Rewiring Time in Brain Models: Anatomically-Grounded Delay Distributions for Multiscale Neural Mass Modeling

This international project brings together top neuroscience teams from McGill University (Canada) and Aix-Marseille University (France) to develop the next generation of realistic brain models. The goal is to improve how computer simulations represent the timing of signals traveling through the brain, which depends on factors like axon length, thickness, and myelination. Current models often oversimplify this by assuming fixed or instantaneous delays.

To address this, the project combines high-resolution anatomical data from Canadian initiatives (e.g., BigBrain, HIBALL) with advanced simulation tools like The Virtual Brain (TVB) from France. It introduces biologically realistic, distributed conduction delays into whole-brain models, improving our ability to simulate brain rhythms, seizure dynamics, and disease-related changes. Tools and data will be openly shared through platforms like CBRAIN and EBRAINS to support global collaboration.

This partnership strengthens Canada–France leadership in neuroscience and offers a unique training opportunity for a Canadian graduate student to gain hands-on experience in advanced brain modeling and open science.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alan Evans

Student:

Partner:

Aix-Marseille Université

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: