The Brain and Intelligence Research Institute (BIRI) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) was established in 2022 and recognized as the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence in 2023. The institute covers over 3,200 square meters, with the first phase already in use and the second phase under construction. It houses more than ten laboratories and auxiliary technology centers, including neural cell culture rooms, electromagnetic shielding rooms, microscopy rooms, dark rooms, and biological sample banks, equipped with over a hundred large and medium-sized research instruments and equipment related to brain science and its associated fields.

As a forefront center in neuroscience, BIRI is dedicated to building a high-level platform for technological innovation and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating intelligence, modules, and integration, combining fields like neuroscience, molecular biology, pharmacology, computer science, and biomedical engineering, BIRI aims to advance the understanding of the brain’s complex mechanisms and their effects on intelligence and behavior. BIRI also places a strong emphasis on talent development, establishing dedicated laboratory teams to support its research work, and has formed long-term collaborative relationships with several medical research institutions to promote the development of brain science and related disciplines.

BIRI currently focuses on three main research areas: fundamental understanding of brain structure and function, mechanisms of brain disorders and drug development, and brain-inspired computing and brain-computer interface technologies.

The fundamental understanding of brain structure and function is a cornerstone of neuroscience and is crucial for revealing the complexities of neural processes. BIRI adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, cellular biology, and systems neuroscience to study the structure and function of synapses, neurons, and neural circuits. The institute actively employs cutting-edge technologies, such as two-photon microscopy, to visualize synaptic changes in real time during complex tasks and uses optogenetics to study specific neural circuits involved in behaviors like fear conditioning. Additionally, the institute employs functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrophysiology to study brain network activity during cognitive processes and establish key links between brain structure and behavior.

At the same time, the institute is dedicated to uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to brain diseases, identifying potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for various neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. By leveraging advanced technologies, including omics and high-throughput screening methods, researchers at the institute strive to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these diseases. For instance, they analyze the neuronal transcriptomes of schizophrenia or autism patients to identify differentially expressed genes as potential biomarkers, and they study changes in specific neural circuits in animal models of depression or epilepsy through electrophysiological recordings and behavioral experiments. Furthermore, the institute also conducts small molecule screening to identify compounds that regulate pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases and assess their effects on cellular models.

BIRI’s research on brain information processing and brain-machine interfaces aims to interpret neural signals to assist individuals with physical and visual impairments, developing systems that allow direct control of devices through brain activity. By applying advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence technologies, BIRI seeks to empower individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to perform tasks independently. Current projects include designing EEG-based non-invasive devices that interpret user intentions to control robotic arms or cursors through thought, as well as creating machine learning algorithms to enhance intention detection accuracy from neural signals.

With a focus on excellence and innovation, the Brain and Intelligence Research Institute aims to become a leading center for groundbreaking research and the development of new solutions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the improvement of human health.