Exploration of Mathematical Building Blocks for Understanding the Brain

Reference No.	2026a009
Type/Category	Grant for Young Researchers and Students-Short-term Joint Research
Title of Research Project	Exploration of Mathematical Building Blocks for Understanding the Brain
Principal Investigator	Taiki Yamada（Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo・Graduate Student）
Research Period	September 3,2026. - September 4,2026.
Keyword(s) of Research Fields	Mathematical neuroscience, mathematical formalization
Abstract for Research Report	The objective of this project is to organize mathematical approaches to understanding the brain based on mathematical building blocks such as definitions, assumptions, and theorems, and to take a first step toward discussions aimed at constructing a roadmap for the field of mathematical neuroscience. Mathematical neuroscience is a discipline that studies the mathematics necessary for understanding the brain. It aims to contribute to understanding both the brain itself and the intelligent functions realized by the brain from a mathematical perspective. In this project, young researchers working in mathematical neuroscience will bring together their respective ideas and organize them using definitions, assumptions, and theorems as fundamental units, while keeping in view the long-term goal of constructing a coherent theoretical framework for the field. This activity is positioned as a foundational step toward the future development of a roadmap for mathematical neuroscience. Three main outcomes are expected from this project. First, students and researchers newly entering the field of mathematical neuroscience will be able to obtain a clearer overview of the field, thereby facilitating smoother entry into research. Second, a foundation will be established for researchers in mathematics and neuroscience to discuss problems using a shared conceptual language, which is expected to further promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, by incorporating perspectives from brain and neuroscience research, this effort may contribute to applied developments in AI and machine learning, including improvements in interpretability and computational efficiency. Third, by organizing and presenting new mathematical structures and open problems motivated by the demands inherent in neuroscience, this project may clarify potential contributions to the field of mathematics itself.
Organizing Committee Members (Workshop) Participants (Short-term Joint Usage)	Yuri Kinoshita（Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo・Graduate Student） Yoshiki Sugimoto（Graduate School of Culture and Information Science, Doshisha University・Graduate Student） Ukyo Tazawa（Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University・Graduate Student） Asahi Nakamuta（Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University・Graduate Student） Kensuke Yoshida（RIKEN Center for Brain Science・Research Fellow）