Proof-of-Concept Systems

Model Organisms for Whole-Brain Emulation

Logan Thrasher Collins

Summary

To reach the point where human whole-brain emulation (WBE) is feasible, smaller model organisms will act as crucial stepping stones. Though the path may not occur with complete linearity, a reasonably straightforward progression from lower levels of complexity to higher levels of complexity will probably take place. As each model organism WBE is refined, new lessons will emerge to inform subsequent work towards emulating more complex organisms. These lessons will provide an important foundation for eventual attempts at human WBE as well as act as milestones to encourage the wider scientific community to continue devoting resources towards emulation-adjacent computational neuroscience. Here, we will explore existing, emerging, and potential future work on model organisms for WBE.

Anticipated pre-print release: July 31, 2025