Institut für Kognitionswissenschaft

Institute of Cognitive Science


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Institute of Cognitive Science

Institute of Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University

Welcome to the website of the Institute of Cognitive Science at the Osnabrück University! Our research activities cover a wide range of cognitive science disciplines. Our study programs include international Bachelor and Master programs, which teach basics from the entire spectrum of cognitive science and emphasize interdisciplinary thinking and work.

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New AI Architecture Organizes Knowledge Like the Brain

A research team led by Prof. Dr. Tim Kietzmann has developed a new class of artificial neural networks: All Topographic Neural Networks (All TNNs), published in Nature Human Behaviour. These models organize information spatially, mirroring the way the visual cortex of the brain functions, and thus establish an innovative connection between powerful AI and biological plausibility. The development was carried out in collaboration with partners from Berlin and Gießen.

Kaleidoscience Podcast Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary

Celebrating two years of insightful conversations, the student-led podcast “Kaleidoscience: Conversations on Cognitive Science” continues to grow its audience. The podcast brings cutting-edge research in cognitive science and related fields to a wider public, with recent episodes tackling topics from pain research to AI brain simulations. The final block of episodes dives into "Gender & Sexuality," exploring current discourses within the field.

Welcome Dr. Lilian Weber – Our New Professor of Cognitive Modelling!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Lilian Weber (currently at the University of Oxford) has accepted our offer and will be joining the Institute ofr Cognitive Science as Professor of Cognitive Modelling starting in the Winter Semester 2025/26!

    Dr. Weber's research explores how we learn and make decisions in a dynamic, uncertain environment, using a fascinating blend of computer modelling with measures of behaviour and brain function and non-invasive brain stimulation. You can get a first impression of her work by joining the Lightning Talks on June 18th, where she will be contributing with an online talk.

   We are all incredibly pleased to welcome Dr. Weber to the Institute and look forward to the exciting new perspectives she will bring to our research.

Exciting Short Talks on Cutting-Edge Research

The Institute for Cognitive Science cordially invites you to a presentation of current research projects. On June 18, 2025, our researchers will present their work on "Learning in biological and artificial systems" in a series of short talks.

The seminar begins at 12:15 PM in Building 66, Room E33.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lilian Weber (University of Oxford) as a future colleague and Prof. Till Mossakowski (Computer Science) as a guest speaker. Dr. Weber will participate remotely.

The detailed agenda is available as a PDF.

An online broadcast will be accessible via StudIP for those unable to attend in person:

For Prospective Students:

Cognitive Science Student Journal

The Cognitive Science Student Journal publishes student works from all disciplines of Cognitive Science. In the Kaleidoscience Podcast students get a chance to talk about their own ideas and projects.

Bachelor Cognitive Science

This program is designed for you to explore the different fields within Cognitive Science, all while building a solid foundation in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Modelling, Computational Linguistics, Neurobiology, Neuroinformatics, Neuroscience, Philosophy of Mind. 

Master Cognitive Science

This Master Program allows you to refine your knowledge in Cognitive Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics and Computational Linguistics, Neuroinformatics and Robotics, Neuroscience, and Philosophy of Mind and Cognition. You will build on your research skills through lab rotations, a year-long study project, and your master's thesis.

Master Cognitive Computing

The Cognitive Computing Program specializes in studying computational models of cognitive abilities. This course addresses working professionals who will continue to work in parallel to their studies. Graduates of this program are able to use their acquired skills for the development of innovative intelligent systems and services.