Sacha van Albada, FZ Jülich: Bringing together anatomy and dynamics in large-scale spiking network models of the cerebral cortex
| When |
Jun 03, 2026
from 12:15 AM to 01:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Bernstein Center Freiburg, Hansastr. 9a, 79104 Freiburg, Lecture Hall, ground floor |
| Contact Name | Martina Bacher |
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Abstract
Models of neural circuits in the brain can serve different purposes, for instance providing minimal implementations of hypothesized mechanisms and testing the consistency of those mechanisms with empirical observations. Here, we focus on the integrative aspect of models: By combining cytoarchitecture, connectivity, and electrophysiological data from many sources, we construct models of the cerebral cortex that can serve as platforms for continued improvement and for testing brain mechanisms under extensive biological constraints.
The point-neuron spiking network models distinguish multiple cortical areas as well as the cortical layers, and feature the full density of neurons and synapses in each local circuit, avoiding downscaling artefacts. The starting point is the representation of these local microcircuits, for which we revisit a well-established model in the light of recent electron microscopy data.
I will then present a model of all vision-related areas in one hemisphere of macaque cortex; an improved, clustered version of this model; and a multi-area model of a human cortical hemisphere. Comparing the model activity with empirical spiking activity and fMRI provides hypotheses on connectivity features that may underlie statistical properties of resting-state activity, inter-area propagation, and trial-to-trial variability.