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Media Advisory 16-015

A global conversation to advance brain research Sept. 19

Leaders in brain science and engineering research and policy to gather in New York City for an event catalyzed by the National Science Foundation

mouse brain

NSF is uniquely positioned to bring together researchers from many scientific disciplines.


September 12, 2016

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

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.

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.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Sarah Bates, NSF, (703) 292-7738, email: sabates@nsf.gov
Lindsay Borthwick, The Kavli Foundation, (416) 706-7522, email: lborthwick@kavlifoundation.org
Franklin Hoke, Rockefeller University, (212) 327-7900, email: fhoke@mail.rockefeller.edu
Anne Holden, Columbia University, (415) 260-8198, email: anne.holden@columbia.edu

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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