Dr. Anna Maria Matziorinis
PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience
Founder & Director, Hidden Information Labs Institute
About
I am the founder and director of Hidden Information Labs, a federally incorporated nonprofit research institute based in Canada. Our work focuses on how social networks shape cognition, behavior, and collective outcomes—ranging from viral trends and echo chambers to systemic fragmentation in healthcare and economic systems.
With a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience, my work spans the neural processing of music, brain aging and neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's care innovation, and the development of new frameworks for understanding human decision-making in complex systems. I specialize in translating advanced concepts from systems design, network science, algorithmic design, and neuroeconomics into practical tools and protocols.
At Hidden Information Labs, we build systems thinking curricula, network visualization software, and research programs designed to uncover the invisible dynamics influencing personal and societal change.
Research Focus
My research investigates how networks—whether neural, social, or informational—shape cognition and collective behavior. I apply methods from computational neuroscience, network science, and topological data analysis to understand:
- Collective Intelligence: How social networks enable emergent knowledge and decision-making that exceeds individual capacity
- Brain Networks: Structural connectivity changes in Alzheimer's disease and the neuroprotective effects of music and physical activity
- Healthcare Systems: Network failures in fragmented care and their impact on patient outcomes
- Social Dynamics: How network topology influences information flow, echo chambers, and collective action
Background
Hidden Information Labs Institute (2023–Present)
Founder & Director | Vancouver, BC
Leading a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing understanding of social systems through category theory and information-theoretic frameworks. Our work models multi-brain systems, collective reward dynamics, and network effects that shape social outcomes.
University of Bergen (2018–2025)
PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience | Bergen, Norway
Dissertation on the effects of music on brain reserve, white matter microstructure, and structural network topology in Alzheimer's disease. Supervised by Professor Dr. Stefan Koelsch and Dr. Alexander Leemans. Currently continuing as Guest Researcher applying topological data analysis to longitudinal dementia cohorts.
University of Oslo (2015–2017)
MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience | Oslo, Norway
Graduate research on reward processing, brain plasticity in psychiatric disorders, and meta-analytic methods in neuroscience.
McGill University (2008–2013)
BA in Psychology | Montréal, QC
Undergraduate research on reading interventions and literacy development. Also completed Classical Piano Degree at McGill Conservatory of Music (1995–2005).
Expertise
Methods
Topological Data Analysis, Network Science, Graph Theory, Machine Learning, Diffusion MRI, Structural & Functional Connectivity, Longitudinal Modeling
Technical
Python, Rust, R, MATLAB, JavaScript, FreeSurfer, ExploreDTI, CONN Toolbox, Git/GitHub, Web Development, Pipeline Building
Research Design
Randomized Controlled Trials, Clinical Studies, Longitudinal Cohorts, Neuropsychological Testing, Multi-site Data Harmonization
Domains
Computational Social Neuroscience, Collective Intelligence, Brain Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, Music Neuroscience, Healthcare Systems, Neuroeconomics
Service & Leadership
Peer Review: Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition; Brain Sciences; Memory; Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders; Nature Mental Health; The Arts in Psychotherapy; Reviews in the Neurosciences
Mentorship: Supervised multiple Master's students in cognitive neuroscience research
Community Building: Founder of Norwegian Psychedelic Science – Bergen Chapter (2021–2023); Co-Founder of NeuroTechX Oslo (2016–2018); Board Member, Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (2018–2021)