Cognitive Neuroscience Society

The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

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Watch the Great Debate on Connectomics

Mapping and analyzing the brain at the level of neural circuitry – “human connectomics” – is hotter than ever. Many scientists think that by mapping neuronal connections in the brain, we will both better understand cognition and better be able to treat any deficits. Talking of its $40 billion Human Connectome Project, the National Institute of Health says it “will lead to major advances in our understanding of what makes us uniquely human and will set the stage for future studies of abnormal brain circuits in many neurological and psychiatric disorders.”

But is it the right path for cognitive neuroscientists? That was the question for the packed house at Monday’s Great Debate at the CNS annual conference in New York. On one side was Moritz Helmstaedter of the Max Planck Institute, arguing that understanding neuronal circuit structure is key to modeling the mind. On the other side was Anthony Movshon of NYU, arguing that functional models that carefully analyze behavior are the key.

Who won? You be the judge (and see our small informal Twitter poll results below). Watch them duke it out in the debate, moderated by David Poeppel (Max Planck Institute & NYU).

Highlights:

-Lisa M.P. Munoz