Duncan Memory Lab

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Human memory behaviour and neural mechanisms.

Areas of expertise

The Duncan Memory Lab is a cognitive neuroscience facility specialized in investigating human memory. We use a broad array of techniques to answer questions like: how do our brains form memories; when are we best prepared to form or retrieve memories; and how can we use this knowledge to strengthen people’s memory? Our facility is equipped with human testing rooms to precisely measure behaviour in a controlled environment. We are also equipped with data analysis workstations, which are configured to efficiently process and visualize neuroimaging data collected at the affiliated Toronto NeuroImaging Facility. Core lab personnel are rigorously trained in experiment design, data analysis and cutting-edge memory theories. Research assistants are also trained to collect high-quality behavioural data from both younger and older adult populations.

Research services

Human memory experiment design and behavioural data collection; neuroimaging analysis.

Sectors of application
  • Education
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Equipment Function
Human Testing Rooms 4 private testing rooms, one of which is designed for patient studies. Each room is equipped with a testing computer and experiment software (PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox, Inquisit).
Data Analysis Workstations 27” iMACs with 3.2GHz Quad-core; 32GB SDRAM. Each workstation is configured with suite of neuroimaging software packages (FSL, AFNI, SPM, ANTs, FreeSurfer) integrated within a Nipype framework for parallel processing and reproducible pipelines.
Mobile Experiment Computers Laptops equipped with experiment software (PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox, Inquisit).
Experiment Design Workstations Computers equipped with experiment software (PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox, Inquisit) and stimulus development software (Adobe Creative Suite).