The CNR-IBF research groups possess unique expertise that establishes them as key reference points in various fields of fundamental and applied research, both at the national and international level[cite: 1]. The Computational Neuroscience Laboratory stands as a center of research excellence within the field of neuroscience[cite: 1]. The laboratory’s expertise integrates neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, and biomedical engineering[cite: 1]. Adopting an approach that prioritizes both basic and applied/technological research, the group—through the use of advanced computational models—aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying higher-order brain functions in both physiological and pathological states[cite: 1]. This effort is directed toward the implementation of “digital twins” and the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases and dysfunctions[cite: 1].

The laboratory’s core competencies include:

• Biophysically detailed neural modeling;
• Multi-scale brain simulations;
• The study of neurological pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and epilepsy;
• The development of software tools and simulation platforms;
• The creation of interfaces, workflows, and automated data analysis tools.

The group builds on a strong track record of participation in major national and international research initiatives, including the Human Brain Project (HBP), EBRAINS2.0, HIPPOCOMP, MILEDI, and CircProt, reflecting its longstanding commitment to advancing computational neuroscience through multiscale modeling, interdisciplinary approaches, and the development of innovative tools for basic and translational research, and is actively involved in major research infrastructures[cite: 1]:

• IRIN (https://irin.cnr.it, started through the “EBRAINS-Italy project”, CUP B51E22000150006, funded by the NextGenerationEU/PNRR and promoted by CNR) is the Italian Research Infrastructure for Neuroscience[cite: 1]. It provides researchers with integrated access to cutting-edge laboratories and facilities, experimental datasets, advanced computational models, HPC (High Performance Computing) and cloud resources, clinical research as well as a dedicated Education, Training and Innovation Centre (ETIC)[cite: 1]. In the IRIN Infrastructure, CNR-IBF’s role encompasses infrastructure coordination and management activities, as well as scientific research and the implementation of Italian resources and HPC facilities for the neuroscientific community[cite: 1].
• EBRAINS (https://ebrains.eu/, originally built by the EU-funded Human Brain Project, of which CNR-IBF was a consortium member) is the European Digital Infrastructure that provides data, tools and services for brain-related research[cite: 1]. Currently, within the distributed European infrastructure, the CNR-IBF Computational Neuroscience Lab is responsible for developing the Interactive Workflows for Cellular-level Modeling Platform and the Hippocampus Hub[cite: 1].