An extensive review article “Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system” was published in Brain today. Together with Ben M.Maoz and his group at the Tel Aviv University, we discuss the recent developments in in-vitro CNS models with focus on combined microfluidics and cell culture systems (e.g. ‘organ-on-a-chip’ systems). The article also highlights the challenges hindering the advancement of this field and its large-scale acceptance and implementation and underlines some practical guidelines for labs venturing into this field.