Expert Report: Human Brain Project Boosts Neuroscience

The European Commission (EC) has released the 10-year assessment of the Human Brain Project (HBP), an EU-Flagship initiative that concluded in 2023. The report was authored by a panel of independent scientific experts. Their assessment of the HBP's development and results over the full 10 years comes to a strongly positive conclusion. The report highlights that the HBP made major contributions and had a transformative impact on brain research. One of the main outcomes of the HBP is EBRAINS, the open research infrastructure that continues to push neuroscience research forward.

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.

The report highlights notable achievements of the HBP, including leading 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, neuroinspired robotics and AI.

"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", says Katrin Amunts. The brain researcher served as Scientific Director of the Human Brain Project from 2016 to 2023 and is currently joint CEO of EBRAINS. "The success of the HBP was only possible due to the work of so many excellent colleagues across Europe over the years."

"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", adds André Syrota, former Chair of the HBP Stakeholder Board and current Chair of the Governing Board of EBRAINS.