2019 CIBF Annual Report Interactive

ANNUAL REPORT 2019ARC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR INTEGRATIVE BRAIN FUNCTION The ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function acknowledges the support of the Australian Research Council 3 INTRODUCTION About 4 Strategic objectives 5 Messages 6 Highlights 8 Governance 9 RESEARCH PROGRAM Research reports 11 Publications 26 Presentations 29 CENTRE PROGRAMS Early career researchers 33 Education 36 The Brain Dialogue 38 Neuroethics 39 Neuroinformatics 40 Equity and diversity 40 Government, international and industry 41 engagement EVENTS Centre events 42 Sponsored events 44 PERSONNEL 45 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 51 FINANCE 52 ACRONYMS 54 Cover image courtesy of Tahlia H, QLD. 2016 Art competition winner. ARC CoE FOR INTEGRATIVE BRAIN FUNCTION Annual Report 2019 4 INTRODUCTION about • strategic objectives • messages • highlights • governance About Understanding how the brain interacts with the world is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (Brain Function CoE) was established in 2014 to address this challenge by facilitating collaborations amongst Australia’s leading brain researchers in the fields of brain anatomy and physiology, neural networks, neural circuits, brain systems, human behaviour and neurotechnologies. Led by Monash University, the Centre brings together researchers from The University of Queensland, The University of New South Wales, The University of Sydney, The Australian National University, and The University of Melbourne, alongside QIMR Berghofer, and eleven international Partner Organisations across Europe, Asia and North America. By focusing on the complex brain functions that underlie three VISION To understand how the brain interacts with the world. key integrative daily-life functions of attention, prediction and decision-making, Centre researchers are undertaking fundamental Undertake fundamental investigations into the principles of brain structure and investigations into the principles of brain structure and function. MISSION function, by focusing on the complex brain functions that underlie attention, The Centre is studying the relationship between brain activity and prediction and decision making. behaviour at multiple spatial and temporal scales – from nerve cell electrical and biochemical activity, through patterns of activity in large scale circuit networks to yield complex behaviour – to build “By focusing on Neural Basis of Neural Basis of Decision an integrated model of how attention, prediction and decision- Neural Basis of the complex brain Attention Prediction Quantify the link making occurs. This is being accomplished by a research program functions that underlie KEY INTEGRATIVE Understanding how Testing the brain as between sensory based on four interconnected themes: Cells and Synapses, Neural three key integrative BRAIN FUNCTIONS attention regulates a predictive machine signals, resulting Circuits, Brain Systems, and Models, Technologies and Techniques. information processing model through multi- neuronal activity and In parallel, Centre researchers are developing powerful predictive daily-life functions of in the brain. scale brain imaging generated perception models of processes at each of the different scales to feed into the attention, prediction experiments. manifested in behaviour. development of novel neural technologies for patentable devices and decision-making, and software. Centre researchers are Developing outstanding early career researchers (ECRs) in the undertaking fundamental neurosciences is critical to Australia’s international standing investigations into the in science. The Centre is building internationally recognised principles of brain excellence across the Australian neuroscience community by Models, providing Centre ECRs with outstanding training and career structure and function.” Technology & Cells & Networks & Brain Systems development opportunities, and unique opportunities to acquire RESEARCH THEMES Coordination of Techniques Synapses Circuits How the circuits activity across Models (bayesian cross-disciplinary expertise. How neurons underlying sensory brain areas in inference, combine their processing & real time by predictive coding Beyond research outcomes, the Centre is committed to inputs to produce cognitive functions conducting parallel & error correction); maximising influence by disseminating research achievements an output signal for are formed and investigations Technology communication to and fostering discussion of emerging issues with stakeholders, organised into in humans and (computational, other brain regions. both within academia and across the broader community. The large networks. animal models. optical, electrical & biochemical); Centre establishes new and strengthens existing connections Techniques between users of its research outputs, creates opportunities for (behavioural, neuroimaging new interdisciplinary research, and provides linkages to the & electro- broader scientific community and industry, both within Australia physiological) and globally. The Centre aims to remain at the forefront of international research by engaging with international neuroscience initiatives, to ensure Australian neuroscientists provide an influential voice in the ethical, social and economic impact of brain research to the wider community. ARC CoE FOR INTEGRATIVE BRAIN FUNCTION Annual Report 2019 5 INTRODUCTION about • strategic objectives • messages • highlights • governance Mission Strategic objectives By focusing on the complex brain functions that underlie Our vision is to better Reveal how the brain integrates information in large-scale networks to yield complex attention, prediction and decision-making, Centre researchers 1. behaviour. are undertaking fundamental investigations into the principles understand how the brain of brain structure and function. The Centre is studying the interacts with the world. 2. Develop neural technologies and translate them into patentable devices and software. relationship between brain activity and behaviour at multiple Ensure that Australians benefit from the rapid advances being made in neurotechnologies. spatial and temporal scales, to build an integrated model of 3. Maximise dissemination and exploitation of research findings across the education, how attention, prediction and decision-making occurs. This medical and government sectors, into industry, and across the broader community, to is being accomplished by a research program based on facilitate social change and progress. four interconnected themes: Cells and Synapses, Networks and Circuits, Brain Systems and Models, Technologies and 4. Mentor a new generation of future leaders at the interfaces between neuroscience, Techniques. physics, and engineering, to create an international competitive culture of combined theoretical and experimental neuroscience. 5. Position Australia amongst the world leaders in the international drive to expand the understanding of the brain. Serve as an Australian focal point for interactions with leading international neuroscience initiatives, including the Human Brain Project and the BRAIN initiative. ARC CoE FOR INTEGRATIVE BRAIN FUNCTION Annual Report 2019 6 INTRODUCTION about • strategic objectives • messages • highlights • governance Director’s message activity pattern in fear-related brain regions. Marta Garrido and vision and brain systems, sensation and perception, and vision commitment to provide oversight and guidance to myself her colleagues investigated the role of a putative subcortical and brain technologies. We were delighted to invite a number of regarding the Centre’s research and other programs. I would pathway that links the thalamus and amygdala directly in rapid senior researchers from outside the Centre including Professors like to extend my thanks to the Centre’s Executive who continue information processing of salient, attention-grabbing stimuli. Cliff Abraham, Stephen Williams, David McAlpine and Joes- to provide incisive scientific critical analysis of the Centre’s Their discovery of a brain pathway that quickly transmits visual Manuel Alonso to give keynote presentations. research activities, as well as advice and support for the Centre information settles a long-standing debate about its existence in The Centre’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) activities in 2019 Leadership team. My particular thanks to the Centre’s Chief humans and may help to explain the phenomenon of blindsight. were again planned and implemented by the elected ECR Operating Officer, Dr Glenn Papworth, and the Central Theme Research to understand the coordination of neural activity Committee with support from the Central Theme. Whilst the team for their outstanding support for all of the Centre’s activities. across brain areas in real time is undertaken by the Centre’s Centre provides an unprecedented opportunity for ECRs to Their expertise and highly efficient administrative support at each Brain Systems researchers who conduct parallel investigations acquire multi-disciplinary brain research expertise, the Centre’s of the Collaborating Organisation nodes enables the Centre to in humans and animal models. Marcello Rosa and his team ECR program ensures Fellows and Scholars are offered operate smoothly and fulfil all of our reporting and compliance examined neural signatures of decision-making in the primate training and career development opportunities to foster career responsibilities. I know the Centre researchers greatly appreciate cortex using

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