INCF Norway Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node

About

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics node of the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF) advances the field through activities centered on 

• FAIR data
• Brain atlasing
• Computational modeling and simulation
• Clinical applications of neuroinformatics
• International standards and guidelines
• Education, training, and community outreach

The participating institutions are the University of Oslo (UiO, node coordinator), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and Akershus University Hospital (Ahus). Together, the partners cover all of the areas of activities of the node.

FAIR data

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node actively promotes and implements findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) research data in alignment with international standards. UiO leads FAIR data sharing initiatives internationally through the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure and supports increased neurodata sharing within Norway via the Advanced NeuroData Management service (ANDA). Additionally, UiO provides solutions that make anonymized metadata from research data housed in the Norwegian Service for Sensitive Data (TSD) discoverable and accessible through appropriate application procedures. Clinical data databasing and related support activities are delivered by Akershus University Hospital (Ahus).

Brain atlasing

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node develops and disseminates tools for experimental neuroanatomical brain atlasing. UiO, through the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure, provides tools for data registration to atlases as well as atlas-based data analysis. UiO also offers training and education courses for neuroscientists across Norway and the Nordic region on the use of these and related tools. Additionally, UiO has produced one of the most widely used reference atlases for the rat brain and continues to expand and update this resource for the community.

Computational modeling and simulation tools

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node develops and disseminates tools for computational modeling and simulation techniques that contribute to a mechanistic understanding of brain function. NMBU has pioneered biophysics-based modeling of brain electrical signals, including spikes, local field potentials (LFPs), and EEGs, and developed widely used tools such as LFPy, which enables neuroscientists to simulate how neurons produce electrical signals without the need for in vivo testing. The tools are integrated into the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure, and NMBU provides training and education courses for neuroscientists across Norway and the Nordic region to support their effective use.

Clinical applications

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node advances the application of neuroinformatics to clinical outcomes, with a particular focus on neurodegenerative disease research. Ahus develops MRI-based methodologies, machine learning pipelines, and maintains the Dementia Disease Initiation Database—a longitudinal, multi-modal clinical data resource. Additionally, Ahus organizes collaborative events to promote the use of these clinical neuroimaging resources and their integration into research workflows.

International standards and guidelines

The INCF organizes international forums to develop and establish community standards and best practices across basic, computational, and clinical neuroscience, promoting harmonization, interoperability, and global alignment of neuroscience methods and data practices. Its standardization efforts have led to important achievements such as the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) and the Waxholm Space (WHS) for murine brain atlases. The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node acts as a bridge to these international initiatives, with its node partners actively contributing to the work of these standardization groups.

Education, training & community outreach

The Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node contributes training materials to the INCF Training Space and integrates neuroinformatics education and training into relevant PhD programs. NTNU plays a key role in incorporating neuroinformatics into the Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience (NRSN). Training activities in general are offered both online and in-person across partner institutions. Additionally, the node contributes to community outreach efforts and actively promotes neuroinformatics at international events and conferences such as the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) meetings and the INCF FAIR Neuroscience Summer School. Recent activities include:

Partners

University of Oslo, Professor and Head of Node Jan G. Bjaalie and Professor Trygve Leergaard

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Professor Gaute Einevoll

Akershus Hospital and University of Oslo, Chief Physician and Professor Tormod Fladby

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Professor Jonathan Whitlock