Sebastian Spreizer: NEST Desktop - An educational GUI for neuroscience
| When |
Jul 13, 2021
from 05:15 PM to 05:45 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Zoom Lecture. Meeting ID and password will be sent with the invitation. You can also ask Fiona Siegfried for the access data. |
| Contact Name | Fiona Siegfried |
| Contact Phone | 0761 203 9549 |
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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 conceptually separate an installation-free graphical user interface (GUI) running in the web browser from a simulation engine running anywhere from the student's laptop to a supercomputer. The architecture provides robustness against technological changes in the software stack and simplifies deployment in self-education and for teachers.
The resulting open source tool, NEST Desktop, comprises graphical components for creating and configuring network models, running simulations, and visually analyzing the results. NEST Desktop allows students to rapidly explore neuroscience concepts without the need to learn a simulator control language at the same time.
We view the availability of the tool on public resources like the European ICT infrastructure for neuroscience EBRAINS as a contribution to equal opportunities. The study evaluates the success of NEST Desktop in advancing teaching in computational neuroscience in regular university courses.
Reference:
https://ebrains.eu/service/nest-desktop