Internet of Brains (IoB) exhibited at the Neuro2024 conference exhibition booth, held from July 24 to July 27, 2024, at the Fukuoka Convention Center, Fukuoka, Japan.
We set up the following sections at the exhibition booth:
- IoB Project Introduction Section
- NeuroTech Guidebook / Evidence Book Section
This article reports the exhibition results of each section.
IoB Project Introduction Section
In the IoB project introduction section, we showcased our research and development efforts using posters (available only in Japanese). We also presented several videos which have been uploaded on IoB’s official YouTube channel. During the exhibition period, a number of people from various fields visited the booth and engaged in discussions and exchanges of questions and opinions with science communicators affiliated with IoB.
NeuroTech Guidebook / Evidence Book Section
In the NeuroTech Guidebook / Evidence Book section, we introduced the “Brain Tech Guidebook vol. 2 (available only in Japanese),” which was published on July 17. Additionally, we set up a board with several questions to gather feedback from visitors aimed at establishing a trusted neurotech industry.
On the feedback collection board, we received a total of 39 responses to three questions from visitors.
For instance, under the question “What would you like to see included in a neurotechnology textbook?”, responses included topics such as “legal regulations related to neurotechnology,” “examples of neurotechnology applications and roadmaps for implementation,” and “introductory books that are accessible to beginners.”
Additionally, in response to the question “What would you like to know about neurotechnology indicators and effectiveness?”, visitors mentioned concerns such as “how to evaluate the effectiveness of aspects that are difficult to quantify,” “whether neurotechnology can be applied to mental health management or treatment of dementia and PTSD,” and “how to distinguish between good and bad neurotech companies.”
At this exhibition, we successfully attracted interest from a diverse audience, including students and researchers from various fields, as well as professionals from different companies, regarding the IoB Brain Tech Guidebook / Evidence Book project. Feedback from visitors highlighted a common sentiment: many expressed a desire to engage with the field but were uncertain about where to start. This feedback reinforced the importance of fostering activities that encourage the entry of young researchers and businesses from related fields, thereby promoting market expansion.
Summary
During the four days of the exhibition, Dr. Takemi was present on the first day, Dr. Takemi and Dr. Komatsu on the second day, and Dr. Kanai on the third day. They explained the project details to visitors.
Neuro2024 saw participation not only from Japan but also from various countries and regions, and our booth was visited by numerous international students and researchers. By sharing IoB’s research and development with not only Japanese researchers but also those from around the world, we aim to advance multifaceted research and development through collaborations. Additionally, we will explore and refine a better way of research through dialogue with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Going forward, we will continue to create opportunities for direct dialogue with everyone through various formats in the IoB project. This will allow us to introduce the latest activities we are working on, as well as to engage in collaborative discussions with all of you about the future developments in neuroscience and neurotechnology.
Written by Hitomi Kawahara (Science Communicator at Araya Inc.) & Yusuke Sugita (Science Communicator Intern at Araya Inc.)