Human Brain Project
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The Human Brain Project has contributed to a deeper understanding of the complex structure and function of the human brain. Researchers at Uppsala University's Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics added a layer of philosophical reflection for conceptual clarification of neuroscientific evidence. Shaped and informed by brain research.
Time and funding
- Period: 2013-10-01 – 2023-09-30
- Funder: EU – Horizon 2020
A new paradigm in brain research
One of the core aims of the Human Brain Project was the establishment of a cutting-edge research infrastructure to allow scientific and industrial researchers to advance their knowledge in the fields of neuroscience, computing and brain-related medicine.
The HBP has driven outstanding advances in brain research and in the development of medicine and technology applications. Among the research highlights accomplished by the HBP are the world-leading 3D atlases of the brain, breakthroughs in personalised brain medicine, and the development of new brain-inspired technologies, e.g., in artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing.
Through social and philosophical research researchers from Uppsala University's Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics worked for a broad and comprehensive approach to Responsible Research & Innovation, ethics and societal impacts of brain research in the HBP since 2013. Neuroethics provided an interface between empirical brain sciences, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy, ethics, psychology, and social sciences.
In the final phase of the project, the work focused on finding ways to design and embed responsible research practices into EBRAINS, the international research infrastructure that the HBP will leave as its legacy.
Collaborating organisations
The Human Brain Project involved over 100 partners. Uppsala University was represented by their Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics. Their closest collaborators listed below.
- Institut Pasteur, France
- King's College, UK
- Danish Board of Technology, Denmark
- De Montfort University, UK
People in the project
Kathinka Evers
Research with a focus on philosophy of mind, neurophilosophy, neuroethics, bioethics and artificial intelligence. Professor ad honoram at Universidad Central de Chile.
Michele Farisco
Researcher focusing on issues related to consciousness, artificial intelligence and neuroethics. Collaborates with neuroscientists, AI researchers and clinicians to develop indicators of consciousness to diagnose patients, and to recognize consciousness in animals and machines.
Manuel Guerrero
Research on the ethical and social implications of interdisciplinary brain research and development of neurotechnologies, dual use, human rights and responsible research and innovation.
Josepine Fernow
Science communicator, project manager, communications strategist and CRB coordinator. Develops strategy and plan for science communication and research impact at the center and in EU-funded research consortia.
Anna Holm Bodin
Science communicator and responsible for the centre's web and social media. Responsible for communication in several EU-funded research consortia.
