The participating institutions have a record of scientific excellence in the core topic of this proposal. The composition of the Network is reflected in the governance of iBehave which is achieved through a steering committee composed of representatives of all institutions.

Visit the iBehave steering committee here.

iBehave builds on a powerful existing structural and scientific network formed over the last decade.

i) Network of Structures: The Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology (b–it) focuses on data science and its application including in life sciences. RWTH and Juelich joined forces to form the Juelich–Aachen Research Alliance Brain (JARABRAIN), an initiative constituting a center for translational neurobiology. JARA-BRAIN provides access to advanced infrastructure, such as high-performance computing clusters at Juelich. The West German Genome Center is one of four national Next Generation Sequencing Competence Centers comprising iBehave partners University of Cologne, University of Bonn, RWTH and DZNE. The Stem Cell Network NRW promotes biomedical stem cell research. It involves iBehave partners University of Cologne, University of Bonn, and RWTH. Finally, the Bonn Technology Campus (BTC)_{Life Sciences} was established by University of Bonn, with participation of DZNE in governance structure and technology acquisition.

ii) Network of Education: The International Max Planck Research School IMPRS ‘Brain and Behavior’ includes PIs from Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, DZNE, University of Cologne, and University of Bonn. The Bonn International Graduate School (BIGS) Neuroscience comprises PIs from University of Bonn, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar and DZNE, and the Master of Computational Life Sciences PIs from University of Bonn and RWTH and is organized by b-it. Moreover, iBehave PIs from RWTH and Juelich have established the DFG-funded research training group for PhD students GRK2416. University of Bonn is a founding member of the European initiative Neurotech-EU, which will incorporate all iBehave

iii) Network of research consortia: For the last several years, iBehave PIs have been working together in multiple joint collaborative research projects. The SFB1089 ‘Synaptic microcircuits in health and disease’ was established in 2013 by University of Bonn with Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, DZNE and University of Cologne as partners. Since 2021, the SFB1451 ‘Key mechanisms of motor control in health and disease’, led by University of Cologne, brings together iBehave PIs of Juelich and DZNE. In SPP2041 ‘Computational Connectomics’, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar and University of Bonn PIs contribute 3 subprojects. Similarly, SPP2205 ’Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing’ brings together iBehave PIs of University of Bonn, University of Cologne, and RWTH. In the DFG research unit FOR2715 ‘Genetic Epilepsies’, University of Bonn and University of Cologne PIs are integrated. FOR2705 ‘Dissection of Brain Circuit: Structure, Plasticity, and Behavioral Function’ comprises iBehave PIs of University of Bonn, University of Cologne and DZNE. In the International NeuroNex program supported by the DFG, the lead partner University of Cologne interacts with University of Bonn. In the DFG Research Training Group 2416 ‘Multisenses-Multiscales’, PIs from RWTH and Juelich collaborate, and in the DFG Research Training Group 2150 ‘The Neuroscience of Modulating Aggression and Impulsivity in PsychopMax Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesarathology’, RWTH and Juelich PIs are integrated. ‘SmartStart’, a joint training program by the Volkswagen Stiftung brings together theory PIs from University of Bonn and University of Cologne. Apart from these and other existing network grants, iBehave PIs have launched new initiatives including an application for a ‘Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Engineering’ (University of Bonn, RWTH), ‘Treat-ION’ (DFG, University of Bonn and University of Cologne), and SPP2423 ‘Neuron-glia assemblies as drivers of Behavior’ (University of Bonn, MPINB).

iv) Network fostered by joint appointments: In addition, several iBehave PIs have affiliations with two of the partners (primary affiliation listed first): D. Isbrandt: DZNE/University of Cologne, F. Bradke, M. Fuhrmann, G. Tavosanis, A. Schneider, J. Faber: DZNE/University of Bonn, J. Kerr: Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar/University of Bonn, K. Briggman: Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar/University of Bonn(in progress), H. Beck, S. Poll (University of Bonn/DZNE), G. Fink (University of Cologne/Juelich), S. Musall (Juelich/RWTH), S. Grün (Juelich/RWTH), B. Kampa (RWTH/Juelich).