“Instead of trying to produce a programme to simulate the adult mind, why not rather try to produce one which simulates the child’s? If this were then subjected to an appropriate course of education one would obtain the adult brain.” ​ ​– Alan Turing, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence”

The IRCN (International Research Center for Neurointelligence) was established on October 10, 2017 with a 10-year mission: to create a new discipline at the interface of human and artificial intelligence from the perspective of neurodevelopment and its disorders. Great technical strides are prying open the black box of the brain, while artificial deep-learning algorithms can now defeat Go masters. Yet, we are still far from understanding the general and flexible intelligence characteristic of humans. IRCN seeks answers in the underlying principles of neural circuit development and how it goes awry in psychiatric disorders. This promises new insights for truly neuro-inspired artificial intelligence (A.I.) and innovative, computational approaches to better understanding the human condition. Ultimately, such an approach will encompass the fruits of human intelligence – the humanities and social sciences. Come share our quest, key collaborations, state-of-the-art core facilities and unique culture!

Director Takao K. Hensch