The brain is probably the most complex structure that evolution has produced. Billions of nerve cells, linked by trillions of connections, process enormous amounts of information within a split second. Although recent decades have seen significant progress in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of brain function, we are still far from a deep understanding of complex cognitive capacities such as perception, learning and action.

Computational Neuroscience can make an important contribution to this endeavor. Its interdisciplinary approach combines the expertise of mathematicians, physicists, biologists, physicians, psychologists, computer scientists and engineers. This allows hypotheses to be rephrased in mathematical terms that can be simulated and tested on the computer. Computer simulation is a modern form of “thought experiment” that is essential for the quest to understand such complex structures as the human brain.