Preprint

FZJ-2021-03900

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png NEST Desktop - An educational application for neuroscience

Spreizer, S. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Senk, J.FZJ* ; Rotter, S. ; Diesmann, M.FZJ* ; Weyers, B.

2021

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/28912  doi:10.1101/2021.06.15.444791

Abstract: Simulation software for spiking neuronal network models matured in the past decades regarding performance and flexibility. But the entry barrier remains high for students and early career scientists in computational neuroscience since these simulators typically require programming skills and a complex installation. Here, we describe an installation-free Graphical User Interface (GUI) running in the web browser, which is distinct from the simulation engine running anywhere, on the student’s laptop or on a supercomputer. This architecture provides robustness against technological changes in the software stack and simplifies deployment for self-education and for teachers. Our new open source tool, NEST Desktop, comprises graphical elements for creating and configuring network models, running simulations, and visualizing and analyzing the results. NEST Desktop allows students to explore important concepts in computational neuroscience without the need to learn a simulator control language before. Our experiences so far highlight that NEST Desktop helps advancing both quality and intensity of teaching in computational neuroscience in regular university courses. We view the availability of the tool on public resources like the European ICT infrastructure for neuroscience EBRAINS as a contribution to equal opportunities.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6)
2. Theoretical Neuroscience (IAS-6)
3. Jara-Institut Brain structure-function relationships (INM-10)

Research Program(s):

1. 5231 - Neuroscientific Foundations (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
2. 5235 - Digitization of Neuroscience and User-Community Building (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
3. HBP SGA2 - Human Brain Project Specific Grant Agreement 2 (785907) (785907)
4. HBP SGA3 - Human Brain Project Specific Grant Agreement 3 (945539) (945539)
5. ACA - Advanced Computing Architectures (SO-092) (SO-092)
6. EXC 1086:  BrainLinks-BrainTools (194657344) (194657344)
7. PhD no Grant - Doktorand ohne besondere Förderung (PHD-NO-GRANT-20170405) (PHD-NO-GRANT-20170405)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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