Exploitation and dissemination
Dissemination
The primary contribution of the consortium will be an increased knowledge of the neuronal microcircuits/neuronal code in striatum that contributes to the selection of different patterns of motor behaviour through a combined experimental and modelling approach. The consortium will contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions and relations between processes and phenomena at different organisational levels, from molecule to network and behaviour. Results will primarily be disseminated through scientific publication in high quality international journals and at symposia and larger scientific meetings. Members of the consortium also have a record of taking part in lectures directed to the general public or in the radio or TV media or through other arrangements. In this way we will also continue to present the findings that are produced by the consortium. Results of specific significance with regard to this aspect will be communicated to a wider audience at public meetings and via media. Members of he consortium are part of the DANA organisation and the European equivalent EDAB, the purpose of which are to transfer information about current research in neuroscience to the public in different countries.
Exploitation of project results
An improved understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the many diseases of the basal ganglia and the addictive potential of various psychoactive substances common in drug abuse should provide the possibility for new types of pharmacological treatment. The impact of an improved knowledge about the basal ganglia microcircuitry and the effects of modulators (DA, 5-HT, histamine) is industrial in nature. The pharmaceutical industry is primarily concerned, since such knowledge is critical for the design of new drugs. Contacts already exist with research directors at different levels within pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca like Carlson Research. In addition, other industrial sectors are expected to benefit. A better understanding of the principles underlying biological information processing has a significant impact on areas like artificial intelligence and robotics (including advanced prostheses design). Inspiration and abstraction from biological principles have a potential to enhance computing and robotics techniques both in terms of software (algorithms) and, in a long-term perspective, computer architecture and hardware as well. An explicit interest from Ericson Telecommunications for such cross-fertilisation between neuroscience and computing science has been manifested. The industrial economic benefits from such a development is likely to be quite substantial.
With respect to the Neuroinformatics part, a considerable effort is foreseen in the development of methodology and software for simulation. A formalised collaboration aimed at the development of a next generation simulation software is also considered in interaction with the newly formed "International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility" (INCF), which resides in Stockholm. The collaboration within the consortium will provide a platform for such an expansion. However, already by promoting the spreading of new and enhanced software components (open access), the consortium will contribute significantly to a further expansion and a strengthening of European research in the strategic field of neuroinformatics. This will benefit further research as well as industrial development
Management of intellectual property
Innovations with a direct bearing on pharmaceutical or instrumentation aspects will be subject to the patent and licensing procedures applicable at each university. Extended collaboration between consortium participants and industrial and/or user participants will be considered for each such occasion.