[varjag]

On the other hand, activity patterns of C. Elegans neurons can be comprehensively studied, it's behavior is well studied in how it responds to simple stimuli. Simulating it has all the promising properties of good old scientific method.

It is debatable whether building a $1.6B catatonic brain will advance neuroscience more than a comprehensive, experimentally matched simulation of a simpler system first.

[neuroguy]

I don't think there is much debate about it. I think it is fairly obvious that this project will advance neuroscience quite a bit, even if it would be a smarter choice to start with the C. Elgans. A project like this, putting together what we currently know from experimentation is the necessary next step. Will it bring the massive game changing understanding of the brain that it is hoped, who knows.