Lausanne to reunite the world's major “Brain Initiatives”

“The scientific exploration of the human brain is a fundamental tool for answering the challenges of the 21st century,” says Dr Walid Juffali, chairman of the W Science Initiative and founder of The Brain Forum. “Putting together the discoveries of cutting-edge brain research is essential for everyone because it directly affects the future trajectory of society.”

With the rising socioeconomic burden of brain disorders at the forefront of many science and policy decisions, the Brain Forum and EPFL have invited representatives from all major “brain initiatives” that have been launched recently. The SwissTech Convention Center (Lausanne, Switzerland) will house a 3-day forum bringing together for the first time scientists and entrepreneurs from The Human Brain Project (EU), the Allen Brain Initiative (US), the Israel Brain Initiative and the Chinese Brain Initiative.

Taking place from March 30 to April 1, The Brain Forum 2015 is a joint venture with the W Science Initiative. During these three days, stakeholders will share their research and exchange ideas with an audience including policymakers, private investors, research foundations and scientists.

Policy choices for the future of brain research
The policy choices of the immediate future will heavily influence the direction of 21st century neuroscience. The human brain has become the next frontier of science, with most advances being made over the last couple of decades. The pioneering researchers behind these breakthroughs will share their experiences and discuss a wide range of topics related to their different areas of expertise, such as the socioeconomic impact of brain diseases, brain simulation, personalized medicine, entrepreneurship, research funding, and policymaking.

A burning topic among the experts and policymakers is the field’s increasing use of advanced computer technology. This is especially the case in international efforts to model the human brain, such as The Human Brain Project in Europe and similar initiatives in the US. The Brain Forum will be ideally placed to hear from and engage with leading scientists in these programs.

Brain entrepreneurs
Special attention is given to fostering economic opportunities in neuroscience with the Innovation Corner, an exhibition area for select Swiss start-ups and established companies working on advanced brain research. Around 20 companies will present their latest ideas for bridging the gap between neuroscience in the lab and industrial/commercial applications.