Understanding the human brain is one of the most significant challenges of our time. Despite considerable research, neuroscientists still lack an integrative, comprehensive understanding of the human brain. The International Brain Initiative (IBI) has been established to coordinate efforts across existing and emerging national and regional brain initiatives. In a workshop of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) IBI representatives described their approach to shaping the future of international neuroscience collaborations through efforts in neuroethics, data policy and the dissemination of scientific resources.
Patrizia Toia, STOA Panel member and a member of the European Alzheimer's Alliance, opened the workshop by welcoming attendees to the face-to-face meeting and livestream, which was relayed as part of the 2021 Human Brain Project (HBP) Summit, co-organised by Pawel Swieboda of EBRAINS and Katrin Amunts of the HBP. Citing the 2019 Alzheimer Europe report on the prevalence of dementia in Europe, she highlighted the growing burden of brain diseases in Europe and called for greater investment in research, health and care for people affected by dementia and other brain diseases. She then handed over to the 2014 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, Professor Edvard Moser, who spoke about the complexity of brain structure and function, highlighting the need for new tools and technologies to understand neural circuitry and signalling. Following Prof. Moser's presentation, IBI panellists including Prof. Amunts of the HBP and experts from brain initiatives in Japan, China and the US discussed the need to synergise efforts between countries, enhancing mutual understanding, knowledge sharing and advancing science.
Closing remarks were delivered by Patrizia Toia, MEP Eva Kaili (STOA Panel member) and Amy Bernard of the Kavli Foundation, stressing the importance of advancing efforts of the international neuroscience community. A recording of the livestream can be accessed here: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/international-brain-initiative…
