Laboratory of Neural Systems

The Neural Systems Laboratory (SisNe, from its Portuguese acronym) aims to understand how the brain functions and how it controls both normal and pathological behavior using mathematical models and computational simulations.

Some of the key questions addressed by SisNe include:

Is it possible to build detailed neuronal models that integrate different types of experimental data (biophysical, anatomical, etc.) and, when simulated on a computer, are sufficient to reproduce observed phenomena?

Can detailed computational simulations of neural systems serve as experimental models to investigate phenomena that are very difficult or impossible to study in vivo? Is it possible to obtain testable in vivo predictions from these simulations?

How can we understand “high-level” animal behavior, such as decision-making, from a neural basis?

Alongside its research activities, SisNe is dedicated to teaching computational neuroscience, offering regular courses on the subject at USP and organizing the Latin American School on Computational Neuroscience (LASCON).