The UNC Education Program of Intelligence and Connectomics (UNC-EPIC) hosted the NeuroConnect 2024: Advancing Brain Network Research Workshop (suppoted by the NIH grant R25DA058940) from August 8–9, 2024 at the Chetola Resort, North Carolina. The event included three renowned keynote speakers, 15 invited speakers, and 19 students/postdocs.

Organizers

  • Guorong Wu (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)
  • Zhengwu Zhang (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)
  • Hongtu Zhu (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)
  • Yuyu Zhang (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)

Keynote Highlights

  • Dr. Paul M. Thompson (University of Southern California) highlighted the application of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods in neuroscience, radiology, and medicine and discussed the use of convolutional neural networks, vision transformers, and other AI methods to process neuroimaging data.
  • Dr. Kamil Ugurbil (University of Minnesota) discussed the achievements of the Human Connectome Project in improving brain imaging technologies and methodologies, and the ongoing efforts to enhance magnetic resonance imaging with high magnetic fields to better understand brain circuits from neurons to whole brain networks
  • Dr. John Gilmore (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill) described a long-term study initiated in 2003 at UNC to track brain development from infancy into adolescence, particularly focusing on children at high risk for schizophrenia, including insights gained regarding normal brain development, the timing of structural differences in the brain, and the links between brain structure, function, cognition, and psychopathology among the study participants.

Please check the attachment for the full list of the invited speakers and more details.

  • Both panelists Drs. Hongtu Zhu (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill) and Zhengwu Zhang (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill) brought up the topic of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research.
  • Dr. Paul J. Laurienti (Wake Forest University) emphasized the importance of communication in interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Dr. William Consagra (University of South Carolina) shared that it is crucial to find at least one trustworthy senior mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout one’s career.
  • Dr. Pew-Thian Yap (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill) advised junior researchers not to limit themselves locally; instead, they should engage with leaders in their field and participate in conferences.

Videos

Please check the dedicated YouTube channel of UNC-EPIC Workshop.

Please check the UNC-EPIC website for the pictures of NeuroConnect 2024.

Last but not least, the organizers welcome all interested participants to attend NeuroConnect 2025. More details will be announced soon.