NeuroNex: From odor to Action: Discovering Principles of Olfactory-Guided Natural Behavior - NSF Proposal Number: 2014217

The overall goal of this collaborative project is to understand a fundamental problem in brain research---
how natural stimuli are used by brains to generate natural behaviors. We approach this
problem using the sense of smell of mice and insects and behaviours that are guided by smell.
We see this, however, as an example of a more general problem of many
complex brain systems---how are complex stimuli represented in brain circuits and mapped to actions? The
compact architecture of the brain circuits processing smells offers unique opportunities to achieve an understanding
from the stimulus to the behaviour and of the core computational logic by which brains organize and read out such complex variables to generate adaptive behaviors. We will study olfactory systems of mammals and insects, which
have independently evolved brain circuits that solve these problems. These common elements may reflect convergent evolution towards a set of
similar solutions to shared olfactory problems.

Our diverse and international group is comprised of three interdisciplinary
research groups that are designed around specific elements of an end-to-end investigation of olfaction.
They encompass studies of encoding natural stimuli (Team 1), the natural behaviors that they give rise to
(Team 2), and active search strategies animals use as they encounter stimuli in natural
environments (Team 3). Each Team integrates theory and experimental approaches in two or more species in
ways that produce complementary, synergistic interactions across levels of biological analysis.

The overall goal of this proposal is to understand a fundamental problem in neuroscience---
how natural stimuli are used by animal brains to generate adaptive natural behaviors. We approach this
problem in the context of olfactory-guided behavior as an instance of a more general problem of many
complex brain systems---how are high-dimensional, discrete, and combinatorial variables that are not
simply ordered along easily discernible axes represented in brain circuits and mapped to actions? The
compact olfactory circuit architecture offers unique opportunities to achieve an end-to-end understanding
of the core computational logic by which brains organize and read out such high-dimensional, discrete
variables to generate adaptive behaviors. We will study olfactory systems of mammals and insects, which
have independently evolved common structural elements at successive levels of olfactory processing in
their central nervous systems. These common elements may reflect convergent evolution towards a set of
similar solutions to shared olfactory problems. The network is comprised of three interdisciplinary
research groups that are designed around specific elements of an end-to-end investigation of olfaction.
They encompass studies of encoding natural stimuli (IRG1), the natural behaviors that they give rise to
(IRG2), and active search strategies animals use as they encounter stimulus dynamics in natural
environments (IRG3). Each IRG integrates theory and experimental approaches in two or more species in
ways that produce complementary, synergistic interactions across levels of biological analysis.

Impacts of the international, multi-disciplinary Odor2Action network:

Our proposed network structure will have significant impacts on the education of trainees, and the conduct and culture of science, advancing the goal of creating an enduring and coherent national and international infrastructure for neuroscience research. Broad education and an inclusive, collaborative scientific culture that spans geographically dispersed groups will be promoted by specific features of our network organization.

Originated during the Ideas Lab period, we have found that a regular pattern of Zoom calls to be a major conduit for the exchange of behavioral paradigms and theoretical frameworks, the dissemination of technologies and data infrastructures between labs, and the development of new and synergistic research directions. During calls, trainees present their work and receive feedback in an informal setting, providing more detailed and constructive feedback---from a wider range of experts---than is typical of interactions at national or international meetings. The supportive environment fostered by these calls helps develop a strong identity and sense of belonging for trainees with limited prior research experience, for those from under-represented backgrounds, and for students who are concerned about their potential and place in the scientific enterprise.

Also originated during the Ideas Lab period, annual network retreats provide for in-person interactions, first-hand exposure to the hosting lab's experimental methods, and high-level discussion across the network about planned activities. Each retreat will include one day where we share research results, and one day focussed on training and outreach. Each year will feature a different training activity. For example, training in data storage and computing in Y1, a workshop on scientific communication led by the Alan Alda Center for Scientific Communication (see below) in Y2, an Ideas Lab-like workshop for trainees focussed on developing innovative research directions in Y3, and an outreach activity in Y4. In the early years of the grant, retreats will be more inward facing. In later years, they will be more outward facing (for example, inviting experts to learn about our efforts, and to establish new collaborations).

A third feature of our network will be trainee exchanges that allow for direct exposure and apprenticeship in research methods from different research groups. We envision that these exchanges will last from one week to two months and may occur both between labs in the same IRG (e.g., to allow for similar analysis code and methods to be applied to data sets from different organisms) or between IRGs (e.g., to facilitate the transfer of imaging or odor delivery technology between labs). By means of these exchanges, retreats, and Zoom calls, trainees will be exposed to multiple scientific cultures, methods, and approaches, and will be poised to establish collaborative research programs that draw on the full range of technologies and intellectual traditions represented in our group. Trainees will apply for exchange visits through an internal Odor2Action grant process.