Project description
Empowering the next generation of neurobiologists
The brain is the most complex organ of the human body, receiving information from the environment and incorporating these into the planning and execution of appropriate actions. However, the principles of communication between different areas of the brain to combine sensory input with motor control and executive functions remain largely unknown. The EU-funded In2PrimateBrains project aims to address this knowledge gap by training the next generation of researchers using cutting-edge methodologies in academic, clinical and industrial sectors to support future research in the field. Trainees will study the brain of non-human primates – the closest model to the human brain – generating important insight into local and long-range dynamics of communication down to the single neuron.
Objective
In2PrimateBrains proposes a highly competitive training-through-research program dedicated to the study of neuronal intra- and
inter-areal communication in non-human primate (NHP) brains. This program will empower the next generation of
researchers with best practices and cutting edge methodologies for studying complex neuronal activity from multiple brain
areas and across cortical layers. Our core scientific goals are to identify common and specific bottom-up and top-down
communication principles across NHP brain networks for vision, motor control and executive functions. These functions are
especially well developed in primates, and we propose to study them in a brain model as close as possible to the human
brain: the NHP brain. Critically, detailed insights into the local- and long-range dynamics of communication, down to the
single-neuron level and at millisecond precision, necessitate invasive recording, stimulation and inactivation techniques
precluding human investigations. The project entails 9 work packages with well-defined tasks to ensure success in our
research and training objectives. We propose tailored research training by world-leading European researchers from the
academic, clinical and industrial sectors. This will be accompanied by a comprehensive program of network-wide training
events including thematic workshops in essential research-related skills and soft-skill training sessions to ensure successful
careers in public or private sectors. The direct experience and acquired expertise in state-of-the-art NHP research and
technology development in different environments will drive our ESRs to pursue international, interdisciplinary and
intersectoral careers. In a highly competitive international environment, In2PrimateBrains will ensure that Europe remains at the
forefront of primate brain research in health and disease with scientists trained by the highest scientific, methodological and
ethical standards.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Coordinator
13284 Marseille
France