Call for an Australian Brain initiative and bionic brain

Health Minister Peter Dutton today launched the ‘Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia’ report at Parliament House, Canberra. The report contains recommendations from a High Flyers Think Tank hosted by the Australian Academy of Science in Melbourne last year.

The think tank brought world leaders in artificial intelligence, brain imaging and neuroscience together with 60 Australian early- and mid-career researchers. Their report recommends a national investment in brain research, including the creation of the Australian Brain initiative (AusBrain) and the first bionic brain.

“The bionic ear was developed here, and we are close to designing a bionic eye that works,” said think tank convenor Professor Bob Williamson.

“A bionic brain would extend this and accurately model other brain functions. It could help us to understand and treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder [and] brain trauma in soldiers, accident victims and athletes.

“It could even enable some brain function, such as control over walking after a stroke, to be ‘outsourced’ to computers.”

The report estimates that an effective investment in brain research, including creating a bionic brain, would cost about $250 million over the coming decade. Brain and mind disorders already cost Australia about $20 billion annually and, as Professor Williamson noted, “Research leading to prevention is always cheaper than spending on the care of people affected by brain disease or trauma.”

The recommendations will be taken up by an implementation committee that includes researchers, mental health experts and industry. The committee will first meet in mid-2014 and will formally engage with governments.

“With our strong tradition of active studies of Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness and sight and hearing disorders, Australia has the resources and expertise to become a world leader in brain research,” Professor Williamson said.

“But we must join the international research effort now, alongside the United States and Europe, if we are to have the maximum health, biotechnology and economic benefits.”

The report is available at http://science.org.au/events/thinktank/thinktank_2013.pdf.