Jingyuan Ren

Dr. Jingyuan Ren is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt, Germany, where she works in the Minerva Research Group Neural Codes of Intelligence Lab under PI Dr. Stephanie Theves since 2025. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes including conceptual knowledge representation, relational reasoning, navigation memory, and creative thinking.

Dr. Ren has an extensive educational background with dual PhD trajectories:

• Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience (2021-2025) from the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands, supervised by Dr. Martin Dresler, Dr. Boris Konrad, and Dr. Isabella Wagner
• Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Psychology (2014-2021) from the Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China, supervised by Dr. Jing Luo

Her research interests span multiple domains of cognitive neuroscience with particular focus on:

• Neural coding of conceptual knowledge and relational reasoning
• Navigation memory and method of loci mnemonic strategy
• Brain mechanisms underlying creative thinking and novel concept formation
• Memory processes and their interaction with creative cognition

Dr. Ren employs various neuroimaging techniques to investigate how the brain forms and manipulates conceptual knowledge, with implications for understanding both normal cognitive functioning and potential applications in cognitive enhancement.

Dr. Ren's publication record demonstrates significant contributions to the field of cognitive neuroscience, particularly in understanding the neural basis of creativity and memory. Her work shows consistent focus on the intersection of memory systems and creative cognition, with particular emphasis on how mnemonic strategies can enhance cognitive performance. Her research bridges experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and practical applications for cognitive enhancement.

Dr. Ren has collaborated extensively with researchers across multiple international institutions, reflecting the collaborative nature of contemporary cognitive neuroscience research.