INSTITUT DU CERVEAU ET DE LA MOELLE EPINIERE

Their core work

ICM (Paris Brain Institute) is a leading French research center focused on understanding brain and spinal cord diseases — from neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's to epilepsy, stroke, and disorders of consciousness. They combine molecular neuroscience (synaptic physiology, mitochondrial bioenergetics, genomics) with advanced neuroimaging (EEG, fMRI) and computational modelling to develop diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. ICM also contributes significantly to large-scale brain simulation and neuroinformatics infrastructure through the Human Brain Project. Their work spans from fundamental circuit-level neuroscience in animal models (zebrafish, mouse) to translational clinical research in human patients.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2018, ICM's H2020 work centered heavily on large-scale brain simulation and reconstruction through the Human Brain Project, alongside high-performance computing infrastructure and early translational work (diabetes cell therapy, zebrafish screening tools). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted markedly toward clinical and translational neuroscience — disorders of consciousness (EEG/fMRI biomarkers), neurostimulation techniques (closed-loop stimulation, rhythmic TMS), neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and genetic causes of brain disorders like epilepsy. This evolution reflects a move from computational infrastructure contributions toward more disease-oriented, patient-facing research with therapeutic intent.

ICM is pivoting from computational brain modelling toward translational research in consciousness disorders, neurostimulation, and gene therapy — making them increasingly relevant for clinical trial and drug discovery partnerships.

How they like to work

ICM operates as both a project leader and a strong consortium partner in roughly equal measure (16 coordinated vs 15 as participant), indicating they are comfortable driving research agendas as well as contributing specialist expertise to larger initiatives. Their 265 unique partners across 24 countries reveal a broad, hub-like European network rather than reliance on a small circle of repeat collaborators. They participate in both large flagship consortia (Human Brain Project with dozens of partners) and small focused projects (MSCA individual fellowships), showing flexibility in collaboration scale.

ICM has collaborated with 265 unique partners across 24 countries, forming one of the more extensive neuroscience networks in H2020. Their partnerships span across Western and Northern Europe, with strong connections through the Human Brain Project ecosystem and multiple MSCA training networks.

What sets them apart

ICM stands out as one of Europe's few brain research institutes that bridges computational neuroscience infrastructure (Human Brain Project) with direct clinical translation in neurological diseases. Their combination of molecular-level expertise (synaptic bioenergetics, single-cell genomics) with systems-level tools (EEG/fMRI, brain-computer interfaces, computational modelling) means they can address brain disorders from molecule to patient. For consortium builders, ICM brings both the fundamental science credibility of a top Paris research institute and practical experience coordinating EU projects across multiple funding schemes.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SynaptoEnergy
  ICM's largest single grant (EUR 1.49M ERC Starting Grant) investigating the fundamental bioenergetics of nerve terminals — a potential gateway to understanding energy failure in neurodegeneration
• HBP SGA1/SGA2/SGA3
  Sustained participation across all three phases of the EUR 1B Human Brain Project flagship, contributing to brain simulation, neuroinformatics, and computing infrastructure
• ConscBreathDynamics
  Exemplifies ICM's recent clinical pivot — using EEG and fMRI to study consciousness in vegetative and minimally conscious patients, a field with direct impact on clinical diagnosis