IBI hosts an engaging panel on International Networking at the IV FALAN Congress

September 1, 2026 – Santiago, Chile

This event was made possible through the generous support of the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO).

IBI Speakers:

• Anthony J. Hannan, PhD, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne
  Chair, International Brain Initiative

• Judy Illes, OC, PhD, Professor of Neurology, University of British Columbia
  Immediate Past Chair, International Brain Initiative

• Luisa Rocha, MD, PhD, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
  Chair of the Latin American Brain Initiative (LATBrain)
  Executive Committee Member, International Brain Initiative

In this engaging panel, Drs. Hannan, Illes, and Rocha discussed the importance of global cooperation in neuroscience that is both expansive beyond usual borders and integrative of pluralism. They presented information about the IBI, how it was founded to link major funded and aspiring national neuroscience initiatives, and how to enhance its collaborative projects and research impacts at a global level.

Linking brain initiatives from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe, the IBI now strives to advance neuroscience globally. The vision of the IBI for a border-free global science, scholarship, and innovation in unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration was indicated. It was also mentioned that the IBI’s mission is to provide a platform for active dialogue and exchange among large-scale brain initiatives worldwide, to support the emergence of new initiatives, and to foster collaboration on a global scale through priority endeavours that accelerate discovery research and innovation for the benefit of all people. Moreover, it was indicated that IBI fosters a collection of working groups linking neuroscientists and other academic researchers across the world.

During the panel session, the activities of the IBI Neuroethics Working Group were presented as well. Its main goal is focused on delivering a globally informed, lifecycle-oriented framework for responsible neural data governance. In addition, it was also noted that the IBI Crosscultural Working Group supports the involvement of Indigenous persons and communities overrepresented in new technologies, particularly those related to the brain and mind. Finally, the panel highlighted the activities of the Latin America Brain Initiative (LATBrain), which represents the union of several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to further strengthen bridges of cooperation for the study of neurosciences. The session concluded with sharing information about how LATBrain facilitates collaborative actions among countries of the region. 

To learn more about the LATBrain, please visit: https://latbrain.com/en/