On April 2, 2013, President Obama launched the Brain Research through Advancing Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, a Grand Challenge designed to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. Since then, the BRAIN Initiative has grown to include five Federal agencies. The BRAIN Initiative remains a top priority for the Administration, which is why the President’s 2016 Budget proposes increasing funding for the BRAIN Initiative from about $200 million in FY 2015 to more than $300 million in FY 2016.
This increased investment will support a wide range of interdisciplinary projects aimed at developing and applying cutting-edge technologies to create a dynamic picture of the brain in action, providing the critical knowledge base for researchers seeking new ways to treat brain disorders. These projects include the following Agency efforts:
The BRAIN Initiative is further supported by non-Federal partners. Major foundations, private research institutions, universities, and patient advocacy organizations have committed over $240 million to the BRAIN Initiative. In addition, members of the National Photonics Initiative, regional clusters like the Pacific Northwest Neuroscience Neighborhood, and companies such as GE, GlaxoSmithKline, and Inscopix have joined this effort through commitments of more than $30 million in research and development investments.
We want to hear about other activities that align with the goals of the BRAIN Initiative! If your organization is pursuing new or expanded activities that advance our understanding of the brain, tell us by emailing brain@ostp.gov.
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Monica Ramirez Basco is Assistant Director for Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Broadening Participation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Robbie Barbero is Assistant Director for Biological Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.