly invite you to get in touch. Every contribution—large or small—helps us push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. To learn more about how you can make a difference, contact us at ana.gonzalez@atlanticomedio.es
- [Events](https://gccognitive.es/events/)
- [Join Us](https://gccognitive.es/join-us/): Current openings are posted here. However, prospective trainees, PhD students, and post-docs are welcome to contact us directly. We are also keen to discuss post-doctoral fellowship opportunities, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Our lab values diversity and inclusivity, actively encouraging applications from all cultural, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds. We believe this fosters a richer and more collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. PhD student position We’re no longer accepting applications for this year’s PhD program in the Cognitive Neuroscience Research Line of the UNAM Psychology Doctoral School. However, if you’re interested in future PhD possibilities at the Gran […]
- [Doctoral School](https://gccognitive.es/phd-school/): The Psychology PhD School of the Universidad del Atlántico Medio offer possibility for three fully funded PhD scholarships. Scholarship: 1500 Euro/month The application is closed.   Candidates must submit the following documents:(1) Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Psychology(2) Academic transcripts: it must include the duration of the programs in academic years, courses taken, credits earned, and grades obtained.(3) Motivation letter: an 800-word maximum statement specifying your previous education, the research line of the doctoral program you wish to be admitted to, and a summary of the objectives you wish to pursue.(4) Curriculum vitae(5) Language Proficiency certification: […]
- [Contact](https://gccognitive.es/contact/):   Address: 17 Ctra. de Quilmes, 17, 35017 Tafira Baja, Las Palmas, Spain E-mail: teodora.vekony@pdi.atlanticomedio.es Follow us on social media! Youtube Instagram Linkedin
- [Publications](https://gccognitive.es/publications/): Hann, F., Pesthy, O., Brezóczki, B., Vékony, T., Nagy, C. A., Sapey-Triomphe, L.-A., Tóth-Fáber, E., Farkas, B. C., Farkas, K., Németh, D. (2025). Autistic traits relate to speed/accuracy trade-off but not statistical learning and updating. Scientific Reports, 15,  32001. Read the article Pedraza, F., Vékony, T., Farkas, B. C., Haesebaert, F., Phelipon, R., Mihalecz, I., Janacsek, K., Tillmann, B., Anders, R., Plancher, G., & Nemeth, D. (2025). The interplay between executive functions and updating predictive representations. Scientific Reports, 15, 30555. Read the article Akil, A. M., Cserjési, R., Németh, D., Nagy, T., Demetrovics, Z., & Logemann, H. N. A. (2025). The […]
- [People](https://gccognitive.es/people/): People Teodóra Vékony Researcher Envelope Linkedin Github Orcid Dezső Németh Researcher Envelope Linkedin Orcid Ana María González Martín Researcher Envelope Linkedin Orcid Andreas Alexandersen Postdoctoral Researcher Envelope Linkedin Orcid ResearchGate icon Marc Deosdad Díez Assistant Professor Envelope Linkedin Karolina Horváth PhD Student Envelope Orcid Inés Botía PhD Student Envelope Linkedin Orcid Emanuele Ciardo PhD Student Envelope Linkedin Orcid Emanuele Galladini PhD Student Envelope Dicle Karacadag PhD Student Envelope Alumni Adrienn Holczer Postdoctoral Researcher Envelope Linkedin Orcid
- [Home](https://gccognitive.es/): Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center at Universidad del Atlántico Medio Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain News About our research center From beaches to breakthroughs—Gran Canaria fuels brain research! The Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center was established in 2024 as the first research institute in Gran Canaria dedicated to the study of the brain and cognition. Operated as a not-for-profit initiative, the Center’s mission is to explore the mechanisms of human learning, memory, and decision-making using state-of-the-art methods and analytical techniques. These include non-invasive brain stimulation combined with EEG and sophisticated behavioral methods. The Center functions within the framework of […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://gccognitive.es/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://gccognitive.es. This website serves as an informational platform for the [Name of Research Center] to disseminate information about our research activities, publications, and team. Data Collection and Use As a research center website with no direct user interaction (e.g., no comment sections, user accounts, or contact forms), we do not actively collect personal data from visitors. Our website primarily functions to display information. Server Logs Like most web servers, our server may automatically log certain information about visits to our website for statistical and security purposes. This information may include your IP address, […]


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