An independent report has assessed the legacy of the Human Brain Project (HBP) an EU-backed initiative which concluded in 2023 after 10 years.
The HBP brought together more than 500 scientists, clinicians and engineers from all over Europe, to establish new ways of studying human brain complexity through advanced computational methods and cutting-edge technologies.
It was the largest brain science project in Europe and among the biggest research projects ever funded by the EU.
It investigated the brain and its diseases with the help of highly advanced methods from computing, neuroinformatics and AI, and drove innovation in fields like brain-inspired computing and neurorobotics
As a lasting contribution, the HBP created EBRAINS, an open European research infrastructure that allows scientists and technology experts to collaborate, with the aim of accelerating advancements in the fields of neuroscience, computing and brain-related medicine.
Now, a report authored by a panel of independent scientific experts has assessed the HBP’s development and results over the full 10 years; with positive findings.
It highlights that the HBP made major contributions and had a transformative impact on brain research.
Notable achievements highlighted include its digital brain atlases, advanced brain simulation platforms across scales, the application of cognitive modelling and personalised medicine; as well as “remarkable advances” in neuromorphic computing, neuro-inspired robotics and AI.
Katrin Amunts, a brain researcher who served as scientific director of the HBP from 2016 to 2023 and is currently joint CEO of EBRAINS, said: “It was our vision to achieve a change in the way neuroscience is done in the age of digital tools and computing. We are glad to have succeeded in this and that this is now also being recognised from the outside.
“The success of the HBP was only possible due to the work of so many excellent colleagues across Europe over the years.”
André Syrota, former chair of the HBP Stakeholder Board and current chair of the governing goard of EBRAINS, said: “The legacy of the HBP flagship, coupled with the new research infrastructure provided by EBRAINS, will continue to drive advancements in brain health, brain-derived technologies, and collaborative research worldwide.”
Read the full report on the legacy of the HBP here.
