Workshop 3

Title: How should a neuron be modeled? Biophysical detail vs. abstraction

Chair: Gaute Einevoll, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway

Co-chair: Andreas Herz, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany

The neuron appears to be the fundamental computational entity in the brain, and in computational neuroscience the choice of mathematical model for the neurons is crucial: Should one include as much biophysical detail as possible, or should one opt for simpler neuron models incorporating only certain salient features in their barest forms? Or something in between?

This question has commonly evoked heated, although not always constructive, discussions. In this workshop, however, the aim is to outline and discuss the pros and cons of the various approaches in an enlightening way.

Speakers:

• Arnd Roth, University College London, UK

• Wulfram Gerstner, Ecole Polytechnique Fédèrale de Lausanne, Switzerland

• Peter Hunter, University of Auckland, New Zealand