Da quando è stato varato l’anno scorso, lo Human Brain Project europeo è contestato da molti neuroscienziati perché, a differenza dell’iniziativa statunitense BRAIN, più flessibile, destina un miliardo di euro – metà del totale – alla simulazione al computer dell’intero cervello proposta da Henry Markram, il leader del progetto che ha parecchi conflitti di interesse e non tollera critiche.
Ieri in 155 hanno scritto alla Commissione Europea:
Many laboratories refused to join the project when it was first submitted because of its focus on an overly narrow approach, leading to a significant risk that it would fail to meet its goals. Further attrition of members during the ramp-up phase added to this narrowing.
In June, a Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) for the second round of funding for the HBP was submitted. This, unfortunately, reflected an even further narrowing of goals and funding allocation, including the removal of an entire neuroscience subproject and the consequent deletion of 18 additional laboratories, as well as further withdrawals and the resignation of one member of the internal scientific advisory board.
Vogliono più trasparenza nel decidere quali ricerche finanziare:
- The panel should be composed of highly regarded members of the scientific community whose views reflect the diversity of approaches within neuroscience.
- The review process should be transparent: review panel members identities should be disclosed and the goals, procedures and output of the review process should be public.
- The panel should be independent: the members of the panel should not be involved in the development of, advocacy for, or governance of the HBP; they should provide a signed disclosure of any significant funding or scientific relationships to the HBP.
Sembra il minimo. Se la Commissione non è in grado di applicare questa procedura, i firmatari non parteciperanno al progetto e chiederanno ai colleghi di fare altrettanto.
La raccolta delle firme continua. Se conoscete neuroscienziati, fate passare?
Rif. anche Science Insider e Scientific American