Strategic Research Centre for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
- Reference number
- A3 05:190
- Start and end dates
- 060101-121231
- Amount granted
- 49 000 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Karolinska Institutet
- Research area
- Life Sciences
Summary
Cognitive neuroscience is a rapidly developing field with vast implications for health care and education. Higher brain functions can now be reliably measured and characterised in detail at a behavioural level. Cognitive and computational neuroscience involves a systems neurobiology approach to brain functions from genes, cells and neural networks to cognitive functions and behaviour. Such a global approach requires broad expertise extending from neurobiology and neuroimaging to psychology. To achieve a coherent understanding of these systems, in which numerous factors vary independently, computational modelling is an indispensable tool. At a fundamental research level, the strategy is to develop bio-realistic translational and computational models of the specific cognitive functions. The models will be based on empirical studies in experimental animals, healthy human subjects, and patients with cognitive disorders. They will be built at a system level and include the complex chain of events relating genes and molecules to cognitive functions and behaviour. VB för 2006: Within Stockholm Brain Institute (SBI), three major Swedish Universities; Karolinska Institutet, Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, join forces to achieve a coherent understanding for Cognitive and Computational neuroscience. Such a global approach requires broad expertise extending from mathematics, neurobiology and neuroimaging to psychology and behavioural sciences. Our vision is that the unique potential of the integrated research setting will provide research of relevance for society as well as an organic build-up of competence in cognitive and computational neuroscience, one of the most dynamic fields in life sciences. This requires the close collaboration with the public sector and the industry. The mission of the centre will be to reveal the biological underpinnings of cognitive functions within three main areas; Action & Perception, Emotions and Memory & Learning. The goal is to identify the pathophysiology of disturbed cognitive functions, to develop new approaches for prevention and treatment, and to foster a new generation of leaders and scientists in cognitive neuroscience.