A look back on the BRAIN Initiative in 2024 (and what’s coming in 2025!)

In a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, 2024 was marked by numerous partnerships, events, developments, and accomplishments for The BRAIN Initiative^®. We are reflecting on 10 years of BRAIN-funded science and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated researchers, patients, partners, and staff who have risen to the occasion and made these achievements possible. The end-of-year recap below has more on the latest research and advancements from the BRAIN Initiative, and a first look at what’s to come in 2025.

Advancements in Human Neuroscience

The Highest Resolution 3D Reconstruction to Date Created of Human Brain Tissue

In May 2024, researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) BRAIN Initiative Connectivity Across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) program published the highest-resolution map of human brain tissue ever produced at the subcellular level, looking at detailed structures within and around cells in the brain. The researchers used electron microscopy to collect imaging data for a cubic millimeter of brain tissue–about the size of half a grain of rice–and assembled that data into a 3D map using AI models. The 3D map documented about 150 million cellular connections and revealed multiple brain structures that have never been seen before with this level of detail. The researchers have provided public access to a gallery of images, their manuscript, dataset, code, and tools for exploration and proofreading. They hope that sharing these resources will advance the understanding of both normal and disordered brain function. This study was supported in part by the NIH BRAIN Initiative. Check out the paper published in Science or the NIH Director’s Blog on this work to learn more.

Successful Decoding of Internal Speech by Brain-Computer Interface

A team of scientists successfully decoded internal speech in two participants with full body paralysis using a brain-computer interface (BCI). In the study supported by the NIH BRAIN Initiative Research Opportunities in Humans program, researchers implanted the BCI into a brain region crucial for processing spoken words—the supramarginal gyrus—and revealed that the device required minimal training to convert the brain signals into speech. For one of the two participants, the BCI could decode several words of their inner dialogue with 79% accuracy during an online task. The findings, published in Nature Human Behavior in May, represent a significant step towards reliably understanding the mechanisms of internal speech and thought processes and may one day help individuals who lack the ability to speak due to injury or disease. Learn more in the NIH Director’s Blog.

Restoring Lost Conversations through Brain-Computer Interface

In August, researchers helped restore conversational communication in a participant with severe slurred speech due to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms. According to their publication in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers programmed a brain-computer interface with a 125,000-word vocabulary to decode the participant’s brain activity and transform it into the participant’s previously healthy voice using text-to-speech software. The system became more effective within days, remarkably maintaining 97.5% accuracy over 8.4 months and enabling the participant to hold conversations at a rate of 32 words per minute. This breakthrough achievement leveraged previous NIH BRAIN Initiative-funded research and was funded in large part by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders. Visit the NIH press release to learn more.

Transforming Parkinson’s Care with Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation

In August, another NIH BRAIN Initiative study revealed a promising new treatment for Parkinson’s disease using adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS). This self-adjusting brain pacemaker, which adapts to the patient’s brain activity in real time, was found to be significantly more effective at controlling Parkinson’s symptoms compared to conventional DBS. Published in Nature Medicine, the study involved four participants who experienced about a 50% improvement in their most distressing symptoms. This innovative approach could enhance the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients by providing more precise and personalized treatment.

Workshop on Developing Clinical Outcome Assessments on Implanted Brain-Computer Interface

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NIH held a joint workshop on September 19-20, 2024, to discuss the development of clinical outcome assessments (COAs) for implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The workshop aimed to engage subject matter experts in the BCI field to develop standardized COAs that can evaluate the effectiveness of these devices in real-world settings. Visit the event page for more details.

Insight Into Cell Type Damage in Alzheimer’s Disease

Challenging the traditional belief that Alzheimer’s progresses through several stages, the latest Alzheimer’s study supported by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) revealed that Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain only in two distinct phases. The early phase is gradual and “silent,” affecting only a few susceptible cell types before any memory problems appear. The late phase is more destructive, simultaneously developing with the onset of symptoms and rapid plaque and tangle accumulation. The study used advanced genetic analysis tools developed as part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network to map these changes in the brain, providing novel insights into which cell types may be damaged first. As noted in the NIA’s press release, this study may guide the development of new tailored treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Delve deeper into the topic and explore this work published in Nature Neuroscience in October.

