About Cognitive Neuroscience Application Center (CogNAC), Tohoku University
Cognitive neuroscience is a field that investigates the mysteri
es of the human mind and behavior as a combination of information processing (cognitive processes) in the brain. The mission of the Center is to apply this research field to addressing social challenges caused by the issues of mind and to foster human resources for the co-creation of a better society.
The development of non-invasive brain function measurement methods, especially functional MRI (fMRI) in the 1980s popularized the technology for visualization of cognitive processes. This technology has been expected to contribute to solving various social problems related to the human mind, but cognitive neuroscience has not yet fully met these expectations.
The reason for this is the lack of "bridge" personnel who are well versed in both cognitive neuroscience and problems in the fields of society. Cognitive neuroscientists do not know the problems in the field, and the potential of cognitive neuroscience is not understood in the field of society.
This center aims to bring together researchers from various fields and parties in the field to create "collective knowledge" that integrates basic research techniques in cognitive neuroscience with diverse humanities and natural sciences, and to develop "bridge-building" human resources trained in this knowledge. To this end, three Application Research Divisions and Research-Education Strategy Division collaborate to promote joint industry-academia-government research in various fields, the development of educational programs through such research, and the cultivation of human resources.
Social Application Research Division is responsible for elucidating the workings of the human mind behind social issues and designing systems related to healthcare, welfare, family, community, business, labor, education, and other areas.
Engineering Application Research Division develops new products and services based on the understanding of the human mind, leading to the social implementation of information technology and the engineering solution of social issues.
Educational Application Research Division designs educational systems (hardware and software) based on the understanding of the human mind to address social issues through education and training.
Research-Education Strategy Division is responsible for the construction of educational curricula, development of programs and tools, and support of joint research and education in Application Research Divisions.
We welcome your participation and support.
Motoaki Sugiura, Director
●About the Center's logo
Inspired by the brandy that CogNAC, the abbreviation of the Center, conjures up, the logo is designed to evoke the image of researchers from different fields meeting with a glass in their hand and engaging in vigorous discussions, and the mellow aroma of collective knowledge that is brewed from these discussions.
