Understanding the human brain is one of the grand scientific challenges of our time, with significant implications for health, technology, and society. This project develops large-scale neuron-astrocyte network models on the EuroHPC JUPITER exascale supercomputer. By integrating cellular mechanisms with systems-level brain dynamics, the project investigates brain functions with unprecedented precision. The scientific goal is to study how neuron-astrocyte interactions influence brain function in areas like the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus. Astrocytes are essential in synaptic function, learning, and memory, but their role is still underexplored. The project optimizes the NEST simulator for exascale systems to model biologically accurate networks that can not be simulated effectively and accurately enough on other systems. These models will integrate into whole-brain simulation platforms and contribute to neuromorphic computing, advancing a new computer architecture.

2026

2028