Open Thesis Topics

Our research group offers a variety of projects (Bachelor theses, Practicals, Master theses) on the following topics:

Causality and causal inference
Machine learning and causal modeling in cognitive neuroscience
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for communication and rehabilitation

Below is a list of open topics. If you are interested in a particular topic, please send an email to the contact person listed underneath the project description. If you would like to suggest a topic of your own, please contact moritz.grosse-wentrup@univie.ac.at.

Projects for P1 and/or P2

Eye-movement similarity (P1)

The goal is to participate in the development of a python package for eye-movement data analysis (fixations, scanpath). The project is based at the Vienna Cognitive Science Hub and involves working on data from art history, psychology and open eye-movement datasets. The goal is to add new functionalities to the package (e.g., improved time-series analysis), making it more user friendly, and testing the algorithms on different data-sets, to come up with the best default settings, and work toward an eventual publication as open source software.

Contact person: Jozsef Arato

Projects for Bachelor & Master theses

Master's Student Position in Decision-Making Research.
Passecker Lab, Medical University of Innsbruck.

The Passecker Lab at the Institute of Neurobiochemistry (soon to be the Institute of Systems Neuroscience) at the Medical University of Innsbruck is looking for a motivated Master's student eager to push the boundaries of decision-making research. Our lab investigates the neuronal basis of decision-making, biological intelligence, and reinforcement learning in both healthy individuals and those with disease.

The Project: We are excited to offer a new, highly multidisciplinary collaborative project with the Neuroinformatics Research group at the University of Vienna (led by Univ. Prof. Dr. Moritz Grosse-Wentrup). This project aims to apply, optimize, and compare state-of-the-art decision models for predictive coding to model behaviour and predict choices in a 2-arm bandit task. The candidate will optimize and test a biologically plausible cognitive model based on generalized hierarchical Gaussian Filters and compare its performance to more traditional reinforcement learning models. Following a literature review, the student will be encouraged to develop new or refine existing modeling approaches for their thesis.

Environment: We offer flexibility regarding the project setting: fully remote, hybrid, or in-person here in the beautiful city of Innsbruck. While not strictly necessary, a good working knowledge of English would be beneficial.

You can expect:

Gain experience in a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and collaborative working atmosphere.
Develop your skills in project planning and design.
Become familiar with modern techniques used in decision science, systems, and computational neuroscience.
Receive support and guidance for your future career steps

Applications should be sent to johannes.passecker@i-med.ac.at.

Starting Date: The position is open until filled during 2025, starting date is negotiable.

Master Thesis Project in Neurostimulation Data Analysis.
Crone Neurocognition Lab, Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna.

The Crone Neurocognition Lab at the Vienna Cognitive Science Hub is looking for a highly motivated and independent Master's student to join our team as part of the interdisciplinary Unlocking the Muse project. Our lab explores the neural and cognitive foundations of creative thinking, cognitive flexibility, and decision-making in healthy individuals. We are particularly seeking someone with strong skills in statistical analysis who is eager to work independently and reliably on analyzing behavioral and neurocognitive data collected as part of this research.

The Project: We are excited to offer a new, multidisciplinary Master’s thesis project within the Unlocking the Muse research initiative. This project investigates how non-invasive brain stimulation of dopaminergic brain regions affects cognitive flexibility in healthy individuals. The student will focus on analyzing behavioral data obtained in a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled experimental design using Bayesian statistical approaches, as outlined in the project’s preregistration. After an initial literature review, the student will be encouraged to explore and refine statistical models that can capture individual and group-level effects of stimulation on creative cognition.

Environment: The position is based in Vienna, with the possibility for hybrid work arrangements. While much of the project will involve independent, self-paced data analysis, we expect regular in-person meetings at the lab facilities. Our lab offers a supportive and collaborative environment within a dynamic, international team. We value respectful interactions and aim to foster a work culture grounded in openness, curiosity, and mutual support.

You can expect:

To be part of a multidisciplinary, international, and supportive research team.
A collaborative environment that values your input and supports your individual growth.
Guidance aimed at helping you reach your personal and professional goals.
The opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Bayesian statistics and behavioral data analysis.
Insight into current research at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, creativity research, and neurostimulation.

Applications should be sent to franz.schmid@univie.ac.at. We are happy to receive applications in English or German.

Starting Date: The position is open now and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.