Understanding what makes us unique.

We humans differ in appearance, age and gender, in our cognitive abilities, our personality and our diseases. Our brain also varies in its structural and functional properties from person to person. But to what extent do external circumstances shape these neurobiological differences, and what impact do genetics and our lifestyle have on them? How do they influence our cognitive and emotional idiosyncrasies? And are these differences possibly even responsible for the occurrence of neurological and psychiatric diseases?

We are investigating these questions at Forschungszentrum Jülich using artificial intelligence methods and large groups of test persons. In addition, we simulate neuronal networks and thus gain insights into the dynamics of the brain.

Our research findings could help train AI systems for clinical use in the future. These systems would, for example, make predictions about the course of a disease, giving physicians the opportunity to precisely tailor a therapy to the patient at an early stage.

(Photo: Forschungszentrum Jülich)