Laboratoire apprentissage et douleur

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⚙️ Axis 1

This theoretical research axis aims to identify coherent computational and neural architectures that can explain and predict pain perception and pain avoidance.

Related Work

Lacombe-Thibault, M., & Coll, M.-P. (2025). Expectations and uncertainty shape pain perception during learning. The Journal of Pain, 37, 105569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2025.105569
Coll, M.-P. et al. (2024). Pain reflects the informational value of nociceptive inputs. Pain, 165(10), e115–e125. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003254
Coll, M.-P., et al. (2022). The neural signature of the decision value of future pain. PNAS, 119(23), e2119931119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2119931119

📊 Axis 2

This data-driven research axis aims to identify and interpret sensitive, specific, and generalizable brain biomarkers of pain perception that can predict pain intensity across individuals and pain modalities.

Related Work

M. Rezzouk, F. Gagnon, A. Champagne, M. Roy, P. Albouy, M.-P. Coll, & C. Subakan. (2025). Towards Generalizable Learning Models for EEG-Based Identification of Pain Perception. 2025 IEEE 35th International Workshop on Machine Learning for Signal Processing (MLSP), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/MLSP62443.2025.11204206
Neurophysiological database on pain and aversive experiences for the study of pain biomarkers (N = 100) ⏳ Coming soon

Current Research Projects

We conduct a wide range of research projects examining pain perception in humans. As part of these studies, participants are invited to complete various computer-based tasks and questionnaires, either in laboratory settings (Cirris, Université Laval, or the CERVO Neuroimaging Unit) or remotely.

Some projects may involve exposure to mild to moderately painful or unpleasant stimuli that are safe, well controlled, and always administered in compliance with current ethical standards. In certain studies, brain activity as well as various physiological signals may also be recorded using non-invasive methods.

Here are some examples of ongoing projects:

A study aimed at developing and interpreting predictive models of pain using electroencephalography (EEG)
A study investigating how pain perception is influenced by learning
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study examining the interaction between exploration and learning in pain perception
A study combining two neuroimaging methods (MRI and EEG) to better understand how the brain processes pain