Over the past decade, a distinctive trend in brain-related research has been the proliferation of large-scale projects. Examples include the European Commission's Human Brain Project, the US government's BRAIN Initiative, and the Korean government's Korea Brain Initiative. Despite differing specific objectives, these projects commonly involve hundreds of researchers and budgets ranging from millions to billions of euros over approximately a decade. Proponents argue that understanding the human brain, arguably the most complex organ, can significantly advance science, medicine, information technology, and society as a whole. However, the focus on this organ is not a recent phenomenon; it has been a matter of scientific curiosity for centuries. So, why is there a surge in large-scale brain research projects, breaking away from the tradition of individual studies? And what are the implications of this new approach on the organization and conduct of research?
To tackle these inquiries, I conduct a two-part qualitative study. First, I utilize the concept of the sociotechnical imaginary to illustrate that the idea of large-scale initiatives in brain research as a means of advancing science and tackling societal challenges has been prevalent over decades, even centuries. I term this phenomenon the 'traveling imaginary of Big Brain Science.' Second, to understand how this imaginary unfolds at the organizational and individual levels, I analyze the Human Brain Project (HBP). I scrutinize the motivations of various participants, their visions, and the resultant changes in the project's orientation and technological development throughout its evolution. In doing so, I apply sociological theories of expectation and professional boundaries.
On a theoretical level, this research enriches the growing literature on sociotechnical imaginary and traveling imaginary by adding a significant empirical study. Specifically, it suggests that a meso and micro-sociological study can shed light on aspects often overlooked by those concepts, which primarily focus on the strategies and activities of major actors. On an empirical level, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the traveling imaginary of Big Brain Science, which has profoundly influenced our perception of humans and society while heightening political, scientific, and public focus on the human brain.
More broadly, this thesis raises concerns about politically driven large-scale investments as a mechanism for addressing societal challenges. I acknowledge that the traveling imaginary of Big Brain Science, driven by optimistic visions of the future, scientific progress, and supporting institutions and politics, has contributed to science and society. However, this research also highlights that the spread of this promise-laden imaginary allows political elites and leading scientists to leverage it to further their agendas, often sidestepping inclusive dialogues on the social utilization of scientific knowledge and the scientific soundness of such large-scale projects. Furthermore, the establishment and progress of a large-scale project remain fraught with uncertainty due to the conflicting interests and tensions among various actors. Based on these insights, this research advocates for a critical understanding of large-scale endeavors and the traveling imaginaries of cutting-edge fields that underpin those projects.