International Research Center for Neurointelligence
The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study

Message fromHow d oe s h u man intel l igence arise?

Director Takao K. Hensch

Human intelligence (H.I.) arises on two vastly differentof opening the black box of H.I. to cultivate an A.I. in its

timescales. On the one hand, the brain quickly and flexibly

likeness. Our ecosystem at the intersection of life scienceabsorbs new skills and experiences in infancy and childhood(biology) and information science (mathematics andto outperform any modern-day computer. Yet, the biologicalcomputation) offers a platform for discovery to be shared withbasis for this remarkable capacity was honed over the long,

diverse colleagues from around the world and even broader

slow arc of evolution. While animals may share certain coresocial science disciplines. Together, we probe the underlying

features – like learning, prediction, or intrinsic activity

principles of neural circuit development and unravel thelike sleep or thought – the diversity of H.I. spanning from

etiology of brain disorders. Based on these insights, innovative

creativity to mental illness is unparalleled. The wonders of

A.I. will not only enrich our daily lives, but help us to answer

this final frontier within our inner universe are likely matched

whether the human brain can ultimately understand itself.

only by the expanse of the outer universe.

Raised multi-culturally, I have long been fascinatedLanguage and literacy first expanded our collective

by how our identity and neurodiversity are profoundly

knowledge across individual brains and physical distances.

shaped during critical periods of brain development. ThisNow another threshold moment in our evolution is upon

fundamental feature of our biology has so far been neglected

us – the only species capable of creating a truly artificial

in modern A.I. We seek to establish neuro-intelligence at the

intelligence (A.I.). A faithful digital copy of H.I. could expand

interface of H.I. and A.I. as a new field of inquiry and applied

our horizons into unforgiving terrain like deep sea or space.

science. The journey to reveal how H.I. arises and goes awry

It may better predict mental well-being and provide optimal

is perhaps the greatest challenge for the brain, which willassistance to those who suffer infirmity. Communication withdrive its own evolution forward.

A.I. in society must surely also be approached in a fair andPlease join us !

fruitful manner to further cooperation and not bias. To date,genuine neuro-inspired A.I. still eludes us.
The International Research Center for Neurointelligence(WPI-IRCN) was established with a fusion research mission

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Takao K. Hensch
Director, International Research Center for Neurointelligence
September 30, 2022

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Scientiﬁc Mission

The human brain is the pinnacle of biological evolution in the known universe, and higher brain

Neurointelligence for Science and Society

as the brain is, its development is equally complex and mysterious: progressing from a single embryo

cognitive abilities continue to surpass those of the largest and fastest supercomputers. As impressive
to millions of synaptic circuit connections in a process that computer science cannot even begin
to imagine. Within this dynamic neural network matrix lies the origins of cognition and intelligence.
The mission of WPI-IRCN is to understand the core principles of brain development and leverage thatknowledge to build a hybrid ﬁeld of human and novel artiﬁcial intelligence called neurointelligence.

Exploring the Origins of Human Intelligence
The Child Brain: a Biological Learning Machine
How does human intelligence arise? The answer lies in the

cognition. WPI-IRCN seeks to explore novel principles of brain

myriad neural circuits that emerge in the developing brain.

development and function from these diverse perspectives and

The capacity for intelligence begins with neural stem cells

then apply them to benefit society.

Opening Frontiers via Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Creating Research Field Fusion through Team Science
The mission of WPI-IRCN requires anintegration of the natural sciences, social
sciences, medicine, mathematics, engineering,and computation/information science,
seamlessly linking fundamental research on
the development of neural circuits and theiradvanced measurement technologies to drive
brain development-inspired A.I. research.
WPI-IRCN convenes researchers from allthese disciplines who work together in aTeam Science collaboration framework tofacilitate interdisciplinary research with appliedinnovation and find solutions to human andclinical goals. Each team is self-governing andcoordinated by center leadership, tackling
ambitious and complementary research
projects in human intelligence. WPI-IRCN
brings together faculty and postdoctoral fellows
from the University of Tokyo with researchers
from partner institutions worldwide.

that power prenatal brain development and their genetic andepigenetic control. Next is the elaboration of neural processes
that define the synaptic microcircuits and their precise
structural plasticity. Early sensory experience then actively
sculpts these circuits during circumscribed temporal windows
called critical periods that help to crystallize the network.
Finally, the child’s social and cultural environment consolidates
higher cognitive functions like language, learning, and memory.
Not surprisingly, brain development trajectories can go awry
at any of these stages, resulting in disorders that may impair

