2025/2026

Mathematical challenges in brain mechanics

Mathematics /
Natural Sciences

Principal investigators

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Kent-Andre Mardal

Professor
University of Oslo (UiO)
Year at CAS
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Jan Martin Nordbotten

Professor
University of Bergen (UiB)
Year at CAS

Abstract

The last decade has seen an upheaval in neuroscience, where diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are now being described in terms of fluid dynamics and solute transport.
However, the fluid dynamics problem is different from classical engineering applications as it is fundamentally a multi-scale, multi-physics and mixed dimensional problem – altogether leading to mathematical challenges of novel character. In the current proposal we point to 1) specific mathematical challenges and invite recognized mathematicians in the respective areas, 2) propose networking and seminar activities to ensure outreach and impact of the results, 3) plan involvement of young, promising scientist and 4) invite leading neuroscientists to ensure a broad and timely foundation of the knowledge building. This project aims to provide the foundation for rigorous mathematical foundation for interdisciplinary modeling challenges in neuroscience, through in particular the development of a unified theory for multi-physics, multi-scale and mixed-dimensional problems.