Home

The International Dimension

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Within the OECD there has been growing recognition of the enormous benefits of applying information sciences and technologies to the neurosciences. As a result, the OECD Global Science Forum Neuroinformatics Working Group was formed. This was mandated to lay the ground rules for a coordinated international effort in neuroinformatics.

In June 2002, the Working Group reported at the OECD Global Science Forum meeting. Three key recommendations for the sustainability of neuroinformatics were made.

  1. Member countries should continue to support neuroinformatics research at a national level and each country should establish a national node for coordination of national activities and communication with international activities.
  2. An International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Council should be established to implement a global neuroinformatics network through integration of national nodes.
  3. A new international funding scheme should be established.

The report was accepted enthusiastically by the OECD.

International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF)

In February 2004 the report was ratified by OECD member governments, leading to the establishment, in August 2005, of the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF), with a mission to develop international neuroinformatics according to OECD recommendations.

Currently the INCF has eleven members (Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA). The UK was heavily involved in the OECD-led discussions about international neuroinformatics and a decision about joining the INCF will be taken early in 2007.

The Chair of the INCF Board is Sten Grillner and the Chief Executive is Jan Bjaalie. The Secretariat has been established at the Karolinska Instituet, Stockholm, and is about to move into new premises. Currently the INCF is organising a series of international neuroinformatics workshops. More details on INCF activities can be found on their website.

EU Specific Support Action (SSA)

In conjunction with the INCF, the UK is taking part in an EU-funded SSA. This aims to investigate the provision of neuroinformatics facilities within the EU. It also is looking at future needs for neuroinformatics training and research support. The project begins early 2007.