About SYNAPSE

“Synchrotron for Neuroscience – an Asia Pacific Strategic Enterprise” (SYNAPSE) is a coalition of synchrotron facilities including Pohang Light Source (Korea), Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, SPring-8 (Japan), Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, Taiwan Photon Source and Australia Synchrotron under the Asia Oceania Forum for Synchrotron Radiation Research (AOFSRR), with support from the local synchrotron, neurobiology and computing communities.

What is our objective?
We plan to comprehensively map the neuron network of an entire human brain at sub-cellular level to reveal its connections. This historical target is made possible by the recent performances of synchrotron x-ray microscopy: 0.3 micrometer resolution at 1 mm3/min image taking speed. However, mapping one human brain would take a very long time and generate a huge amount of data. To overcome these problems, SYNAPSE adopts a strategy of simultaneous image acquisition by several synchrotrons with coordinated data management. SYNAPSE will also use other advanced imaging techniques besides synchrotron microscopy: infrared spectromicroscopy, super-resolution visible light 3D microscopy and cryo-electron tomography.

Who are we?
This partnership is built on long-standing and successful collaborations. Our core teams pioneered the special techniques required for SYNAPSE, notably x-ray phase-contrast tomography at micrometer and nanometer scale. In addition to synchrotron facilities, SYNAPSE involves more than 40 other research institutions in biology, materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering from the regional partners.

What is the impact to science and society?
The historical mission of mapping a human brain is also the first step to understanding its functions, i.e., the incredible cognition and intelligence that is not generated by the mere combination of individual neurons but by the collective action of a massive, interactive network. This could lead to effective therapies for diseases, a planetary problem with huge social impact. SYNAPSE will also generate important technological byproducts in advanced imaging, new computational strategies and artificial intelligence.

The first step.
SYNAPSE was officially launched on January 15th, 2020 in Singapore, with the partners inking their commitment and the consortium formally announcing its key objective: the first wiring map (connectome) of a human brain before 2024.

The next step.
SYNAPSE2026 conference connects SYNAPSE consortium’s progress from 2020 to our road ahead embracing artificial intelligence. On the morning of 4th June, SYNAPSE will share its exciting landmark advances followed by afternoon sessions incorporating clinical translation and artificial intelligence to advance the SYNAPSE initiative. Two intense work group sessions on 5th June will amalgamate the progress from the prior three sessions to forge the direction ahead.