If they manage to construct a complete model, they would have a strong AI. However, what they are trying to do is construct a model that incorporates everything

If they manage to construct a complete model, they would have a strong AI. However, what they are trying to do is construct a model that incorporates everything we know about the human brain. From their, they can better observe how our model compairs to observed reality, and revise it accordingly. They can also test modifications to the model much easier. If they get to the point where their model is also a strong AI it would suggest that they have made great progress in understanding the human brain.