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===Fablab===
===Fablab===
The Fablab is a [[fabrication laboratory]] for the design of custom hardware solutions for
The Fablab is a [[fabrication laboratory]] for the design of custom hardware solutions for
neuroscience experiments. The unit uses 3-D printers and CNC milling machines.
neuroscience experiments. The unit uses 3-D printers and CNC milling machines.<ref>[https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-fablab/fablab-facilities/ Facilities: Fablab]</ref>
===MRI neuroimaging unit ===
⚫
<ref>[https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-fablab/fablab-
In 2012, the center opened a unit for imaging services for all Hebrew University
facilities/ Facilities: Fablab]</ref>
laboratories. In addition to its [[MRI]] scanner, [[eye-tracking]] system, BIOPAC
system, [[active noise control]] system and visual stimuli delivery system, the unit
⚫
provides assistance with [[paradigm]]s and scanning optimization.<ref>[https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-neuroimaging-unit/ ELSC neuroimaging unit]</ref>

==See also==
==See also==
*[[Science and technology in Israel]]
*[[Science and technology in Israel]]

Revision as of 09:39, 16 September 2024

Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences
Founder(s)Eilon Vaadia
Established2009
AddressGivat Ram, Jerusalem
Location
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Websitehttps://elsc.huji.ac.il/

Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) (Hebrew: מרכז אדמונד ולילי ספרא למדעי המוח) is a brain science research center affiliated with Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

History

The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences was established in 2009. It is located in the Goodman Brain Sciences building on the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.[1] The mission of the center is to gain more insight into the theoretical, biological and cognitive aspects of the brain; pursue interdisciplinary research to meet the scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century; promote academic collaboration and engage in community outreach.[2]

In 1991, the university founded the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC) which introduced a new interdisciplinary doctoral program combining life science, psychology, cognition and other disciplines associated with brain research. [3]

In 2006, the president of Hebrew University, Menachem Magidor, appointed the Neuroscience International Review Committee to explore possibilities for the expansion of neuroscience research. With the financial support of the Edmond Safra Foundation, the university opened a new center dedicated to the study of the brain.[4]

The center's International Steering Committee established in 2009 is composed of 11 prominent neuroscientists, including Nobel laureates Bert Sakmann, Richard Axel and Edvard Moser.[5]

In 2024, Haim Sompolinsky, one of the founders of the center, was the first Israeli scientist to win the Brain Prize, an international prize awarded annually to leading brain researchers.[6]

Academic programs

The center runs two main academic programs: A five-year Ph.D. program in computational neuroscience open to students from many different disciplines established in 1992; and an undergraduate program offering a major track in brain sciences and a minor track in computational neuroscience established in 2021. Classes are held in English, which makes study accessible to foreign students from around the world.[7]

Scientific research

Research at ELSC is based on interactive dialogue and studies that combine biological and cognitive research with theoretical studies and computational methodology. The focus is understanding brain mechanisms, ranging from studies on the genetic, molecular, cellular and synaptic levels to computation of biological and artificial neural networks. Scientists at the center are also involved in translational and clinical research of brain malfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, in addition to conditions like dyslexia and autism.[8]

ELSC scientists are working on quantitative MRI methods to “quantify and characterize changes in the biological composition of brain tissue.”[9]Based on a measurement called macromolecular tissue volume (MTV), the ELSC team has been able to create a map of the living brain and detect molecular level changes in different brain regions related to aging. [10]

Architecture

The Goodman Brain Sciences building was designed by the British architect Norman Foster.[11] Construction commenced in 2013 under the supervision of an Israeli architectural firm. The façade of the building consists of an aluminium “neuron screen” inspired by the drawings of Santiago Ramon y Cajal with digital simulations of real neurons. Emphasis was placed on environmental design for optimal energy saving. The building consists of two parallel wings housing 28 labs around an open central courtyard.[12]

Facilities

Viral vector core unit

The Vector Core Facility is a core technology and research center for the design of viral vectors used to deliver genetic material into cells.[13]

Fablab

The Fablab is a fabrication laboratory for the design of custom hardware solutions for neuroscience experiments. The unit uses 3-D printers and CNC milling machines.[14]

MRI neuroimaging unit

In 2012, the center opened a unit for imaging services for all Hebrew University laboratories. In addition to its MRI scanner, eye-tracking system, BIOPAC system, active noise control system and visual stimuli delivery system, the unit provides assistance with paradigms and scanning optimization.[15]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Construction of brain research center set to begin", Jerusalem Post
  2. ^ Hebrew University to dedicate new home of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences
  3. ^ The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, From Vision to Impact
  4. ^ "Hebrew U to unveil largest neurological center", Jerusalem Post
  5. ^ Extraordinary new project launched by Mrs. Lily Safra at Hebrew University
  6. ^ Physicist Haim Sompolinsky first Israeli to win largest brain science research prize
  7. ^ First conference at only multidisciplinary brain research center on earth, Jerusalem Post
  8. ^ New research unveils cellular pathways to Alzheimer’s and alternative brain aging
  9. ^ A better MRI test to study aging in the brain
  10. ^ New MRI technique can visualize brain molecular composition, study shows
  11. ^ "Foster plus partners completes Safra Center for Brain Sciences in Jerusalem", ArchDaily
  12. ^ "First conference at only multidisciplinary brain research center on earth", Jerusalem Post
  13. ^ Facilities: Viral vector core
  14. ^ Facilities: Fablab
  15. ^ ELSC neuroimaging unit
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