Project description Brain-inspired ICT Show the project objective Hide the project objective The brain circuits of the central nervous system are formed by neurons and synapses endowed with complex dynamical properties. However, the traditional architectures of computational systems, like artificial neuronal networks, are based on connectivity rules while making use of very simplified neurons. Moreover while brain circuits operate through discontinuous signal called spikes organized in complex sequences, theoretical analysis usually deals with continuous signals. To understand circuit computations a different approach is needed: to elaborate realistic spiking networks and use them, together with experimental recordings of network activity, to investigate the theoretical basis of central network computation. As a benchmark we will use the cerebellar circuit. The cerebellum is supposed to compare expected and actual activity patterns and to reveal their congruence with respect to stored memories. By these means, the cerebellum takes part to control loops regulating movement and cognition. Experimental evidence has revealed that cerebellar circuits can dynamically regulate their activity on the millisecond time scale and operate complex spatio-temporal transformation of signals through non-linear neuronal responses. Moreover, synaptic connections can be fine-tuned by distributed forms of synaptic plasticity, the correlate of memory in neural circuits. In this project, we will develop specific chips and imaging techniques to perform neurophysiological recordings from multiple neurons in the cerebellar network. Based on the data, we will develop the first realistic real-time model of the cerebellum and connect it to robotic systems to evaluate circuit functioning under closed-loop conditions. The data deriving from recordings, large-scale simulations and robots will be used to explain circuit functioning through the "adaptable filter theory". REALNET will thus provide a radically new view on computation in central brain circuits laying the basis for new technological applications in sensori-motor control and cognitive systems. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiology Programme(s) FP7-ICT - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Information and communication technologies Topic(s) ICT-2009.8.8 - FET proactive 8: Brain Inspired ICT Call for proposal FP7-ICT-2009-6 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CP - Collaborative project (generic) Coordinator FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO NEUROLOGICO NAZIONALE CASIMIRO MONDINO Address Via mondino 2 27100 Pavia Italy See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Pavia Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Egidio D' Angelo (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 643 111,00 Participants (7) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN Germany EU contribution € 342 531,00 Address Strasse des 17 juni 135 10623 Berlin See on map Region Berlin Berlin Berlin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Simone Ludwig (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA Spain EU contribution € 255 070,00 Address Cuesta del hospicio sn 18071 Granada See on map Region Sur Andalucía Granada Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Eduardo Ros (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY Israel EU contribution € 194 512,00 Address Bar ilan university campus 52900 Ramat gan See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Isser Israel Peer (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Israel EU contribution € 214 851,00 Address Edmond j safra campus givat ram 91904 Jerusalem See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Jane Turner (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA Italy EU contribution € 194 955,00 Address Via 8 febbraio 2 35122 Padova See on map Region Nord-Est Veneto Padova Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Raffaele De Caro (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window POLITECNICO DI MILANO Italy EU contribution € 215 140,00 Address Piazza leonardo da vinci 32 20133 Milano See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Giuseppe Baselli (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD United Kingdom EU contribution € 329 830,00 Address Firth court western bank S10 2TN Sheffield See on map Region Yorkshire and the Humber South Yorkshire Sheffield Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Joanne Watson (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window
