Can brain models finally be both realistic and smart?

Researchers propose functional whole-brain models that combine anatomically accurate brain structure with the ability to actually perform cognitive tasks—bridging a 30-year divide between biophysical realism and functional competence. The framework requires grounding in real connectome data, realistic continuous dynamics, and measurable outputs matching brain imaging and behavior. This could unify how neuroscientists build models and generate testable predictions about how structure enables cognition.