Periodic Reporting for period 2 - In2PrimateBrains (Intra- and Inter-Areal Communication in Primate Brain Networks)
Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2025-02-28
The brain is the most complex organ of the human body, processing environmental information and using it to plan and execute appropriate actions. However, the principles of communication between different brain areas—integrating sensory input with motor control and executive functions—remain largely unknown. The In2PrimateBrains project (In2PB) addressed this gap by training the next generation of researchers using cutting-edge methodologies across academic, clinical, and industrial sectors. Trainees studied the brain of non-human primates—the closest model to the human brain—yielding critical insights into local and long-range communication dynamics down to the single-neuron level.
In2PB offered a highly competitive training-through-research program dedicated to understanding neuronal intra- and inter-areal communication in non-human primate (NHP) brains. This program equipped young researchers with best practices and state-of-the-art tools for studying complex brain activity across multiple regions and cortical layers. Through this work, we identified common and specific bottom-up and top-down communication principles in NHP brain networks for vision, motor control, and executive functions. These functions are especially well developed in primates, and we used the NHP brain as the most relevant model to study them.
Crucially, detailed insights into these neural dynamics—at single-neuron resolution and millisecond precision—require invasive recording, stimulation, and inactivation techniques not possible in humans. Research training was delivered by leading European experts and supported by a comprehensive program of network-wide events, including thematic workshops and soft-skill sessions, ensuring career readiness in both public and private sectors.
The experience and expertise acquired in advanced NHP research and technology across varied environments has already enabled many trainees to pursue international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral careers. In a globally competitive field, In2PB has helped ensure Europe remains at the forefront of primate brain research in health and disease, training scientists to the highest scientific, methodological, and ethical standards.
More details are available at www.in2primatebrains.eu.
In2PB offered a highly competitive training-through-research program dedicated to understanding neuronal intra- and inter-areal communication in non-human primate (NHP) brains. This program equipped young researchers with best practices and state-of-the-art tools for studying complex brain activity across multiple regions and cortical layers. Through this work, we identified common and specific bottom-up and top-down communication principles in NHP brain networks for vision, motor control, and executive functions. These functions are especially well developed in primates, and we used the NHP brain as the most relevant model to study them.
Crucially, detailed insights into these neural dynamics—at single-neuron resolution and millisecond precision—require invasive recording, stimulation, and inactivation techniques not possible in humans. Research training was delivered by leading European experts and supported by a comprehensive program of network-wide events, including thematic workshops and soft-skill sessions, ensuring career readiness in both public and private sectors.
The experience and expertise acquired in advanced NHP research and technology across varied environments has already enabled many trainees to pursue international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral careers. In a globally competitive field, In2PB has helped ensure Europe remains at the forefront of primate brain research in health and disease, training scientists to the highest scientific, methodological, and ethical standards.
More details are available at www.in2primatebrains.eu.
WP1 focused on implementing the Early Stage Researcher (ESR) training programme. Three Skill Training meetings and three Thematic Workshops were held, providing excellent networking opportunities. WP2, WP3, and WP4 supported research on neural interactions—communication across brain networks involved in vision, motor control, and executive functions. Many ESRs engaged in experimental work involving behavioural and neuronal modulation in NHPs. This included training animals on advanced cognitive tasks, followed by high-resolution neuronal recordings during task performance. They also analysed both new and existing datasets to investigate intra- and inter-areal bottom-up and top-down neural communication within visual, motor, and executive networks. Peer-reviewed and preliminary results are listed on the consortium website, with many projects still ongoing.
All ESRs undertook short-term stays (secondments) and collaborations among consortium partners to broaden their analyses and learn new techniques. These were part of WP5 and WP6. WP6 also focused on developing shared experimental and data management tools to enable efficient data sharing within and beyond the consortium. Several tools were developed or are still in progress through collaborations between ESRs working on experimental, hardware, and software aspects. For example, a polyimide-based neuronal signal recording probe with a minimal cross-section and a specialized insertion mechanism was created by ESRs in one of the industrial hosts, in collaboration with academic partners. Established software tools for data management and reproducible neurophysiology workflows were tested on data from In2PrimateBrains labs. A public repository for sharing resources and supporting FAIR neuroscience was created on the GIN platform (https://gin.g-node.org/In2PrimateBrains/(opens in new window)).
