Understanding the organisation of the human brain at all levels is a huge challenge, that can provide insight into our humanity, improve treatment of brain disorders and lead to new computing technologies. Modern ICT brings this within reach. The HBP’s unique strategy uses ICT to obtain, integrate and analyse brain data, to understand the healthy and diseased brain, and emulate its computational capabilities. By providing a platform for researchers worldwide, we aim to catalyse global collaboration.
Understanding the world inside our head is at least as important as understanding the one outside it. Given the brain’s complexity, a huge effort is required to unlock the brain’s secrets, but it promises major scientific, social and economic benefits. One is improved diagnosis and treatement for brain-related diseases, which are a growing health burden in our ageing population. A second is neuroscience’s potential to contribute to approaches for future ICT, including extreme and neuromorphic computing. Ultimately, the HBP will contribute to a more efficient, more intuitive, biologically based approach to Artificial Intelligence.
The HBP advances understanding of the human brain at all levels, from genomics to higher-level brain functions; all practical benefits depend on this. The HBP is also building an ICT-based research infrastructure to facilitate research collaboration, via the sharing of software tools, data and models. The HBP’s scientists and engineers are well-placed to ensure that our infrastructure meets real research needs. A third aim is to accelerate medical research, by facilitating researcher’s secure access to broader data sets of patient data, as well as HBP tools and models. The HBP also educates young scientists to work across disciplinary boundaries and addresses the ethical implications of its work. Finally, it helps to integrate global brain research efforts and leads Europe’s contribution.
