Statistical Connectomics

The data science of networks is a rapidly developing field with myriad applications. In neuroscience, the brain is commonly modeled as a connectome, a network of nodes connected by edges. While there have been thousands of papers on connectomics, the statistics of networks remains limited and poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview from the perspective of statistical network science of the kinds of models, assumptions, problems, and applications that are theoretically and empirically justified for analysis of connectome data. We hope this review spurs further development and application of statistically grounded methods in connectomics.

Automated summary

The field of network data science is rapidly evolving with numerous applications. In neuroscience, the brain is often modeled as a connectome, but the statistics of networks are still limited and poorly understood. Through the lens of statistical network science, further development and application of statistically grounded methods in connectomics can be promoted.