Abstract

The human brain network represents an efficient communication network. In my talk, I will highlight recent advances in the field of micro- and macroscale system level connectomics and discuss theories of underlying ‘principles of wiring’ that may govern connectome organization and shape cognition, functional brain specialization and diversity. We will discuss how proposed organisational principles may be shared across species (including humans), such as cost-effective wiring, short communication relays, and network features that enable functional integration such as communication hubs. We will discuss these principles in light of individual and cross-species variation in behavior and cognition and discuss findings of studies that suggest that modifications in brain connectivity may have played an important role in recent evolution of human cognition as well as may play an important role in a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.