We try to understand the computational architecture of cerebral cortex by following the structure and function of a well-known model organism of vision, the Macaque monkey. In parallel, we are including the contemporary knowledge of cortical computations into the models. This approach is complementary to Human Brain Project where large-scale models aim at detailed repetition of physiology of local networks. We, instead, simplify the neurons, thus gaining computational efficiency, which we use for searching model structure and parameters, as well as for learning.
Our primary tool is CxSystem2, in-house programmed software, currently available in Github and Human Brain Project Brain Simulation Platform. CxSystem2 is intended to reduce the complexity of modeling by hiding the code and allowing efficient search of biological parameters and model structure.
Our modelling work, under the name of Macaque Vision, recently became a partnering project to Human Brain Project. The first year of collaboration has included mutual infrastructure and software sharing as well as their educational contribution to Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital.