The Virtual Brain

Get up to speed about the fundamental principles of full brain network modeling using the open-source neuroinformatics platform The Virtual Brain (TVB).

TVB enables biologically realistic modeling of network dynamics using Connectome-based approaches across different brain scales.

Generate macroscopic neuroimaging signals including fMRI, intracranial and stereotactic EEG, surface EEG and MEG for single subjects.

Personalized brain network models can be derived from an individual’s MRI data.

Researchers from different backgrounds can benefit from an integrative software platform including a supporting framework for data management (generation, organization, storage, integration and sharing) and a simulation core written in Python. Applications to use cases in the healthy and diseased brain are explicitly presented.

Simulated brains. Real memories.

After the workshop you should have a basic picture of how these models are built, how they work, and what biological properties of a neural system they represent. In addition, we will highlight several research topics that can be explored using this tool.

The workshop is organized with interleaved oral presentation and hands-on sessions. Attendants will have the time to ask questions. The hands-on sessions will let you immediately apply the concepts from the lectures to your simulations in TVB.

Refreshments will be available during the breaks and lunch will be provided.

Prepare your gear

To get the most out of this workshop as an attendee, you might want to get a head-start by preparing your gear before you arrive:

• Download and install the latest stable TVB package.
• Test it in its current form to make sure it's compatible with your computing environment.
• Familiarize yourself with the basics by browsing through the included manual (TVB-Distribution/docs/UserManual.pdf).
• If you are interested in modifying the code and contributing to TVB, also install the version control system Git.

In case of any technical problems with TVB installation, head over to the TVB user forum on Google Groups

Meet the TVB team

Apart from learning together, you can meet and talk to a good part of The Virtual Brain's team, covering a broad range of topics from cutting-edge neuroscience research to advanced software development.

Program: Morning Session

• 08:30 - 09:00

  Registration & coffee

• 09:00 - 09:15

  Introduction to Node 6 workshop
  Petra Ritter, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & Berlin Institute of Health

• 09:15 - 10:15

  A generative model of the brain: Describing the building blocks of a brain network model
  Randy McIntosh, Baycrest Centre & University of Toronto
  

• 10:15 - 11:15

  Constructing personalized models from empirical data
  Michael Schirner, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & Berlin Institute of Health

• 11:15 - 11:30

  Coffee Break
  

• 11:30 - 12:30

  How to interact with the GUI and script interface of The Virtual Brain
  Paula Popa and Mihai Andrei, Codebox/Codemart

• 12:30 - 13:00

  Hands-on session: Introduction to the GUI
  

• 13:00 - 14:00

  Lunch break
  Lunch will be provided.

Program: Afternoon Session

• 14:00 - 14:45

  Brain stimulation in TVB in The Virtual Brain
  Andreas Spiegler, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & Berlin Institute of Health
  

• 14:45 - 15:15

  Hands-on session: Brain stimulation

• 15:15 - 16:00

  Clinical applications of The Virtual Brain - Alzheimer's Disease and Stroke
  Randy McIntosh, Baycrest Centre & University of Toronto

• 16:00 - 16:30

  Hands-on session: Stroke
  

• 16:30 - 16:45

  Coffee Break
  

• 16:45 - 17:30

  Clinical applications of The Virtual Brain - Epilepsy
  Julie Courtiol, Aix-Marseille Université

• 17:30 - 18:30

  Hands-on session: Epilepsy and mouse simulation with GUI and script interface.
  Paul Triebkorn, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & Berlin Institute of Health

• 18:30

  Closing Remarks

• 20:00

  Dinner
  Ristorante Pascarella
  For those whom purchase "+Dinner" ticket with registration