Education
1989.09-1994.06: Ph.D. in Neurophysiology, Shanghai Institute of Physiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China

1984.09-1989.06: B.S. in Biophysics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China

Professional Positions
2012.08-present: Director, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China

2011.11-present: Director, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.

2007.06-present: Professor, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, China.

2007.06-present: Guest Investigator, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, USA.

1999.06-2007.06: Research Associate/Research Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, USA.

1996.07-1999.05: Research Associate, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany.

1994.08-1996.06: Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA.

Wu Li’s research work focuses on visual information processing by using nonhuman primate models in combination with human psychophysics. He studies how image components are grouped and segmented in the cortical circuitry to form coherent percepts; how cognitive and emotional factors influence visual processing; and how training and experience remodel cortical processes and shape visual perception.

LAB MEMBERS @ BNU
Graduate Students
Li, Zhihan (李至涵); Jing, Rui (井瑞); Yang, Chen (杨晨); Du, Yangyang (杜杨杨); Yan, An (严安); Xin, Ye (辛也); Lv, Jiaojiao (吕娇娇); Huang, Xin (黄鑫); Wang, Zeyu (王泽雨)
 
Research Associates
Xu, Xibin (徐西彬); Zhang, En (张恩); Yan, Yin (阎崟)
 
Alumni
Xiang, Xiaoping (向小平); Zhang, En (张恩); Wang, Jie (王杰); Huang, Min (黄敏); Shen, Yutai (沈煜泰); Yan, Yin (阎崟); Chen Minggui (陈明贵); Luo, Shuhan (罗舒瀚); Chen, Rujia (陈汝佳); Wang, Feng (王丰); Yang, Bin (杨彬); Yin, Zhikun (尹志坤)
 
COLLABORATORS
Li, Zhaoping (李兆平, University College London, UK)
Liang, Hualou (梁化楼, Drexel University, USA)
Guo, Kun (郭昆, University of Lincoln, UK)
Gilbert, Charles (Rockefeller University, USA)
Wu, Si (吴思, BNU); Wang, Dahui (王大辉, BNU)
 

Journal Papers
Chen, R., Wang, F., Liang, H., and Li, W. (2017). Synergistic processing of visual contours across cortical layers in V1 and V2. Neuron 96, 1388-1402.

Liang, H., Gong, X., Chen, M., Yan, Y., Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2017). Interactions between feedback and lateral connections in the primary visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114, 8637-8642.

Kuai, S.-G., Li, W., Yu, C., and Kourtzi, Z. (2017). Contour integration over time: Psychophysical and fMRI evidence. Cereb Cortex 27, 3042-3051

Li, W. (2016). Perceptual learning: Use-dependent cortical plasticity. Annual Review of Vision Science 2, 109-130.

Hu, M., Li, M., Li, W., and Liang, H. (2016). Joint analysis of spikes and local field potentials using copula. NeuroImage 133, 457-467.

Wang, R., Wang, J., Zhang, J.-Y., Xie, X.-Y., Yang, Y.-X., Luo, S.-H., Yu, C., and Li, W. (2016). Perceptual learning at a conceptual level. J Neurosci 36, 2238-2246.

Wang, F., Huang, J., Lv, Y., Ma, X., Yang, B., Wang, E., Du, B., Li, W., and Song, Y. (2016). Predicting perceptual learning from higher-order cortical processing. NeuroImage 124, 682-692.

Wang, F., Chen, M., Yan, Y., Zhaoping, L., and Li, W. (2015). Modulation of neuronal responses by exogenous attention in macaque primary visual cortex. J. Neurosci. 35, 13419-13429.

Yan, Y., Zhang, E., and Li, W. Neural mechanisms of visual perceptual learning. Chinese Bulletin of Life Sciences, 2015. 27(7): p. 867-875.

Abe, H., McManus, J.N.J., Ramalingam, N., Li, W., Marik, S.A., Meyerzum Alten Borgloh, S., and Gilbert, C.D. (2015). Adult cortical plasticity studied with chronically implanted electrode arrays. J. Neurosci. 35, 2778-2790.

Hu, M., Li, W., and Liang, H. (2015). A copula-based Granger causality measure for the analysis of neural spike train data. IEEE/ACM Trans. Comput. Biol. Bioinform (DOI: 10.1109/TCBB.2014.2388311).

Li, W. (2014). Visual image processing through interplay between cortical areas. Science Foundation in China. 22, 17.

Chen, M., Yan, Y., Gong, X., Gilbert, C.D., Liang, H., and Li, W. (2014). Incremental integration of global contours through interplay between visual cortical areas. Neuron 82, 682-694.

Yan, Y., Rasch, M.J., Chen, M., Xiang, X., Huang, M., Wu, S., and Li, W. (2014). Perceptual training continuously refines neuronal population codes in primary visual cortex. Nat. Neurosci. 17, 1380-1387.

Meary, D., Li, Z., Li, W., Guo, K., and Pascalis, O. (2014). Seeing two faces together: preference formation in humans and rhesus macaques. Anim Cogn 17, 1107-1119.

Piëch, V., Li, W., Reeke, G.N., and Gilbert, C.D. (2013). Network model of top-down influences on local gain and contextual interactions in visual cortex. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 110, E4108-4117.