Navigating the Landscape of Intelligence Research
Layered Structure of Intelligence
Human intelligence (H.I.) comprises three concentric categories
formed naturally by brain evolution. Core Intelligence consists

HardwareDynamics

Social Learning
CP mapping
Critical period timing
Attention
Reinforcement
Prediction
Intrinsic activity
Sleepof the brain's ability to perform basic cognitive functions like

Artificial

learning from experience, predicting the environment, andDiverseindividuals to interact and support Social Intelligence throughintelligence

intelligence

SocialintelligenceCoreintelligencegenerating spontaneous activity. These core functions allow

Neural Development-Inspired Applications

attention to others, shared experience during early critical

Team Science-driven research applications are emerging along

periods, and social learning. Social and Core Intelligence define

two principal axes: human intelligence, including discovery

the normal range of cognition, which in humans may span aand hypothesis-driven science for clinical and social benefits,

broad spectrum of capacities – from creativity to psychiatricand neural development-inspired A.I., based on a synthesis ofconditions – an added dimension called Diverse Intelligence.

computational algorithmic engineering, incorporating insights

From there, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a stage beyond

from the child's brain. WPI-IRCN's overarching innovation

natural human intelligence, enabling H.I. to acquire additional

mission is the creation of a neurointelligence ontology forcapabilities to better shape our future.

human wellness and happiness with the resilience to solve
society's significant challenges. A large part of this goal will

A.I. Incubator @IRCN
IRCN Team Science

AutismPsychosis
Creativity
Multiscale Imaging

Strengthening Society One Brain at a Time

H.I. insights &applicationneurocreative

neurodiverse

neuromorphic

be predicting and alleviating debilitating brain disorders. WPIIRCN is building the foundation for a new generation of brainneurodevelopmental A.I.

development–inspired A.I. technologies.

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5Research Core Facilities

Comprehensive Technical Support
for the IRCN Research Community
WPI-IRCN features ﬁve state-of-the-art research core facilities to power the scientiﬁc explorationof neurointelligence. The ES-Mouse/Virus Core, Imaging Core, Human fMRI Core, and Data
Science Core provide advanced technological platforms for researchers to develop novel

Observing

Human fMRI Core

Measuring and Mapping Brain Structure and Activity
for Building Models of Brain Cognition and Biomarkers for Disorders
The human fMRI core serves as a research facility for
scientists to conduct studies that will probe the origins ofintelligence and help to understand pervasive brain disorders.

reagents, make observations, and collect and analyze data for both hypothesis and discovery-

The core employs a Siemens Prisma 3T MRI allowing

driven research. A unique feature of WPI-IRCN, the Science Writing Core, supports and trains

flexibility and interoperability with multiple forms of humanglobal standard communication.

functional imaging experiments including task-based andresting state measurements. Basic and clinical studies will
be conducted to examine brain function in the healthy anddisease-impaired state. Coordination with national, regionaland global brain imaging projects is emphasized.
Generating

ES-Mouse/Virus Core

Producing Genetically Modiﬁed Reagents with Novel Technologies
for Enhancing the Speed and Efﬁciency of Experiments

Analyzing

Data Science Core

Conducting Statistical Analyses of Physiological Datawith Computational Methods, Mathematical Modeling, and Novel A.I.

The ES-Mouse/Virus Core houses facilities and services for thegeneration of genetically modified mice, and the production ofviruses for studies with genetically modified mice.

The Data Science Core processes and stores data on
brain structure and function and uses statistical analyses
and mathematical modeling to derive fundamental
properties.

