Transformative Advances


Transformative Advances


Since The BRAIN Initiative®'s launch in 2013, numerous exciting developments in neurotechnology and our understanding of the brain have been made by BRAIN scientists across the United States and globe.

A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2023 (and what’s coming in 2024!)

2023 brought many exciting new advancements in tools, technologies, and therapies for brain research. The talented work of Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative investigators has prompted new collaborations and shown continued, inspiring commitment to understanding the human brain – arguably, the world’s most powerful computer.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: Snapshots from the 2023 Contest

The 2023 Show Us Your BRAINs! Photo and Video Contest revealed remarkable talent among this year’s participants. Learn more about the winners below, along with what methods they used to create their submissions and what the images or videos represent to them.

Read More

A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2021 (and a look ahead to 2022)

2021 was a year of U.S. BRAIN Initiative successes. Researchers were at the forefront of neuroscience and neurotechnology as they created new research tools and platforms, forged key collaborations, and were consistently recognized for their groundbreaking work.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: Snapshots from the 2021 Contest

Stunning imagery of the brain from this year’s Show Us Your BRAINs! Photo and Video Contest. Here we highlight the top picks and scientific tools used to uncover the beauty of the brain.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: Mapping the Mind

Artwork in the form of photos and videos of the beautiful brain, selected as top entries of the 2020 BRAIN Initiative Show Us Your BRAINs! Photo and Video Contest. This article shows how neuroscientists are mapping the brain across species – from worms and sea slugs to humans.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: A Deep Dive

Artwork in the form of photos and videos of the beautiful brain, selected as winners and runners up of the 2020 BRAIN Initiative Show Us Your BRAINs! Photo and Video Contest. Here we plunge into the deepest parts the brain and explore areas that control emotions and memory.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: The Cortical Labyrinth

Artwork in the form of photos and videos of the beautiful brain, selected as winners and runners-up of the 2020 BRAIN Initiative Show Us Your BRAINs! Photo and Video Contest. Here we showcase images of neurons in the brain’s cerebral cortex and their networks.

Read More

A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2020 (and a look ahead to 2021)

Despite all the challenges that came during 2020, the U.S. BRAIN Initiative continues to thrive. Last year, BRAIN researchers accomplished a host of scientific and technological breakthroughs and were recognized for their successes.

Read More

The Art of the BRAIN: The Other Workers of the Brain

Artwork in the form of photos and videos of the beautiful brain, selected as runners-up of the 2020 BRAIN Initiative “Show Us Your BRAINs!” Photo and Video Contest. This article features non-neuronal workers of the brain–star shaped cells called astrocytes and the brain’s vascular system.

Read More

A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2019 (and a look ahead in 2020)

2019 was an exciting year for neuroscience discovery! Last month, several high-profile scientific magazines, journals, and mainstream news outlets featured articles looking back at the top scientific achievements of 2019.

Read More

The BRAIN Initiative Alliance Boasts Numerous PECASE Award Recipients

This year’s PECASE (Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers) recipients include researchers and scientific administrators who are contributing to the BRAIN Initiative.

Read More

Neuroethics Developments for NIH BRAIN Initiative

The BRAIN Initiative Neuroethics Working Group have developed a series of Neuroethics Guiding Principles to help frame and navigate the neuroethical questions that BRAIN-funded research may raise.

Read More

A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2018 (and a look ahead to 2019)

In the run up to the New Year, numerous magazines, journals, and news outlets looked back over the scientific achievements of 2018 and looked ahead to what we can expect from science and technology in 2019.

Read More

Video: The BRAIN Initiative – The First Five Years

The BRAIN Initiative has grown over the past 5 years. It will continue to build upon the public-private partnerships, revolutionary technology development, and new knowledge that have emerged, so that we can continue to map the future of brain health.

Read More

BRAIN Investment Pays Off

Five years since its inception, the U.S. BRAIN Initiative has given scientists new tools to watch the brain as it learns, to map its myriad connections, and to repair circuitry gone awry.

Read More

The BRAIN Initiative: Three Years at the Frontiers of Neuroscience

A group of scientists and funders reflect on what the BRAIN Initiative has already achieved and how it is evolving

Read More

Making The Connection

Developing wiring diagrams ranging in scale from the individual synapse to the whole brain is a high priority for the BRAIN Initiative a research effort to catalyze and speed advances in neuroscience by deploying cutting-edge computer science, physics, biology, and chemistry to develop transformative new tools.

Read More

Melding Mind And Machine

BRAIN researchers advance the brain-machine interface: a neuroprosthetic device composed of micro-electrodes implanted in the brain, and the computer algorithm that translates those “thoughts” into movement.

Read More