Question: what is a computational neuroscientist?

Martin Coath answered on 16 Mar 2010:

An excellent question!

I write brain simulations in the same way that a computer game might contain a Formula 1 racing car simulation. Computer simulations are not just for fun – flying simulations are are actually used to train pilots to fly because the programs act just like a real plane.

My job is to produce a program that acts just like part of a real brain! That way I can do experiments with it that are impossible on a real brain. I can slow it down, speed it up, run it backwards! All sorts of stuff to try to learn how real brains learn and work.