The core has developed an efficient, rapid, and simple
procedure for the production of genetically-modified miceenabling the production of multiple knock-in ES cells indata analysis methods, and building mathematical models
for a quantitative perspective on brain development, andhuman and machine intelligence.

about 1 month. The core can also create multiple parallellines of knock-in ES-mice without a need for breeding,

The core promotes interactions between numerical andthus shortening the production time from a year to 2-3

empirical experiments. Data analysis is conducted withmonths. Virus engineering for neural circuit experimental

mathematical tools and software using observations

applications is also supported by the core.

from IRCN member laboratories, with the aim of deriving
fundamental properties of the brain, developing novel

Observing

Imaging Core

Communicating

Harnessing an Array of High-Performance Microscopesfor Fine-Scale Spatiotemporal Observations and Image Analysis
The Imaging Core enables comprehensive data acquisition

Science Writing Core

Supporting and Training Researchers and Students to be
International Leaders in Scientiﬁc Writing, Communication, and Facilitationon brain structure and function at multiple spatial and

The Science Writing Core provides communications services,

temporal resolution with advanced optical equipment.

consulting, training, and resources for grants and manuscripts
supporting world-class interdisciplinary research.

The Imaging Core houses an advanced array of

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microscopes and imaging devices for the efficient

The core provides bilingual support and training for

observation of biological samples, including thethe production of research manuscripts, grants, oralvisualization of neuronal activity in the mouse brain atpresentations, public/media outreach, web/multimedia, andsingle micron or whole brain scale. The facility also offers aother forms of science communication. Working with thewide range of data collection schemes for great versatility

WPI-IRCN management, core staff contributes to powering

in experimental design. New technologies are continuouslytransdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement,

adopted and refined by the core to serve its users.

internationalization, and advancing a neurointelligence field.

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IRCN Research Ecosystem:
leveraging the power of transdisciplinary collaboration, communication,and community building to explore human and artiﬁcial intelligence.

Global Partners
Building a global network of partner institutions and researchers for international engagementin projects to discover the origins of intelligence and repair brain disorders.

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Max-Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI)

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Boston Children's Hospital3

Agency for Science, Technology & Research,

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Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

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NCCR “SYNAPSY

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Asian Consortium on MRI studies in Psychosis

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The University of British Columbia

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Singapore

RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
RIKEN Center for Brain Science– The synaptic bases of mental diseases”

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Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies,9

Okinawa Institute of Science

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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

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The Chair of Morphogenetic Processes

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Canadian Institute for Advanced Research: CIFAR

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Stockholm University

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KTH Royal Institute of Technology

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Karolinska Institutet

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Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence

18

Tsinghua University

19

Bielefeld University

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École normale supérieure

Harvard University

and Technology Graduate University

for Brain Science and Intelligence Technology

T h e U n iv e rsit y o f T o kyo In st it ut e s f o r Adv an ce d S t udyof the Collège de France

9About the WPI

Organization

World Premier International Research Center Initiative

Director

As of September, 2022

Director's Ofﬁce
Executive Board
Steering Committee

The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

research environment, reforming the research system, andwas launched in 2007 by the Japanese Government's Ministry

the creation of interdisciplinary research. The Internationalof Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN) was foundedwith the aim of building globally visible research centers.

on November 1, 2017 and is undertaking ambitious reforms

WPI research centers have four requirements: achieving theincluding inviting frontline researchers from around the world toworld's highest research standard, establishing an international

establish a global research environment.

Sustainability Ofﬁce（Comprised of Principal Investigators）

Synergy Ofﬁce
Community Ofﬁce

Principal Investigators

Research Core Facilities

Administrative Ofﬁce

Data Science Core

Administrative Director

ES-Mouse/Virus Core

Special Advisor to Director

Human fMRI Core

Executive Director

Imaging Core

General Manager

Science Writing Core

General Affairs TeamAfﬁliated Faculty
IRCN Fellows/Postdocs
Associate Research Fellows
Satellites/Global Partners

Hokkaido University

Tohoku University

Finance Team

External Advisory Board

Kyoto University
Kanazawa University

Research Support Team

Visiting Scholars
KEK

Kyoto University
The University ofTokyo
Tsukuba University

Kyushu University

Support IRCN

appreciate any support you can provide to help us achieve

WPI-IRCN addresses an ultimate question in science andour donor programs and benefits.

our mission. Please contact us for further information onsociety - “how does human intelligence arise?”.
By conducting transdisciplinary research, WPI-IRCN
aims to understand the principles of the developing brain

Administrative Officewith the ultimate goals of solving mental illness andInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN)

brain disorders and developing next-generation artificial

The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study

National Institute forMaterials Science

Nagoya University

intelligence (A.I.) technologies for the benefit of humanity.
To achieve this ambitious goal, it is necessary for WPIIRCN to have sufficient funding to conduct world-leading
research and recruit researchers internationally. We would

