Translational network neuroscience: Nine roadblocks and possible solutions
Translational network neuroscience aims to integrate advanced neuroimaging and data analysis techniques into clinical practice to better understand and treat neurological disorders. Despite the promise of technologies such as functional MRI and diffusion MRI combined with network analysis tools, the field faces several challenges that hinder its swift clinical translation. We have identified nine key roadblocks that impede this process: (a) theoretical and basic science foundations; (b) network construction, data interpretation, and validation; (c) MRI access, data variability, and protocol standardization; (d) data sharing; (e) computational resources and expertise; (f) interdisciplinary collaboration; (g) industry collaboration and commercialization; (h) operational efficiency, integration, and training; and (i) ethical and legal considerations. To address these challenges, we propose several possible solution strategies. By aligning scientific goals with clinical realities and establishing a sound ethical framework, translational network neuroscience can achieve meaningful advances in personalized medicine and ultimately improve patient care. We advocate for an interdisciplinary commitment to overcoming translational hurdles in network neuroscience and integrating advanced technologies into routine clinical practice.
Authors
- Robert Schenk
- Stephanie J. Forkel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0493-0283)
- Jacques‐Donald Tournier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5591-7383)
- Boshra Shams (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1290-6630)
- Petra Ritter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4643-4782)
- Lucius S. Fekonja (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1973-4410)
- Alberto Cacciola (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9412-4116)
- Pantelis Lioumis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2016-9199)
- Dogu Baran Aydogan
- Melina Engelhardt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2921-6329)
- Thomas Picht (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8630-1466)
- Francesco Vergani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2731-3851)
- Christian Lucas
Institutions
- University of Messina (IT)
- University of Helsinki (FI)
- Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (GB)
- University of Eastern Finland (FI)
- University of Cologne (DE)
- King's College London (GB)
- Helsinki University Hospital (FI)
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (DE)
- Sorbonne Université (FR)
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (NL)
- Einstein Center Digital Future (DE)
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (DE)
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin (DE)
- University Hospital Cologne (DE)
- Cluster of Excellence "Matters of Activity. Image Space Material" (DE)
- Freie Universität Berlin (DE)
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (DE)
- Tsinghua University (CN)
- Aalto University (FI)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Network Neuroscience
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1162/netn_a_00435
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Bioinformatics and Genomic Networks
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.03
Funders
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft