On February 5, 2026, IRCN welcomed 30 students from Tokyo Gakugei University Senior High School for a science field study program exploring the frontiers of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
Dr. Kantaro Fujiwara (Core Manager, Data Science Core; Associate Professor, IRCN and Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo) delivered a talk titled \"Understanding the Brain through Mathematics and AI.\" The session introduced mathematical models of neural activity \u2014 including differential equation-based frameworks \u2014 and their applications to AI research. The talk also examined key similarities and differences between human cognition and artificial intelligence through the lens of predictive information processing.<\/p>\n
Following the talk, students divided into three groups for hands-on laboratory tours.
\nAt the Nagai Laboratory, students explored cognitive developmental robotics, including emotion estimation using physiological signals and robot experiments driven by neural network models. A simulation of perceptual experiences associated with autism spectrum conditions offered students a compelling entry point into computational approaches to human cognition and development.<\/p>\n
At the Human fMRI Core, researchers introduced how MRI works and the methodology of visualizing brain activity through changes in blood flow. Ongoing research examining the relationship between mental development, psychiatric conditions, and structural changes in the brain was also presented. Students entered the MRI scanning room and observed the equipment at close range, gaining a direct sense of the cutting-edge research environment.<\/p>\n
At the Imaging Core, students discovered how visual information travels from the eye to the cerebral cortex and observed live experiments using the latest optical imaging technology to monitor neural activity in mice in real time. The opportunity to witness brain activity being captured directly in living animals made a lasting impression on the students.<\/p>\n
Through direct engagement with world-class researchers and immersion in active laboratory environments, the program offered students a meaningful encounter with science at its cutting edge.<\/p>\n
\nDr. Kantaro Fujiwara: https:\/\/ircn.jp\/en\/mission\/people\/kantaro_fujiwara<\/a>
\nCognitive Developmental Robotics Lab (Yukie Nagai Laboratory)\uff1ahttps:\/\/developmental-robotics.jp\/en\/home\/<\/a>
\nHuman fMRI Core\uff1ahttps:\/\/core.ircn.jp\/en\/humanfmri-core\/<\/a>
\nImaging Core: https:\/\/core.ircn.jp\/en\/imaging-core\/<\/a><\/p>\n