Tel: +81-3-5841-4861

E-mail: donate@ircn.jp

Osaka University

https://utf.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/project/pjt114
Tokyo Institute ofTechnology

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The University of
Tokyo
As of September, 2022

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ACCESS

●

●

IRCN

Facebook

8 minute walk from Hongo-sanchome Station

International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN)

on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi LineThe University of Tokyo, Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS)

6 minute walk from Hongo-sanchome Station

Faculty of Medicine Building No. 1, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku

on the Tokyo Metro Toei Oedo Line

Tokyo 113-0033, Japan, Phone: +81-3-5841-4861

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LinkedInYouTubeDesigner: opportune design Inc. / Cover Illustrator: Akiko Sato / Printer: Mochizuki
Printing Co., LTD. / Producer, Publisher: International Research Center for
Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study

https://ircn.jp/en/

September 2022

IRCN Researchers

Principal Investigators
Kazuyuki Aihara

Computation

Mingbo Cai

IRCN Deputy Director / Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

University Professor

Assistant Professor

Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems and Applications to
Neurointelligence

Zenas C. Chao

Computation

Computation

Learning and Decision Making, Computational Tools for Brain Imaging

Kazuo EmotoDevelopment

Principal Investigator

IRCN Deputy Director / Principal Investigator

Associate Professor

Professor, Department of Biological Sciences,
Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Large-Scale Neuronal Networks that Organize the Predictive and Creative Brain

Yukiko Gotoh

Development

Neuronal Morphogenesis in Development and DiseaseTakao K. Hensch

Human/ClinicalPrincipal Investigator

IRCN Director / Principal Investigator / Project Professor

Professor, Molecular Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s
Hospital / Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Center for Brain
Science, Harvard University

Neural Development, Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells, Epigenetics, Signal
Transduction

Masanobu Kano

Development

Critical Periods in Brain Development and their Clinical Applications

Haruo Kasai

IRCN Deputy Director / Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Professor, Neurophysiology, Physiology, Department of Functional Biology,

Project Professor

Technology

Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Developmental Synapse Elimination in the Cerebellum,
Endocannabinoid-Mediated Modulation of Synaptic Transmission

Kiyoto Kasai

Human/Clinical

Neural Circuit and Synaptic Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

Yukie Nagai

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Professor, Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience
Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Project Professor

Neuroimaging and Clinical Neurophysiology in Psychiatric Disorders

Kenichi Ohki

Development

Computation

Cognitive developmental robotics for understanding and assisting human
intelligence

Yasushi Okada

Technology

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Professor, Integrative Physiology, Physiology, Department of Functional Biology,
Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo

Professor, Cell Biology, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Department of
Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, The Universityof Tokyo

Functional organization and development of the visual system

Technology Development for In Vivo Imaging of Cell Dynamics

Principal Investigators
Shoji Takeuchi

Technology

Sho Tsuji

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Professor, Department of Mechano-Informatics,
Graduate School of Information Science and Technology,
The University of Tokyo

Assistant Professor

Biohybrid systems, Micro electro mechanical systems, Microfluidics, Tissue
Engineering, Artificial cell membrane

Takamitsu Watanabe

Human/Clinical

Human/Clinical

Infant Language Acquisition within the Social Environments

Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama

Development

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator

Associate Professor

Project Associate Professor
Associate Professor, Neuronal Mechanism for Critical Period Unit,
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University

Brain Network Dynamics of Unstable Cognition and its Clinical Applications

Neuronal Circuits Shaped by Early Experience for Learning Behaviors

Research Core Facilities
Kantaro Fujiwara

Satoru Kondo

Data Science Core Manager

Imaging Core Manager

Project Associate Professor

Project Associate Professor

Mathematical Modeling and Applied Research based on Computational
Neuroscience

Mechanisms and Neuronal Circuits for Information Processing of Vision

Naohiro Okada

Hideki Ukai

Human fMRI Core Manager

ES-Mouse / Virus Core Manager

Project Associate Professor

Project Associate Professor

Neuroimaging of Psychiatric Disorders and Adolescent Development

Development of Next-Generation Mammalian Genetics［Researchers ］

Principal Investigators……16
Research Core Facilities……4Afﬁliated Faculty……51
Lecturer/Project Lecturer……13
Postdoctoral Fellows……24

International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN)The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
https://ircn.jp/en
September 2022