Always moving forward
Founded in 2000, C3N has evolved professionally and technologically
In 2000, the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) founded the Dr. Pérez-Modrego Magnetoencephalography Center, the first magnetoencephalography center in Spain and one of the first in Europe, thanks to a donation from Dr. Pérez-Modrego. Its first director was Professor Tomás Ortiz, and the steering committee was completed by Alberto Fernández and Fernando Maestú. This center was a pioneer in the study of the neural bases of Alzheimer’s disease and contributed to the study of epilepsy, mental disorders, and cognitive processes. For almost ten years, it provided a favorable breeding ground for a group of researchers and students interested in understanding the biological bases of cognition and its disorders.
In 2009, the Complutense University of Madrid joined forces with the Technical University of Madrid to create the Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory (LNCyC) as a joint laboratory at the Center for Biomedical Technology, under the direction of Professor Fernando Maestú at the UCM, and Francisco del Pozo, the director of the CTB. The Laboratory acquired a new MEG system (Vectorview), and the joint efforts of both universities led to exponential growth. At the CTB, the Laboratory established a significant knowledge base on the mathematical foundations of magnetoencephalography and opened lines of research focused on the development of analytical methods and the study of computational models of the brain, among others.
In 2021, the research group returned to the Complutense University of Madrid, creating the Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (C3N), under the direction of Dr. Fernando Maestú, Professor of Experimental Psychology at this university. This was made possible thanks to the efforts of the UCM and the fact that it was awarded a scientific infrastructure project funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The C3N is located in two locations: one in Moncloa and the other on the Somosaguas campus, where the magnetoencephalography equipment will be installed.
We look forward to opening this new chapter in the history of magnetoencephalography and continuing to develop major lines of research as we have done for the past 25 years.
Facilities
Cutting-edge technology
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive technique for recording brain oscillatory activity. It measures the magnetic fields (10-15 tesla) produced by neuronal electrical activity. This technique has high temporal resolution (milliseconds) and good spatial resolution. Therefore, MEG provides valuable information on the spatiotemporal dynamics of spontaneous and evoked brain activity.
Synchronized cortical activity generates a very weak magnetic field, which can be measured outside the cranial convexity using magnetic field sensors. These magnetic fields are measured using superconducting magnetic field devices, or SQUIDs. Liquid helium keeps these sensors at -269°C, ensuring that the SQUIDs are operating at superconducting temperatures. A helium recycling system is currently in place to ensure long-term system stability. The MEG system is located inside a magnetically isolated room, thus remaining isolated from external noise.
Our MEG system is a Triux-Neo® system from MEGIN, with 306 sensors, located inside a magnetically isolated room provided by Vacuumschmelze (Hanau, Germany). The system has 102 magnetometers and 204 planar gradiometers arranged along the entire cranial convexity. Four HPI coils allow continuous monitoring of head position inside the MEG sensor. The position of these coils is recorded using a 3-D digitizing system (FASTRACK-Polhemus, Colchester, Vermont, USA). In addition, our device has an integrated 64-channel EEG system. This EEG system includes non-magnetic recording caps compatible with MEG. Auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli can also be presented. Participants’ behavior within the MEG can be video recorded, with the possibility of online response using two independent digital fiber optic devices.
The synchronous activity of neuronal groups generates extracellular electrical currents that can be recorded by electrodes placed on the scalp. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the technique used to measure these electrical currents. The electrodes are connected to an electronic device (amplifier), which records and stores the measured electrical impulses. The results are displayed on a computer.
Electrical brain signals exhibit different spatial and temporal patterns that depend on the nature and location of their brain sources and how they are distributed. The different patterns of electrical signals allow for the characterization of different types of profiles to aid in the diagnosis of pathologies such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, or profiles associated with other neuropsychiatric pathologies.
Several EEG systems are available at the C3N (see list of C3N resources).
Our values
Values are the key element of C3N’s identity. They give originality to our actions and differentiate us from other research centres. They mark all our activities and express the unique way we do things.
Integrity
Each researcher must be honest across the spectrum of research-related activities.
transparency
The center has an open science policy and encourages researchers to transparently share the results of their work with other colleagues at the Center or outside colleagues.
Cooperation and Development
Mutual cooperation, the development of individual skills and the free exchange of knowledge among the center’s staff are the basis for individual and collective professional growth.
Recognition, appreciation and respect for diversity
Recognition of cultural identity and expression, equal treatment, respect for the dignity of persons, openness to others and debate and cultural exchange enrich our work.
Equality
All staff at the center have the right not to be discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of sex, marital status, age, racial or ethnic origin, social status, religion or beliefs, political ideas, sexual orientation or whether or not they are affiliated with a trade union.
Circular economy and environmental care
We seek to reduce, recycle and reuse everything that is discarded with the intention of giving it a second life.
Partners
Director of C3N
Fernando Maestú Unturbe
Healthy and pathological aging
Fernando Maestú is a professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes, and Speech Therapy at the Complutense University of Madrid. His main scientific interest focuses on the study of human memory and forgetting, as well as plasticity phenomena. For more than 25 years, he has used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to decipher the electrophysiological bases of these phenomena, both in healthy individuals and in patients with acquired brain damage or neurodegenerative diseases. His main contribution concerns the description of changes in brain functional connectivity profiles in individuals in early and even preclinical stages of dementia. He has also significantly contributed to the understanding of plasticity phenomena following brain damage.
Secondary research areas
This line of research focuses on the clinical application of electrophysiological biomarkers. These biomarkers are developed by studying, with MEG and EEG, the electromagnetic brain activity of patients with neurological disorders. This line of research is involved in studies with patients diagnosed with epilepsy, stroke, dementia, autism, or ADHD.
The line of research on memory and language focuses on the dynamics of brain oscillations and the mechanisms of neuronal communication that underlie the cognitive control of memory and its interactions with other cognitive processes such as language comprehension.
Our strength is in
the Team
We are more than 40 people working side by side
