MOSCOW, September 21. Leading world and Russian scientists discussed the latest research in the field of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and complex systems at the Baltic Forum, which took place on September 18–20 at the IKBFU. I. Kant. Why is neuroscience at the forefront of scientific research today? What projects is the university implementing in this area? Leading researcher at the Baltic Center for Neurotechnology and Artificial Intelligence at the IKBFU, chief freelance neurologist of the Health Committee of St. Petersburg and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the Northwestern Federal District, Igor Voznyuk, spoke about this.
– Igor Alekseevich, what, in your opinion? , meaning and significance of the Baltic Forum?
– Its format is unique. Here we traditionally meet deep fundamental scientific knowledge in the field of biology and medicine, implemented in tools, methods and technologies.
In my opinion, as a doctor and a representative of medical science, in the circle of professional scientific communities of doctors and biologists, even the most profound approaches to resolving the most difficult issues related to the description, assessment, verification of pathological processes, with the development of diagnostic equipment and resources, with the creation of medicinal technologies, are doomed to become classified as «classified information» for internal use. Sooner or later, this leads to a cyclical movement of information and becomes a dead end in development.
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What is needed is an “open circuit”, mutual penetration of biological knowledge into medicine and “medical” setting of goals and objectives for biologists, specialists in the field of computer science, cybernetics, the study of living systems and IT technologies. Only they can significantly influence the development of the current health care paradigm and ensure its modernity, accessibility, quality and efficiency.
– Can we say that Kaliningrad has become a center of attraction for researchers in the field artificial intelligence?
– There is everything you need to model processes and implement them – a university environment with bright young creative thinking and equally charismatic leaders in medicine and science. I mean the contribution of the Ministry of Health of the Kaliningrad Region and the Baltic Federal University.
The university has opinion leaders, a historical platform and a vibrant intellectual environment. This is where events like this should happen.
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In addition, the territory of the region with moderate climatic and geographical conditions and a population that represents a “cross-section” of the Russian population plays a role.
– What projects connect you with the Baltic Federal university?
– This is a whole group of scientific projects that are united by a common theme and idea related to “cognitive longevity.”
As is known, today, among older people, cognitive impairment is widespread — a decrease in memory, mental performance and other cognitive functions. Cognitive function also declines during healthy aging, but it occurs much more rapidly in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other diseases.
Unfortunately, some widespread diseases, including COVID-19, provoke processes of neurodegeneration, the death of neurons much earlier than “natural” causes, causing enormous social harm, changing the structure and quality of the human population.
Modern medicine aimed at predicting and early detection of neurodegeneration. This will allow treatment to begin before the onset of severe clinical symptoms or to significantly delay their development.
As part of a project designated as “cognitive longevity,” my colleagues from IKBFU and I formulated a hypothesis: impairment of higher mental functions is a universal manifestation of the syndrome of cognitive disorders. And it, in turn, is the result of a set of functional, metabolic and morphological changes in the brain caused by various diseases.
The goal of our project is the development and implementation of screening diagnostic technologies and the formation of a “proactive” methodology prevention and treatment.
– Why is it important to develop neuroscience in Russia today?
– Russia is a habitat for scientists, a source of scientific ideas and practical solutions for the whole world. It has always been this way. Therefore, scientific development is a natural process for us.
IKBFU’s strategic project “Cognitive Longevity” is supported by the “Priority-2030” program.