Critical phases in human development are epochs in life during which experience is necessary to allow for a full development of brain functions and related behavior. The behavioral and neuroscientific investigation of humans, who are permanently blind and either became blind at birth or later in life uncover the adaptivity of the structural and functional organization of the human brain in childhood and adulthood, respectively. For example, blind humans often show superior capabilities in their remaining senses which are based on a neural reorganization. Moreover, individuals born with total bilateral dense cataracts after sight restoration provide a unique opportunity for investigating the neural mechanisms of critical period plasticity in humans. This research contributes to the development of improved strategies in visual rehabilitation and education.

The lecture is jointly organised by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.