A global conversation to advance brain research Sept. 19

Credit: Parijat Sengupta, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Original story published by the National Science Foundation.

Due to revolutionary new technologies, neuroscientists are poised to significantly advance our understanding of the brain and behavior, with profound implications for health and society.

To enhance collaboration and better coordinate global efforts in fundamental neuroscience research, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will support a conference of scientists and government representatives from countries with significant investments in neuroscience research. Attendees, many of whom are members of the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, a public-private collaborative effort aimed at accelerating the development and application of new technologies to revolutionize our understanding of the brain, will exchange ideas and information about their efforts and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

NSF and The Kavli Foundation will support the event, hosted by Rockefeller University in cooperation with Columbia University.

"Brain diseases and disorders affect millions of families worldwide, leading to billions of dollars in medical expenses and lost productivity," said NSF Director France Córdova, who will deliver opening remarks at the event. "This event is intended to promote collaboration and cooperation in emerging, large-scale international brain projects to further advance neuroscience research. NSF plays a pivotal role in funding brain research, bringing the research community together and shaping the vision for a global brain initiative."

The U.S. State Department, the Global Partnerships Forum, The Kavli Foundation and NSF will also host a complementary event at the U.N. headquarters in New York City the evening of Sept. 19.

EVENT DETAILS:

What:	Coordinating Global Brain Projects: To facilitate international collaborations to advance our understanding of the brain by bringing together scientists and administrators who represent public and private neuroscience projects worldwide.
When:	Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET
Where:	Caspary Auditorium at The Rockefeller University
Who:	Press are invited to attend. RSVP to Katie Fenz at kfenz@rockefeller.edu.

For the agenda and list of speakers, visit the official workshop webpage. Use the hashtag #globalbrain to follow the conversation on social media or tune in live (archived).

To learn more about the grand challenges for global brain science, read a summary of discussions that took place at two recent workshops.

For the latest on NSF's efforts to understand the brain, visit NSF.gov/brain.