Zhang, E., Zhang, G.-L., and Li, W. (2013). Spatiotopic perceptual learning mediated by retinotopic processing and attentional remapping. Eur. J. Neurosci. 38, 3758-3767.

Gilbert, C.D., and Li, W. (2013). Top-down influences on visual processing. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 14, 350-363.

McFarland, R., Roebuck, H., Yan, Y., Majolo, B., Li, W., and Guo, K. (2013). Social interactions through the eyes of macaques and humans. PLos One 8, e56437.

Ramalingam, N., McManus, J.N.J., Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2013). Top-down modulation of lateral interactions in visual cortex. J. Neurosci. 33, 1773-1789.

Xing, D., Shen, Y., Burns, S., Yeh C-I., Shapley, R., and Li, W. (2012) Stochastic generation of gamma-band activity in primary visual cortex of awake and anesthetized monkeys. J. Neurosci. 32:13873-13880.

Gilbert, C.D., and Li, W. (2012). Adult visual cortical plasticity. Neuron 75, 250-264.

Pan, Y., Chen, M., Yin, J., An, X., Zhang, X., Lu, Y., Gong, H., Li, W., and Wang, W. (2012). Equivalent representation of real and illusory contours in macaque V4. J. Neurosci. 32, 6760-6770.

McManus, J.N.J., Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2011). Adaptive shape processing in primary visual cortex. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 108, 9739-9746.

Zhang, E., and Li, W. (2010). Perceptual learning beyond retinotopic reference frame. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 107, 15969-15974.

Song, Y., Hu, S., Li, X., Li, W., and Liu, J. (2010). The role of top-down task context in learning to perceive objects. J. Neurosci. 30, 9869-9876.

Gilbert, C.D., Li, W., and Piech, V. (2009). Perceptual learning and adult cortical plasticity. J. Physiol. (Lond). 587, 2743-2751.

Li, W., Piech, V., and Gilbert, C.D. (2008). Learning to link visual contours. Neuron 57, 442-451.

Gilbert, C., Li, W., McManus, J., Piech, V., and Yamahachi, M. (2007). Neural mechanisms of perceptual learning. Prog Nat Sci 17, 4-6.

Li, W., Piech, V., and Gilbert, C.D. (2006). Contour saliency in primary visual cortex. Neuron 50, 951-962.

Stettler, D.D., Yamahachi, H., Li, W., Denk, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2006). Axons and synaptic boutons are highly dynamic in adult visual cortex. Neuron 49, 877-887.

Li, W., Piech, V., and Gilbert, C.D. (2004). Perceptual learning and top-down influences in primary visual cortex. Nat. Neurosci. 7, 651-657.

Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2002). Global contour saliency and local colinear interactions. J. Neurophysiol. 88, 2846-2856.

Crist, R.E., Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2001). Learning to see: experience and attention in primary visual cortex. Nat. Neurosci. 4, 519-525.

Li, W., Thier, P., and Wehrhahn, C. (2001). Neuronal responses from beyond the classic receptive field in V1 of alert monkeys. Exp. Brain Res. 139, 359-371.

Li, W., Thier, P., and Wehrhahn, C. (2000). Contextual influence on orientation discrimination of humans and responses of neurons in V1 of alert monkeys. J. Neurophysiol. 83, 941-954.

Westheimer, G., and Li, W. (1997). Classifying illusory contours: Edges defined by ''pacman'' and monocular tokens. J. Neurophysiol. 77, 731-736.

Li, W., and Westheimer, G. (1997). Human discrimination of the implicit orientation of simple symmetrical patterns. Vision Res. 37, 565-572.

Wehrhahn, C., Li, W., and Westheimer, G. (1996). Patterns that impair discrimination of line orientation in human vision. Perception 25, 1053-1064.

Westheimer, G., and Li, W. (1996). Classifying illusory contours by means of orientation discrimination. J. Neurophysiol. 75, 523-537.

Li, C.Y., and Li, W. (1994). Extensive integration field beyond the classical receptive field of cat's striate cortical neurons-classification and tuning properties. Vision Res. 34, 2337-2355.


Book Chapters
Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2017). Perceptual learning: Neural mechanisms. In Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology (Elsevier). DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-809324-5.02803-0.

Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2013). Perceptual learning and plasticity in primary visual cortex. In The New Visual Neurosciences, J.S. Werner, and L.M. Chalupa, eds. (Cambridge: MIT Press), pp. 1001-1012.

Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2009). Visual cortical plasticity and perceptual learning. In The Cognitive Neurosciences (4th Edition), M.S. Gazzaniga, ed. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press), pp. 129-140.

Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2009). Perceptual learning: Neural mechanisms. In Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, L.R. Squire, ed. (Oxford: Academic Press), pp. 535-541.

Li, W., and Gilbert, C.D. (2008). Perceptual learning. In The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference, A.I. Basbaum, A. Kaneko, G.M. Shepherd, G. Westheimer, T.D. Albright, R.H. Masland, P. Dallos, D. Oertel, S. Firestein, G.K. Beauchamp, M.C. Bushnell, J.H. Kaas, and E. Gardner, eds. (New York: Academic Press), pp. 303-328.