Beyond the Average Brain: Person-Specific Mechanisms and Within-Person Prediction

Traditional neuroscience research has relied on group-level analyses, identifying average patterns across populations. However, substantial heterogeneity exists in brain structure, function, connectivity, and neurobiology across individuals. This variability is not merely noise but reflects meaningful differences in genetics, development, experience, and biology that shape cognition and behavior. Person-specific (idiographic) approaches and within-person prediction models recognize that individuals follow unique neural trajectories and respond differently to interventions. Recent advances in computational modeling, machine learning, intensive longitudinal designs, and single-subject neuroimaging enable detailed characterization of individual brain patterns and their behavioral correlates. Precision neuroscience—tailored to the individual—promises more accurate prediction, more effective interventions, and deeper mechanistic understanding of brain-behavior relationships.This Research Topic aims to advance person-specific and within-person approaches in neuroscience, moving beyond population averages to understand individual neural mechanisms and predict outcomes at the person level. Critical questions include: What are the unique neural signatures and mechanisms that characterize individuals? How can we reliably predict within-person changes in cognition, behavior, or symptomatology from brain measures? What individual factors (genetics, developmental history, experience) shape person-specific neural patterns? How can precision neuroscience improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment targeting in clinical populations? By showcasing methodological innovations, empirical studies, and theoretical perspectives, this collection will advance personalized neuroscience and demonstrate applications for precision medicine and psychological intervention.We welcome original research, reviews, perspectives, and methodological innovations employing person-specific and within-person approaches to understand brain-behavior relationships. Contributions should align with one or more of the following themes:• Idiographic Neuroscience: Person-centered characterization of brain structure, function, or connectivity and their behavioral correlates• Within-Person Prediction: Machine learning and statistical models predicting individual-level changes in cognition, behavior, or symptomatology from neurobiological measures• Individual Differences: Genetic, developmental, and experiential factors explaining variability in neural organization and function• Longitudinal and Intensive Designs: Single-subject or small-sample studies tracking neural and behavioral change over time• Precision Psychiatry and Clinical Applications: Personalized prediction and treatment targeting in depression, anxiety, autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions• Methodological Innovation: Novel approaches for analyzing within-person data, conducting single-subject neuroimaging, or integrating multi-level data Topic editors: Chandramallika Basak, Iman Ghodratitoostani, Federico d'Oleire Uquillas, Asaf Gilboa, Eduar Herrera, Anderson Souza Oliveira Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82334/beyond-the-average-brain-person-specific-mechanisms-and-within-person-prediction