Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TwinBrain (TWINning the BRAIN with machine learning for neuro-muscular efficiency)
Período documentado: 2022-02-01 hasta 2024-01-31
The investigation of brain dynamics in most routine movements such as walking, balancing or learning new motor-cognitive tasks remains a major challenge for neuroscience. An integrative approach to investigating brain and movement dynamics was recently developed under the term MoBI: Mobile Brain/Body Imaging. This technique is based on mobile electroencephalography (EEG) synchronized to motion capture to better understand the relationship between brain dynamics, movement, and cognition in more realistic (everyday) environments. Development and optimization of this technique will provide new analytical methods for high-dimensional MoBI data in ecologically valid contexts, work with data that is not yet standard in the field of human neuroscience, and lead EEG research out of the laboratory environment into everyday situations, which become more challenging for the symptomatic population.
The overall objective of TwinBrain project is to improve the scientific and technological capacity of the country with low R&I performance (Slovenia) by twinning it with three leading international research institutions (from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy). Leading researchers in the field of neuro-muscular control, MoBI and the neuroscientific investigation of embodied cognitive processes as well as machine learning will form a network of excellence that will facilitate training and early-stage research growth through the exchange of best practices, workshops and summer schools. TwinBrain will also provide short term on-site trainings, expert visits and exchanges, as well as start working on future joint research proposals and PhD projects among partners and beyond to be continued after the completion of the project. These will lead to strengthening of long-term infrastructure capacities and facilitate the development of the proposed research area and related careers.
The overall objective of TwinBrain project is to improve the scientific and technological capacity of the country with low R&I performance (Slovenia) by twinning it with three leading international research institutions (from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy). Leading researchers in the field of neuro-muscular control, MoBI and the neuroscientific investigation of embodied cognitive processes as well as machine learning will form a network of excellence that will facilitate training and early-stage research growth through the exchange of best practices, workshops and summer schools. TwinBrain will also provide short term on-site trainings, expert visits and exchanges, as well as start working on future joint research proposals and PhD projects among partners and beyond to be continued after the completion of the project. These will lead to strengthening of long-term infrastructure capacities and facilitate the development of the proposed research area and related careers.
The main results of the TwinBrain achieved (1.11.2020-31.1.2024) are:
- Successful completion of all TwinBrain activities initially proposed, among which we highlight: 3x summer schools, 4 (+1) workshops, 2 round tables, several internal knowledge transfers in-house as well as within whole consortium.
- A significant milestone is the recognition of the TwinBrain project by the European Commission, featuring it as a success story on their portal. This validates our contributions to the scientific community. Link is available here: https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/success-stories/all/new-technique-view-brain-activity-bodies-motion(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)
- the establishment of a novel centre (SloMoBIL) for Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) at the local Koper unit in the already existing ZRS Koper laboratory setting called Mediterranean Health Centre was established and recently moved to a new location. The opening ceremony was successfully performed during the TwinBrain summer school 1.0. With additional budget coming from a national grant (ARRS, Slovenia), ZRS Koper successfully obtained a state-of-the-art laboratory equipment with a total amount of 150.000 €. Afer two successful years we just moved SloMoBIL from 90m2 facilities to 200m2, having an opening on Thursday, 28.3.2024 (long-term/lasting impact of the TwinBrain project)
- Several dissimination channels (social media, website, podcasts)
- Below we provide a list of published scientific manuscripts with acknowledgement to TwinBrain funding:
http://www.twinbrain.si/?page_id=18702(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)
- Successful completion of all TwinBrain activities initially proposed, among which we highlight: 3x summer schools, 4 (+1) workshops, 2 round tables, several internal knowledge transfers in-house as well as within whole consortium.
- A significant milestone is the recognition of the TwinBrain project by the European Commission, featuring it as a success story on their portal. This validates our contributions to the scientific community. Link is available here: https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/projects/success-stories/all/new-technique-view-brain-activity-bodies-motion(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)
- the establishment of a novel centre (SloMoBIL) for Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) at the local Koper unit in the already existing ZRS Koper laboratory setting called Mediterranean Health Centre was established and recently moved to a new location. The opening ceremony was successfully performed during the TwinBrain summer school 1.0. With additional budget coming from a national grant (ARRS, Slovenia), ZRS Koper successfully obtained a state-of-the-art laboratory equipment with a total amount of 150.000 €. Afer two successful years we just moved SloMoBIL from 90m2 facilities to 200m2, having an opening on Thursday, 28.3.2024 (long-term/lasting impact of the TwinBrain project)
- Several dissimination channels (social media, website, podcasts)
- Below we provide a list of published scientific manuscripts with acknowledgement to TwinBrain funding:
http://www.twinbrain.si/?page_id=18702(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)
The project has had a considerable socio-economic resonance through a variety of dissemination measures. In particular, podcasts, newspapers, social media platforms and radio and television broadcasts have had a profound impact on the wider population. Collaboration with healthcare professionals facilitated the dissemination of important research findings that are directly relevant to patients and their families. At the same time, initiatives were taken in nursing homes and activity centers for the elderly to promote healthy lifestyles and achieve active participation in the projects. In addition, a direct link to the community has been established by moving the SloMoBIL facilities to a larger building, which has been increased from 90 m2 to 200 m2 . This move enables the development of products that benefit both the general population and those affected by Parkinson's disease, thereby increasing the impact of the project.