Conference Presentation (Invited)

FZJ-2026-03364

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png The cortical microcircuit challenge: from neuroscience to neuromorphic computing

Senk, J.FZJ*

2026

Abstract: The local circuitry of the mammalian brain is a focus of the search for generic computational principles because it is largely conserved across species and modalities. In 2014 a cortical microcircuit model was developed to analyse the structure and dynamics of this canonical circuit at full neuron and synapse density. Over time, the model has become a benchmark for large-scale neural network simulation and neuromorphic computing, putting simulation technologies and hardware platforms to the test. In this review [1], we trace how the model evolved from a theoretical framework for understanding cortex into a widely used benchmark that has driven advances in simulation speed together with a significant reduction in energy consumption. We also highlight lessons from this trajectory, demonstrate the new model repository [2], and discuss implications for future benchmarks in neuroscience and beyond.[1] Senk et al. 2026 Neuromorph. Comput. Eng. 6 012001, https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4386/ae379a[2] https://github.com/INM-6/microcircuit-PD14-model

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Computational and Systems Neuroscience (IAS-6)

Research Program(s):

1. 5235 - Digitization of Neuroscience and User-Community Building (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
2. 5234 - Emerging NC Architectures (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
3. 5231 - Neuroscientific Foundations (POF4-523) (POF4-523)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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