WP7 covered outreach and dissemination. Each ESR gave at least one public presentation and participated in scientific conferences (see www.in2primatebrains.eu). Together, they created a video explaining the project’s objectives, finalized at Skill Training Meeting 3 (available here: https://nextcloud.g-node.org/index.php/s/jB3HjimP55cRziY(opens in new window)). At the final consortium meeting in Newcastle, ESRs organized a public outreach event at the 'Boiler House' (https://research.ncl.ac.uk/in2pb/outreach/outreacheventbyesrsattw3newcastle/(opens in new window)).
WP8 addressed project coordination, and WP9 ensured compliance with ethics requirements. All deliverables were submitted, and all milestones successfully achieved.
All ESRs undertook short-term stays (secondments) and collaborations among consortium partners to broaden their analyses and learn new techniques. These were part of WP5 and WP6. WP6 also focused on developing shared experimental and data management tools to enable efficient data sharing within and beyond the consortium. Several tools were developed or are still in progress through collaborations between ESRs working on experimental, hardware, and software aspects. For example, a polyimide-based neuronal signal recording probe with a minimal cross-section and a specialized insertion mechanism was created by ESRs in one of the industrial hosts, in collaboration with academic partners. Established software tools for data management and reproducible neurophysiology workflows were tested on data from In2PrimateBrains labs. A public repository for sharing resources and supporting FAIR neuroscience was created on the GIN platform (https://gin.g-node.org/In2PrimateBrains/(opens in new window)).
WP7 covered outreach and dissemination. Each ESR gave at least one public presentation and participated in scientific conferences (see www.in2primatebrains.eu). Together, they created a video explaining the project’s objectives, finalized at Skill Training Meeting 3 (available here: https://nextcloud.g-node.org/index.php/s/jB3HjimP55cRziY(opens in new window)). At the final consortium meeting in Newcastle, ESRs organized a public outreach event at the 'Boiler House' (https://research.ncl.ac.uk/in2pb/outreach/outreacheventbyesrsattw3newcastle/(opens in new window)).
WP8 addressed project coordination, and WP9 ensured compliance with ethics requirements. All deliverables were submitted, and all milestones successfully achieved.
In this program, ESRs accessed cutting-edge methodologies for recording, interfering with, and analysing high-dimensional neuronal activity in NHP brains. We offered a unique mix of hands-on lab training, cross-sectorial workshops, courses in fundamental, technological, and clinical domains, and transferable skills training to support smooth integration into future careers. This approach promoted the sharing of tools and the creation of common databases. Many young and experienced NHP researchers, both within and beyond the network, benefited from these events, creating a long-lasting impact on European and international research.
At the societal level, In2PrimateBrains improved understanding of brain network communication and specialization in the NHP brain, facilitating knowledge transfer to human studies. The project also examined the dynamics and plasticity of higher cognitive functions during learning and decision-making, from cellular to large-scale networks and across multiple time scales. These findings will support understanding the effects of closed-loop neuronal feedback on cognitive processes and their implications for clinical rehabilitation and enhancement.
The combination of basic science, clinical insight, engineering expertise, and advanced technical skills has equipped ESRs with the flexibility to tackle future scientific challenges and pursue careers beyond academia. In2PrimateBrains significantly enhanced the career prospects of ESRs. Several have already secured positions in industry or continued research in other academic institutions. Others remain at their host labs, supported by follow-up funding, to complete research projects and prepare publications while planning their next steps.
Amid ongoing European debates on animal research, this ITN educated ESRs in best practices for NHP studies, encouraged experience sharing, and fostered proactive engagement with evolving standards. This strategy has ensured that Europe remains a global leader in brain research, with scientists trained to the highest scientific and ethical standards in NHP neuroscience.
At the societal level, In2PrimateBrains improved understanding of brain network communication and specialization in the NHP brain, facilitating knowledge transfer to human studies. The project also examined the dynamics and plasticity of higher cognitive functions during learning and decision-making, from cellular to large-scale networks and across multiple time scales. These findings will support understanding the effects of closed-loop neuronal feedback on cognitive processes and their implications for clinical rehabilitation and enhancement.
The combination of basic science, clinical insight, engineering expertise, and advanced technical skills has equipped ESRs with the flexibility to tackle future scientific challenges and pursue careers beyond academia. In2PrimateBrains significantly enhanced the career prospects of ESRs. Several have already secured positions in industry or continued research in other academic institutions. Others remain at their host labs, supported by follow-up funding, to complete research projects and prepare publications while planning their next steps.
Amid ongoing European debates on animal research, this ITN educated ESRs in best practices for NHP studies, encouraged experience sharing, and fostered proactive engagement with evolving standards. This strategy has ensured that Europe remains a global leader in brain research, with scientists trained to the highest scientific and ethical standards in NHP neuroscience.