From neurons to networks: New Brain Network Disorders Journal aims to rewire our understanding of brain science

Dedicated to refining our understanding of various brain disorders through the lens of ‘dysconnectivity syndromes,’ Brain Network Disorders (BND) is a new open-access journal, sponsored by the Chinese Medical Association, managed by Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University. BND promotes interdisciplinary research on complex conditions like neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, and psychological abnormalities. With a keen focus on systems theory and complexity sciences, the journal hopes to bridge neuroscience and clinical practice, encouraging innovative methods and international collaboration to advance diagnostic methods, treatments, and theoretical frameworks.

Brain Network Disorders (BND), a new peer-reviewed, open-access journal, proudly announces its official launch with the publication of its inaugural issue in March 2025. Sponsored by the Chinese Medical Association and managed by Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, BND positions itself as a pioneering international forum dedicated to advancing our understanding of brain disorders through the lens of neural network dysfunction. The journal aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research from theoretical concepts to practical clinical applications, focusing specifically on connectome-related conditions, often collectively termed ‘dysconnectivity syndromes.’

The launch of BND comes at a critical juncture, as chronic brain disorders increasingly contribute to the global public health burden. These conditions are widely recognized for their complex nature, as Senior Advisor Dr. Zaven Khachaturian says, “Dysconnectivity syndromes, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, result from failures in interconnected physiological systems and neural circuits rather than isolated lesions.” As a result, traditional approaches, which usually analyze individual components in isolation, have fallen short of fully capturing the intricate interactions and emergent properties characteristic of these complex systems.

There is thus an urgent need for interventions that prevent or slow the progression of disabilities associated with these conditions, and this requires a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize their underlying mechanisms. “BND aims to promote innovative paradigms for understanding these complex brain disorders by applying general systems theory and complexity sciences,” explains Dr. Khachaturian, while elaborating further on the journal’s aim. The journal seeks to champion innovative paradigms that define neurological disorders in terms of dysfunctions across widespread, interconnected neural networks. To this end, BND will help broaden the traditional view by emphasizing the multifactorial origins of neurological disorders, focusing on the dynamic interplay of several influences, including genetic, metabolic, immune-inflammatory, cell signaling, co-morbid conditions, nutrition, endocrine, and lifestyle factors.

The journal will also serve as a vital interdisciplinary platform, bridging the gap between foundational neuroscience and clinical practice. Its scope is remarkably broad, encompassing research from fields including, but not limited to neuroscience, psychiatry, neuroimaging, epidemiology, neurological diseases, cognitive and psychiatric anomalies, neuroimmunology, neurogenetics, neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, brain-computer interfaces, connectomics, computational biology, and various omics-based studies. Worth noting, BND actively encourages the development and application of novel methodologies, including the integration of advancements in quantum computing, machine learning algorithms, and in silico modeling systems, to elucidate the causal and mechanistic relationships within dysconnectivity syndromes.

BND benefits from the guidance of a distinguished Editorial Board, comprising 46 leading scholars from 14 countries. Over 50% of the board members are international and include esteemed foreign academicians, incorporating diverse backgrounds and ensuring rigorous peer-review standards. Similarly, the inaugural issue showcases the journal’s commitment to publishing cutting-edge research from varied global perspectives. The inaugural issue (Volume 1, Issue 1) features two editorials, three review articles, and three original articles contributed by authors representing nine research institutes spanning four continents.

“The launch of BND marks a pivotal moment in neuroscience, addressing the urgent need to unravel the brain’s complex network functions,” says Dr. Guoguang Zhao, Editor-in-Chief of BND. Elaborating further, he says. “This journal aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging gaps across neurology, computational neuroscience, molecular biology, and clinical research. By focusing on how brain network dynamics influence both physiological and pathological states, we aim to fundamentally reshape our understanding of brain function and disease.”

BND will be published quarterly, ensuring a steady output of high-quality research. Future initiatives include the planning of special issues to delve more deeply into specific cutting-edge topics, inviting leading experts to contribute, and actively organizing academic seminars and lectures to exchange ideas and promote international academic cooperation.

Here’s wishing the entire team of BND the very best for their endeavors—may it flourish, inspire, and reach remarkable milestones on its journey ahead!

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Reference

Journal: Brain Network Disorders                                                         

URL：https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/brain-network-disorders/vol/1/issue/1