Organoid Intelligence (OI): Advancing Biocomputing through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Session Title for Website and App: Organoid Intelligence (OI): Advancing Biocomputing through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Special Session Program Description: Brain organoids represent a breakthrough in biocomputing, exhibiting unique capabilities to emulate complex brain functions and providing a sophisticated in vitro model for studying physiological processes linked to learning and cognition. The establishment of the Organoid Intelligence (OI) community in Baltimore, initiated at the "First Organoid Intelligence Workshop" (1), underscores a significant stride toward realizing the potential of brain organoids in biocomputing. This nascent community unites global experts from diverse fields including biology, neuroscience, microsystem engineering, computer science, and ethics, aiming to propel advancements in human stem cell technology, organoid interfacing, and data science within an ethical framework (2–5).

The proposed panel discussion will serve as a platform to share recent progress, confront technical and ethical challenges, and explore prospects for collaborative research in OI. This session will particularly focus on OI's implications for artificial intelligence, computational studies, and neurological disease modeling, emphasizing the necessity of cross-disciplinary cooperation. Planned topics of discussion include the influence of organoid size and complexity on functionality, comparison of OI with traditional AI (Artificial Intelligence) systems, organoid interfacing challenges, strategies for both open and closed-loop learning, online data analysis, and the ethical use of human-derived brain organoids.

With participation from 6-8 experts in the fields of bioengineering, neuroscience, data science, microsystem engineering, and biocomputing, the panel aims to foment a deeper understanding of OI's current landscape, stimulate innovative solutions to existing challenges, and strengthen the network among participants, and foster a dynamic dialogue with the audience. The expected outcome is a series of actionable insights that will guide future research directions, funding mechanisms, and ethical standards, ensuring that organoid intelligence continues to advance technological innovation and improve human health.

Chair: Dr. Derosh George

Panelists and Discussion Topics:
o Brain Organoids: Dr. Itzy E. Morales Pantoja, JHU
o Microinstrumentation: Dr. Milica Radisic, University of Toronto
o Electrophysiology and State-of-the-art data analysis: Dr. Erik Johnson, APL JHU and Dr. Feng Guo, Indiana University
o Ethics: Dr. Lomax Boyd, JHU
o OI and AI synergy: Dr. Thomas Hartung, JHU

References:
1. Morales Pantoja IE, Smirnova L, Muotri AR, Wahlin KJ, Kahn J, Boyd JL, et al. First Organoid Intelligence (OI) workshop to form an OI community. Front Artif Intell. 2023 Feb 28;6:1116870.
2. Smirnova L CBGDHQMPITB et al. Organoid intelligence (OI): The new frontier in biocomputing and intelligence in-a-dish. Front Sci. 2023;
3. Huang Q, Tang B, Romero JC, Yang Y, Khalil Elsayed S, Pahapale G, et al. Shell microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for brain organoids [Internet]. Vol. 8, Sci. Adv. 2022. Available from: https://www.science.org
4. Patel D, Shetty S, Acha C, Morales Pantoja IE, Zhao A, George D, et al. Microinstrumentation for Brain Organoids. 2024; Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202302456
5. Lomax Boyd J, Lipshitz N. Dimensions of Consciousness and the Moral Status of Brain Organoids. Neuroethics [Internet]. 123AD [cited 2024 May 11]; 1:5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12152-023-09538-x

Committee, Sig, or Organization Title: Johns Hopkins University