Transforming Neuroscience Through Big Data
Dr. Pestilli highlighted how neuroscience is experiencing unprecedented growth in dataset size, both within individual brains and across populations. These large-scale, multimodal datasets are revolutionizing our understanding of brain structure and function, creating opportunities to address previously unexplored questions in the field. However, as Dr. Pestilli explained, managing this increasing volume of data requires new approaches to training and technology. Modern data technologies are reshaping neuroscience by enabling researchers to tackle complex questions within the timeframe of a Ph.D. or postdoctoral position, projects that would have been impossible just a decade ago.Cloud-Based Solutions for Neuroscience Research
A key focus of Dr. Pestilli’s talk was brainlife.io, a cloud-based platform he founded that provides scalable, reproducible, and accessible computational infrastructure for neuroscience research. He demonstrated how such technologies can democratize neuroscience, accelerate discovery, and foster scientific transparency and collaboration. The presentation included concrete examples of how these technologies are being applied to:- Mapping brain connectivity networks
- Studying human learning and development processes
- Developing predictive models for traumatic brain injury (TBI)
University of Texas Study Abroad Program
Dr. Pestilli’s visit to Geneva coincides with the inaugural offering of his innovative study-abroad program, which brings together 20 exceptional students from Psychology, Neuroscience, Data Science, and Public Health at the University of Texas at Austin, widely recognized as the top public university in Texas.
For this pilot program, Dr. Pestilli developed an integrated curriculum that blends academic instruction with cultural and scientific enrichment. Most days include morning lectures from 09:15 to 12:00, complemented by excursions to historical landmarks in Geneva, the United Nations, and surrounding natural parks.
The academic component focuses on brain science and cognitive neuroscience, with guest lectures from University of Geneva faculty, including Professors Sani and Pestilli, who have coordinated immersive research experiences. Multiple laboratories at the University of Geneva have hosted the students, allowing them to engage in experimental protocols, participate in neuroimaging sessions, and contribute to both primary data collection and secondary data analysis.
Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, they are gaining hands-on training in cognitive neuroscience while deeply appreciating the collegial and welcoming environment at the University of Geneva. Several students have expressed interest in pursuing graduate studies in Geneva.
Franco Pestilli
Associate Professor, Dpt. of Psychology
University of Texas, Austin
Dr. Franco Pestilli holds a Ph.D. from New York University and a B.A. from the University of Rome La Sapienza. He completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University and Stanford University and earned tenure at Indiana University, Bloomington. His research spans multiple disciplines, including Psychology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Neuroscience.
Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, Dr. Pestilli is an affiliated member of the Center For Perceptual Systems and the Center for Learning and Memory. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Center for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience.
Dr. Pestilli’s accolades include the Microsoft Investigator Fellowship, gifts from the Kavli Foundation, and the APS Janet Taylor Spence Award for Transformative Early Career Contributions. He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and Psychonomics Society, and serves on the Editorial Board of the Springer Nature journals Scientific Data and Scientific Reports.
In addition to founding brainlife.io, Dr. Pestilli leads several international projects, including the Brain Research International Data Governance & Exchange (BRIDGE), which focuses on advancing data governance and sharing across countries. He co-directs the Data Management and Informatics Core for the NIH’s BRAIN CONNECTS Center for Mesoscale Connectivity, developing data and models to map human brain connections.
CIBM extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Pestilli for sharing his expertise and vision for the future of neuroscience data management and analysis.