Amunts, K., Axer, M., Banerjee, S., Bitsch, L., Bjaalie, J. G., Brauner Philipp, Brovelli, A., Calarco Navona, Carrere, M., Caspers, S., Charvet Christine, Cichon, S., Cools, R., Costantini, I., D'Angelo, E., De Bonis, G., Deco, G., DeFelipe, J., Destexhe, A., … Zaborszky, L. (Version 5.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10035197, accepted in Imaging Neuroscience
Full version: https://zenodo.org/records/10035197
In recent years, brain research has indisputably entered a new epoch, driven by substantial methodological advances and digitally enabled data integration and modelling at multiple scales – from molecules to the whole brain. Major advances are emerging at the intersection of neuroscience with technology and computing.
This new science of the brain combines high-quality research, data integration across multiple scales, a new culture of multidisciplinary large-scale collaboration and translation into applications. As pioneered in Europe’s Human Brain Project (HBP), a systematic approach will be essential for meeting the coming decade’s pressing medical and technological challenges.
The aims of this paper are to:
• develop a concept for the coming decade of digital brain research,
• discuss this new concept with the research community at large, to identify points of convergence and common goals,
• provide a scientific framework for the current and future development of EBRAINS, a research infrastructure resulting from the HBP’s work,
• inform and engage stakeholders, funding organisations and research institutions regarding future digital brain research,
• identify and address the transformational potential of comprehensive brain models for artificial intelligence, including machine learning and deep learning,
• outline a collaborative approach that integrates reflection, dialogues and societal engagement on ethical and societal opportunities and challenges as part of future neuroscience research.
While we do not claim that there is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to addressing these aspects, we are convinced that discussions around the theme of digital brain research will help drive progress in the broader field of neuroscience.