Scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU), in collaboration with the Federal Center for Neurosurgery, have begun developing a unique computer model of the brain — a so-called digital twin. The project is scheduled to launch in 2026 and aims to improve the safety of operations for epilepsy and brain tumors, the university's press service told TASS.
The main goal of the development is to create a virtual platform where doctors can test various surgical interventions in a safe digital environment. The technology allows assessing the potential consequences of operations, selecting gentle techniques, and even considering the possibility of avoiding surgical intervention. The pilot launch focuses on personalized medicine: the digital twin is formed based on data from a specific patient — MRI, electroencephalography, and other neuroimaging methods. The "skeleton" of the model is based on MRI tractography data, which allows reconstructing the brain's conducting pathways.
The virtual model acts as a testing ground. The surgeon will be able to simulate several operation options and choose the safest scenario, while the final decision always remains with the doctor. The Virtual Brain platform is used to create the model, and the key task is to give the static structure dynamics, which will accurately reproduce the activity of neural masses while maintaining biological realism.
Creating a digital twin requires processing a huge amount of clinical data and significant computing resources. At the first stage, scientists plan to use NSTU supercomputers, after which the technologies will be tested at the Federal Center for Neurosurgery in Novosibirsk. Subsequent scalability will allow the system to be implemented in other clinics throughout the country.