Speakers

Dr. Viktor Jirsa

Director of the Institut de Neuroscience des Systèmes

Originally trained in Theoretical Physics and Philosophy in the 1990s, Dr. Jirsa has made contributions to the understanding of how network structure constrains the emergence of functional dynamics using methods from nonlinear dynamic system theory and computational neuroscience. Dr. Jirsa has been awarded several international and national awards for his research including the Francois Erbsmann Prize in 2001, NASPSPA Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award in 2004, and Grand Prix de Recherche de Provence in 2018. He serves on various Editorial Boards and has published more than 150 scientific articles and book chapters, as well as co-edited several books including the Handbook of Brain Connectivity. Dr. Jirsa is one of the Lead Scientists in the Human Brain Project and The Virtual Brain.

Dr. Joana Cabral

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Joana Cabral is a distinguished researcher with expertise in Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and is currently an Assistant Researcher at the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute. Joana's research focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of brain function and their implications for psychiatric disorders. With a multidisciplinary approach, Joana combines advanced analytical tools and large-scale brain models to investigate resting-state brain activity. She specializes in Computational Modeling and Neuroimaging, with a particular emphasis on Psychophysiology and Psychopathology research. Her work has led to the development of the LEiDA algorithm, which identifies key features in whole-brain dynamics related to cognitive and behavioral conditions. Joana has made significant contributions to the field and has been recognized for her achievements, including receiving the prestigious 2019 L’Oréal Award for Women in Science Portugal. Her research has the potential to provide new insights and advancements in understanding brain function and ultimately improving mental health outcomes..

Sorenza Bastiaens

Ph.D. Candidate

Sorenza is a Ph.D. Candidate at GriffLab in Toronto with a background in Biomedical Engineering. She completed her M.Eng. degree at Imperial College London, where she excelled in analyzing various cortico-cortical and corticothalamic models. Sorenza's primary research focus lies in mathematical modeling of large-scale brain network dynamics, specifically investigating the measured alpha oscillations observed in EEG data. Additionally, she is keen on exploring how brain stimulation techniques can influence these networks, as this knowledge is essential for advancing treatments for neurological disorders. With her expertise in computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, and signal processing, Sorenza applies advanced analytical techniques to explore the intricate relationship between brain activity and aging or neurodegenerative processes. Her work aims to shed light on the specific changes in brain dynamics that occur in these contexts, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Through her research, she strives to advance our understanding of brain function and its implications for age-related conditions, paving the way for improved treatments and interventions.

Dr. Michael Breakspear

Director of the Systems Neuroscience Group

Michael Breakspear is a distinguished researcher and group leader of the Systems Neuroscience Group. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Sydney, where he also obtained a Bachelor of Science (Medical) (Honours), a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. His expertise lies in computational neuroscience and translational neuroimaging. In the realm of computational neuroscience, Michael's contributions are focused on dynamic models of large-scale brain activity, the development of toolboxes, and the detection of nonlinear dynamics in empirical data. In the field of translational imaging, his work encompasses various areas such as healthy aging, dementia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, with a specific emphasis on connectomics and risk prediction. Alongside his research career, Michael has also pursued training in psychiatry. He combines his clinical sessions in adult psychiatry with his research pursuits, focusing on recovery-focused treatment of mood disorders, psychosis, and addiction. With his diverse background and multifaceted expertise, Michael Breakspear continues to make significant contributions to the fields of computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, and clinical psychiatry. His work bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-world applications, aiming to advance our understanding of brain function and improve mental health outcomes.

Dr. James Mac Shine

Director of the ShineLab

James "Mac" Shine is a distinguished systems neurobiologist and the Principal Investigator at the ShineLab. With his expertise and passion for the field, Dr. Mac Shine plays a pivotal role as a Peter Robinson's Fellow at The University of Sydney, spearheading groundbreaking studies in cognitive neuroscience. His contributions have shed light on the complex interplay between neural circuits, cognition, and attentional processes in both healthy individuals and those affected by neurological disorders. Dr. Mac Shine's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including the dynamic network reconfigurations of the brain during resting and task-related states, the neurobiology of systems-level brain function, and the evolutionary neuroscience of human brain specialization. By integrating multimodal neuroimaging data and computational modeling, he strives to decipher the algorithmic rules that underlie higher-order brain functions. With his visionary approach and dedication to scientific inquiry, Dr. Mac Shine has emerged as a leading figure in the field of cognitive neuroscience. His work not only enhances our fundamental understanding of the human brain but also holds promise for advancing diagnostics, treatments, and interventions for individuals affected by cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Laura Suárez

​Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr. Laura Suarez is a distinguished Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Network Neuroscience Lab located within the esteemed Montreal Neurological Institute. Dr. Suarez brings a diverse academic background to her work. she obtained a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from the prestigious Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. Additionally, she holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Computational Neuroscience from McGill University. Drawing upon her interdisciplinary expertise, Dr. Suarez's research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience. She is deeply engaged in exploring and developing brain-inspired computing systems, harnessing the power of computational models and artificial neural networks to gain insights into the complex dynamics and functional operations of the brain. Within the Network Neuroscience Lab, Dr. Suarez actively investigates the intricate links and interactions among brain areas that underlie cognitive processes, complex behaviors, and global dynamics. Her work contributes to advancing our understanding of the brain's remarkable capabilities and lays the foundation for the development of innovative approaches in artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience. With her exceptional research skills, diverse educational background, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Laura Suarez is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the field. Her contributions pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and transformative advancements in understanding the brain's complexity and developing brain-inspired computing systems.

Borana Dollomaja

Ph.D. Candidate

Borana Dollomaja is a dedicated PhD candidate at the Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes at Aix-Marseille Université, working under the supervision of Dr. Viktor Jirsa. With a master's degree in engineering from École Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique et de Mathématiques, Borana specializes in personalized whole-brain network models using The Virtual Brain platform. Her research focuses on investigating the application of stimulation as a therapeutic treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Borana utilizes the Epileptor model within The Virtual Brain to analyze stimulation dynamics in the brain. By analyzing SEEG stimulation data from epileptic patients and leveraging the Virtual Epileptic Patient pipeline, she aims to gain valuable insights into the effects of stimulation and its potential for improving epilepsy treatment. Borana's work combines computational neuroscience, personalized modeling, and the study of stimulation dynamics in epilepsy. Her research has the potential to advance our understanding of this neurological disorder and contribute to the development of innovative treatment approaches.

Dr. Leon Stefanovski

Medical Doctor and ​Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Leon Stefanovski is a distinguished neurologist and computational neuroscientist currently serving as a Neurology Resident and a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Under the guidance of Dr. Petra Ritter, he focuses on studying aberrant brain dynamics in Alzheimer's disease. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Leon's research centers on understanding the alterations in brain activity and connectivity that occur in individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. He employs advanced computational models and cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying this neurodegenerative disorder. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Leon aims to contribute to the development of novel insights and potential therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease. His work holds great promise for improving our understanding of the condition and advancing the field of computational neuroscience in the context of neurological disorders.