Australia could be the first country to develop a bionic brain, according to a new report calling for national investment in brain research.
The report, Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia, estimates that an effective investment in brain research would cost about $250 million over the coming decade.
It would involve the creation of the Australian Brain Initiative to better co-ordinate efforts in brain research - including building the first bionic brain.
One of the researchers involved in the report Professor Bob Williamson said such an investment could help experts better understand and treat conditions like Alzheimer disease, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain trauma in soldiers and accident victims.
"The bionic ear was developed here, and we are close to designing a bionic eye that works," Professor Williamson said.
"A bionic brain would extend this, and accurately model other brain functions."
Brain and mind disorders already cost Australia about $20 billion annually.
"Research leading to prevention is always cheaper than spending on the care of people affected by brain disease or trauma," he said.
The Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia report will be launched on Tuesday by Health Minister Peter Dutton and contains recommendations from a High Flyers Think Tank hosted by the Australian Academy of Science in Melbourne last year.
The think tank brought together world leaders in artificial intelligence, brain imaging and neuroscience.
