The Brain & Behavior Observatory
Detail of the cerebellum from Self Reflected under multicolored light. Photo credit: Will Drinker and Greg Dunn
The Observatory: collecting large-scale brain maps
The Observatory is based on cutting-edge hardware and machine learning that allows us to support research by collecting large-scale single neuron resolution maps
Uncovering fundamental principles of the brain
We help scientists massively accelerate the understanding of neural dynamics in diverse behaviors designed by theorists and experimentalists
Open data, open code, open science
Our mission revolves around sharing data, code, and continuous community input on the best experiments to run for the betterment of humankind
Neuroscience is at a watershed moment in its history.
Technology now allows recording the activity of 1000s of neurons simultaneously in behaving mice, and new technology is already on the horizon that will increase this number dramatically. In mice, we can also measure the release of neurotransmitters with unprecedented precision, characterize the anatomy of neural circuits down to single synaptic boutons, and analyze behavioral and neural data with powerful machine learning algorithms.
Unfortunately, the technical and financial cost of deploying these technologies is also rapidly increasing, making them accessible only to an elite group of well-funded scientists in rich countries. As a result, most neuroscience labs cannot benefit from these new tools. Here, we propose to build a mouse-focused Switzerland-based Brain & Behavior Observatory that will allow access to cutting-edge technology to researchers globally. This facility, staffed with experts in technology and animal behavior, will allow any collaboration across the world to record from thousands of neurons simultaneously in mice, and 100s of thousand neurons across the entire brain within a few months at a fraction of the current financial and animal cost.
We need your support & collaboration
We are working towards raising funds to support the first European-based, Brain & Behavior Observatory. Please get in touch with your ideas, and sign the form to signal support for this initiative!
