While current research on Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases focuses on studying the partial mechanisms causing neuronal failure, the CLARA project brings a revolutionary approach. Scientists are not only asking what causes neuronal degeneration, but more importantly what is needed to keep neurons healthy and functional for as long as possible to maintain a high quality of life. This innovative direction requires a deep level of understanding across different disciplines and cannot do without the support of advanced computational capabilities and artificial intelligence.
The CLARA Centre (Center for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in System Brain Research) is being established on the basis of a strong consortium, coordinated by the International Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Centre (INDRC) and the Czech side consists of the VŠB - Technical University Ostrava, Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics CIIRC of Czech Technical University in Prague and the International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC), which is a joint venture of the University of St. Anne's and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University in Brno. The consortium is complemented by two major European research organisations - the French Paris Brain Institute and the German Leibniz Supercomputing Centre at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (LRZ). Research on artificial intelligence will be carried out in collaboration with the Paris Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (PRAIRIE-PSAI). The creation of the new CLARA research and innovation infrastructure, which will be flexible, transparent and promote collaboration between disciplines and institutions, can serve as a model for other research centres in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Quantum computing and artificial intelligence in the service of science
The CLARA centre will focus on research into the potential of quantum computing and artificial intelligence in conjunction with supercomputers. The aim is to study more effectively the complex processes taking place in the brain. These technologies will enable the analysis of huge volumes of data from molecular research and clinical trials. By combining these approaches, scientists will gain new insights into how neurodegenerative diseases occur and be able to develop new treatments. CLARA will also make a significant contribution to the development of the European computational and data ecosystem in brain research.
"As project coordinator and host organisation, INDRC will play a vital role in organising and managing the research activities. Our main task is to ensure the effective functioning of the CLARA Centre of Excellence - from the development of the strategic plan to the management of research resources to the promotion of collaboration between academic institutions, clinical centres, SMEs and non-profit organisations," said Mgr. Lenka Uldrijanová, Executive Director of INDRC.
The Centre builds on close cooperation with leading Czech universities and their departments: the CIIRC of the Czech Technical University in Prague participates in the project, the ICRC contributes on behalf of Brno institutions, and the National Supercomputing Centre IT4Innovations provides computing capacity on behalf of the Technical University of Ostrava.
"Within CLARA, CTU will contribute expertise in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning in neurodegenerative diseases research, especially through our institute. Our expertise in computing and machine learning will enable the development of advanced algorithms and systems that will be able to analyse complex brain research data and bring new insights into neurodegenerative diseases, " said Prof. Vladimír Mařík, Scientific Director of the CIIRC of CTU.
"Within the ICRC, we will focus on clinical research and the study of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, enabling the integration of our international study with a large group of participants aged 60 to 100 years, in which we are investigating cognitive changes associated with the ageing of the human brain. Our scientists will bring years of experience in molecular dynamics simulations of proteins to the project," said Prof. Michal Masařík, Head of the ICRC.
"Our role is to acquire, operate and provide the computing infrastructure in our supercomputing centre. At the same time, we will work together to integrate quantum computing, which will allow us to perform large-scale simulations and analyses necessary to understand the complex processes of neurodegeneration," said doc. Vít Vondrák, Director of IT4Innovations.
International cooperation and Europe-wide benefits
The importance of the CLARA project goes beyond the borders of the Czech Republic and the Central European region. The unique concept of CLARA will allow to deepen cooperation with leading research centres in the EU and the European backbone infrastructure for supercomputers EuroHPC. "Our team will focus on the use of artificial intelligence in medical imaging and numerical models of brain diseases. The collaboration with CLARA will allow us to develop an interesting partnership at European level and contribute to the development of new diagnostic and prognostic tools, " said Prof. Olivier Colliot, Senior Scientist at the Paris Brain Institute and holder of the AI Chair at the Paris Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence - School of Artificial Intelligence (PRAIRIE-PSAI). "I am very excited about this new partnership between France and the Czech Republic. The idea of such a collaboration first emerged at the Czech-French bilateral workshop on AI in Prague in 2022. It is great that it has grown into such a large-scale project, " said Prof. Isabelle Ryl, Director of PRAIRIE-PSAI.
"Large-scale neural network simulations, such as the CLARA Centre of Excellence wants to perform, require enormous computing power. We combine supercomputers, quantum computers and artificial intelligence methods with the technical requirements of the LRZ. We now look forward to using our resources and expertise to help CLARA researchers gain new insights," said Prof. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the LRZ Board of Directors.
In addition, CLARA opens up space for the development of strategic partnerships with global initiatives in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases and represents an important opportunity for Czech and European research to connect to new trends.
"For too long we have lost ground in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. It is time to rethink our scientific, medical and public health strategies to combat these chronic disorders that take an emotional and financial toll on the lives of so many," said Dr. Ara S. Khachaturian, head of CLARA's College of Experts and chair of INDRC's Scientific Advisory Board.
CLARA aims to discover new treatments and prevention options for neurodegenerative diseases while contributing to the global challenges facing Europe. The Centre will become a driver of innovation with a broad societal and economic impact. The research carried out at CLARA will be key to the development of new treatments and procedures that can improve the quality of life of millions of people worldwide.
The CLARA Centre has the potential to become a leader in neurodegenerative disease research not only in the Czech Republic but also throughout Europe.
Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, CLARA will become a major player in the global fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's.
