Description:The thalamus plays a crucial role in mediating cortical–subcortical interactions, yet it remains underrepresented in neuroimaging research, which predominantly focuses on cortical structures. A major limitation in thalamic research is the difficulty of accurately delineating individual thalamic nuclei using current neuroimaging techniques. Existing atlases vary significantly in their definitions and segmentation methods, leading to inconsistencies in both research and clinical applications. In this talk, we will review state-of-the-art and emerging methods for thalamic nuclei segmentation, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and implications for neuroscience and clinical practice. We will also propose a roadmap for improving segmentation techniques, aiming to standardise research approaches and enhance clinical utility. By fostering a collective effort in refining thalamic imaging methodologies, we advocate for recognizing the thalamic nuclei as essential brain structures, rather than merely a gateway between cortical and subcortical regions. This shift in perspective has the potential to drive significant advancements in both fundamental neuroscience and translational medicine.
Presenters: Shail Segobin & Michael Hornberger on behalf of the TANGO group