Introduction

The goal of neurobionics is to elaborate methods for the repairment and substitution of impaired functions of the human nervous system. This publication contains contributions from internationally recognized scientists exploring the structure of this novel interdisciplinary research field.

Structure of the Field

The structure consists of theoretical sciences (philosophy, mathematics, neuroinformatics, computational neuroscience), basic biological sciences (molecular biology, cell biology, biological network neuroscience, neurophysiology), technical engineering (microelectronics, micromechanics, robotics, microsystems), and clinical neurosciences (neurodiagnostics, neurology, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation).

Goals and Outlook

It is hoped the book indicates that a new kind of partnership across these various disciplines is mandatory if emerging problems in the field are to be solved. It also aims to set the coordinates for an international and interdisciplinary research field dealing with a subject intrinsic to man''s mind and its biological carrier which may be partially replaced by artificial means in the future.