BRAIN Initiative

For the different project in Europe, see Human Brain Project.

Understanding how the brain works is arguably one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time.

–Alivisatos et al.[1]

The White House BRAIN Initiative (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) is a collaborative, public-private research initiative announced by the Obama administration on April 2, 2013, with the goal of supporting the development and application of innovative technologies that can create a dynamic understanding of brain function.[2][3][4][5][6]

This activity is a Grand Challenge focused on revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain, and was developed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) as part of a broader White House Neuroscience Initiative.[7] Inspired by the Human Genome Project, BRAIN aims to help researchers uncover the mysteries of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Participants in BRAIN and affiliates of the project include DARPA and IARPA as well as numerous private companies, universities, and other organizations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Denmark.[8]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Neuron2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Markoff, John (February 18, 2013). "Obama Seeking to Boost Study of Human Brain". New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Time was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference NYTimes2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Fox, Maggie (April 2, 2013). "White House pitches brain mapping project". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  6. ^ "Fact Sheet: BRAIN Initiative". White House Office of the Press Secretary. April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  7. ^ "White House Neuroscience Initiative". Office of Science and Technology Policy. Retrieved 7 May 2015 – via National Archives.
  8. ^ "Participants". The BRAIN Initiative. Archived from the original on 2021-11-12. Retrieved 2019-05-13.