"Connectivity and dynamic function in the brain"

We wish to investigate the complex temporal dynamics of spatially distributed, highly interconnected brain regions, but available methods do not measure all relevant aspects of the system. We must take a convergent multidisciplinary approach, employing multiple methods and defining the relationships between disparate methods. Having measured multiple properties of the system, we seek to understand the functional relevance of observed spatial and temporal patterns of activity through analytical methods, descriptive modeling and ultimately, theoretical modeling. Functional MRI studies can identify active regions - the nodes of the distributed networks that comprise functional brain systems. Coupled with new techniques for investigating and modeling human anatomical connectivity in vivo, these methods allow us to define the functional architecture of human cognition. Human electrophysiological techniques (e.g. MEG and EEG) allow us to investigate activity on millisecond time scales not routinely accessible with fMRI. However, temporal coding can take many forms and should not be considered solely in terms of discrete activation at specific anatomical nodes in the system. The challenges for modeling these macroscopic data are formidable.