On neuro-AI on the boat - part 1 of 2 - with Ken Harris, Andreas Tolias, Mikkel Lepperød, Paul Middlebrooks - #19
Oct 8, 2024
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Join Paul Middlebrooks, the producer of the BrainInspired podcast, alongside neuro-AI workshop organizer Mikkel Lepperød, and distinguished neuroscientists Ken Harris and Andreas Tolias. They explore the fascinating intersection of AI and neuroscience while cruising the scenic Norwegian fjords. Topics include the transformative impact of AI on research methodologies, the nuances of model interpretability, and the importance of collaboration in scientific inquiry. They also ponder the future implications of AI in understanding the brain and consciousness.
The NeuroAI workshop on a coastal liner in Norway fostered collaboration among researchers to enhance exchanges on validating neuro AI models.
Andreas Tolias highlighted the potential of deep networks for predicting visual cortex responses, emphasizing neuro AI's role in understanding brain function.
The shift from hypothesis-driven to data-driven approaches in neuroscience research, while beneficial, raises concerns about potential misinterpretations of biological processes.
Deep dives
Co-production of Podcasts
The episode highlights a co-production effort between two podcasters, Gaut Einvall and Paul Middlebrooks, which emerged from a NeuroAI workshop. This workshop aimed to explore the validation of models in neuro AI, attracting exciting researchers from the field, and fostering enriching discussions. The collaboration resulted in two podcast episodes featuring insights from workshop participants and organizers. This format exemplifies how sharing resources and expertise can enhance knowledge exchange within specialized scientific communities.
Workshop Goals and Insights
Mikki Lepre, the main organizer of the workshop, discusses the motivations behind arranging the event, emphasizing the need to explore how success in neuro AI should be validated. The goal was not just knowledge sharing but also fostering connections and collaboration among researchers. The choice of a coastal liner in Norway as the venue added a unique atmosphere, which participants appreciated, stating it was one of the best workshops they had attended. The combination of location and purpose helped cultivate an environment conducive to meaningful discussions.
Neuro AI Research Perspectives
The podcast features discussions with researchers Ken Harris and Andreas Tolias, who share their experiences and perspectives on neuro AI. Tolias elaborates on developing foundation models for understanding visual cortex responses in mice through deep networks, highlighting the potential for predictability in neuro AI. Conversely, Harris discusses the advancements in large-scale neuron recording techniques, underscoring the ongoing challenges in data interpretation. Together, they reflect on how innovations in AI tools can lead to new understandings of neuron behavior and interactions.
The Impact of AI on Neuroscience
Both speakers discuss the transformative impact of AI on neuroscience research methodologies, shifting from hypothesis-driven to data-driven approaches. This change allows researchers to embrace high-entropy data collected from naturalistic settings, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of how the brain functions. However, there is a noted concern that reliance on complex AI models could lead to the misunderstanding of underlying biological processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining scientific rigor while incorporating AI advancements into neuroscientific research.
The Future of Neuro AI Research
The participants speculate on the future of neuro AI, considering both the potential for considerable advancements and possible stagnation. While some view the current AI tools as revolutionary, others believe they may simply lead to incremental improvements in understanding brain activity. There is an acknowledgment that the tools developed for neuro AI may not fundamentally change the scientific inquiry process but could enhance data analysis capability. The episode closes with reflections on the importance of asking the right scientific questions, promoting collaboration, and staying adaptable within the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and neuroscience.
In September Paul Middlebrooks, the producer of the podcast BrainInspired, and I were both on a neuro-AI workshop on a coast liner cruising the Norwegian fjords.
We decided to make two joint podcasts with some of the participants where we discuss the role of AI in neuroscience.
In this first part we talk with Mikkel Lepperod, the main organizer about the goal of the workshop, and with Ken Harris and Andreas Tolias about how AI has affected their research neuroscientists and their thoughts about the future of neuro-AI.
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