nerf Empowered by imec,KU Leuven and VIB

摘要

NERF is the new centre for Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders. It Is a Joint basic research initiative, set up by VIB, imec and KU Leuven to understand the function of brain circuits. At NERF basic neuroscientific questions are addressed through collaborative, interdisciplinary research, combining nanoelectronics with neurobiology. The center intends to push the boundaries of science, by zooming in on the functioning of neural circuits at an unprecedented level of detail. In the long run, NERF will generate new insights into the functional capabilities of the circuits of the mind as well as into research methodologies and technologies for medical applications, i.e. diagnostics and treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. NERF is housed on the imec campus in Leuven, Belgium, where researchers work in cross-disciplinary teams, benefittlng from imec's state-of-the-art clean room infrastructure and a new 800 m~2 well equipped neuro-science lab, dedicated to NERF. NERF has already recruited 3 teams Of top-notch researchers doing Worldclass basic research in neural circuit analysis and is recruiting 2 additional groups. The focus is on unraveling the input and output signals of individual neurons, which underlie collective computations in neuronal circuits in the brain of living, behaving animals. Devices to do so will be developed In close collaboration with Imec research teams on site. By 2014, NERF aims to expand its international team to about 50 excellent researchers, organized in 5 research groups with complementary interests and technical skills, each led by an independent group leader. A long term foundation of financial support is provided by the 3 founders and the Government of communication, axon guidance, brain-computer interface, electrophysiology, ...) and core and service facilities (such as genomlcs, tranScriptomics, proteomics, imaging, electronic and mechanical workshops, animal housing...) already established at the 3 founding institutions.