The ontogeny of hippocampal memory: Bridging behavioural and neuronal development

Episodic memory, also known as ‘what-where-when’ memory, is the ability to recall autobiographical events within their wider context. However, this form of memory is not present at birth but only emerges gradually throughout childhood. Its delayed and protracted maturation is understood to be caused by equally protracted development of neural mechanisms supporting episodic memory. However, memory development remains a relatively understudied topic of memory research with little consensus on the processes underlying memory emergence.

This thesis provided a comprehensive overview of memory development and established previously missing connections as well as overlooked caveats and knowledge gaps. It also addressed the largest knowledge gaps by providing the first data directly relating neural and cognitive development.