Characterizing Individual Differences in Brain Plasticity and Dynamics to help ensure Effective and Sustainable Health Care

IndiBrain is a doctorate network designed to provide training in computational neuroscience research, leading to doctoral degrees for 15 doctoral candidates (DCs). The project aims to transform new and existing partnerships of 12 universities into enduring collaborations. Along with contributions from 11 industrial and training partners, our consortium creates the foundation for an European network of highly skilled, resilient, entrepreneurial, and creative neuroscientists. To ensure an innovative training environment for its DCs, the consortium bundles unique European expertise in neuroscience, cutting-edge neuroimaging, along with neurotechnology and computational modeling. Building on experience gained in earlier DNs, IndiBrain’s scientific goal is to advance understanding of individual differences in neuroplasticity and brain dynamics in health and disease using technologies like ultra-high-resolution MRI. The DCs will develop and apply innovative tools for studying the brain, focussing on individual-level biological interpretability, and using vision as a model system. Our training network is a critical step in advancing our understanding of the brain with translation applications in mind for improving diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, ultimately resulting in a better quality of life for individuals with ocular and neurological conditions, as well as healthcare effectiveness and sustainability in the EU and beyond.The network will equip DCs with transferable skills in science communication, collaboration, business development, grant writing, and responsible AI use, improving their career opportunities in research, industry, and as entrepreneurs. They will inspire each other to excel in fundamental and translational research, both during and long after the funding period. Anticipating continued demand for the expertise of our DCs, we envision IndiBrain as a model for future-oriented European doctoral training in computational neuroscience.