Brain mapping is a field of brain research that emphasizes the use of compute-intensive analysis of multi-domain (neuroimaging, genetic and clinical/behavioural) data to reveal the mechanisms underlying brain disorders and normal brain function. Under the auspices of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM), the field has developed a global reach for basic research. However, the translation of this research in the clinic has been limited.
Brain mapping experts from three countries, Dezhong Yaho (Chengdu, China), Alan Evans, (Montreal, Canada), and Pedro Valdes-Sosa (Havana, Cuba), have joined forces to build a collaborative network that will emphasize the clinical application of brain mapping research. The Canada Cuba China Axis in Translational Brain Mapping (CCC-Axis) takes advantage of complementary strengths and commonalities from the three partners to forge an integrated computational framework for data-sharing and joint analysis of clinical research data, specifically:
- All: Scientific and technical expertise in brain mapping; universal health care;
- Chengdu, China: Very large patient cohorts;
- Montreal, Canada: World-leading IT infrastructure (CBRAIN/LORIS);
- Havana, Cuba: National screening, networking (LABMAN).
The CCC-Axis will be mediated by the CBRAIN platform, originally developed at McGill University in Canada, that provides computation services to over 400 groups in 22 countries as of June 2016.