Scientific Advancements in Basic Research

Protein from Blood Platelets Key to Brain Rejuvenation

In March 2024, the Simons Foundation featured a remarkable story where three research groups independently identified a protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4) as a key player in rejuvenating aging brains. The studies detailed that PF4, released by blood platelets, can reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new brain cells, improving cognitive function in aged mice. Two of these three studies were led by investigators affiliated with the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain, and were published in Nature and Nature Aging. This discovery opens up potential new treatments for aging-related cognitive decline and diseases.

New Gene Delivery Method Sets the Stage for Non-Invasive Brain Treatments

In May, a study supported in part by the NIH BRAIN Initiative published in Science outlined a promising method for delivering genetic therapies into the brain. The researchers engineered an adeno-associated virus that can cross the mouse blood-brain barrier by attaching itself to a human protein. While this approach has not yet been tested in humans, it represents a significant step toward life-saving non-invasive treatments for various neurological and mental disorders. Learn more in this press release from the National Institute of Mental Health.

New Insights Challenge Traditional Views on Brain Blood Flow

Also in May, NIH News featured a study which mapped the entire network of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex of awake mice for the first time. Study researchers discovered that blood vessels rhythmically contract and expand, creating sea-like “waves” that wash across the brain’s surface. These waves are largely independent of brain activity and may help mix fluids around brain cells, aiding in the removal of waste products. Published in Neuron and funded by the NIH BRAIN Initiative, this study challenges the conventional understanding of brain blood flow and could impact how functional MRI data is interpreted.

Neuronal Adaptability in the Fruit Fly Brain

In September, the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain showcased a groundbreaking study conducted by a team of researchers who successfully imaged a large portion of the fruit fly brain during various physical activities. Using advanced microscopy, researchers found that nearly all neurons in the fruit fly brain become active during gross motor movements and that these movements feed back to the brain, influencing subsequent actions. This brain-body feedback loop challenges the idea that the fruit fly brain is a rigid system. The findings from this study, published in Nature Communications, transform the understanding of the fruit fly brain from a genetically hardwired system to one that is remarkably adaptable.

Largest Adult Animal Brain Wiring Map

In October, scientists published the first complete wiring map of an adult animal brain (Drosophila melanogaster, an adult fruit fly) in Nature. This 9-paper series reveals the largest and most complete detailed brain diagram ever created. The map identifies over 50 million connections between 140,000 neurons. Research teams used advanced computer and AI automation tools to reconstruct high-resolution images acquired by electron microscopy, the only method available for understanding how neurons transmit information at the microscopic level. Fruit flies are valuable for scientific research because their genetic and biological make-up is similar to humans, so this work holds significant potential for accelerating the process of testing scientific ideas and developing new theories on brain function, sensory processing, and behavior. In addition, the work is essential to helping scale up tools and approaches that can be used to map larger brains. This work was supported in part by the NIH BRAIN Initiative, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Allen Institute. Check out the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) press release and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Director’s Message on this work to learn more.

New Tools and Resources

Open Data in Neuroscience

In June 2024, the first version of the Neurodata Without Borders (NWB) Graphical User Interface for Data Entry (GUIDE) was released. The NWB GUIDE provides users with an intuitive desktop application for converting electrophysiological data from a variety of formats to the NWB standard. Developed with support from The Kavli Foundation and led through a collaboration between the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and CatalystNeuro, the NWB GUIDE addresses the need for researchers with limited programming expertise to build NWB data conversion pipelines, specify raw data locations, and input metadata into the BRAIN Initiative’s central archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data. As adoption of NWB standards grows, tools like GUIDE are essential for enabling reproducibility and fostering a transparent, collaborative neuroscience community around the globe.

BICAN Data Rapid Release Inventory

In October, the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) Rapid Release Inventory was made available to the public for the first time. The BICAN Rapid Release Inventory, available online through the Allen Institute’s Data Catalog, provides searchable access to the quality-controlled dataset of detailed genetic and epigenetic profiles of single-cells and single-nuclei from humans, macaques, marmosets, mice, and other species collected from six different labs and close to 1500 unique specimens. Unlocking rapid access to this dataset is crucial for BICAN’s mission to develop a detailed cell map of the human brain. This capability will significantly accelerate research and innovation, paving the way for unprecedented insights into brain function and disorders.

BRAIN Initiative Alliance Toolmakers

The BRAIN Initiative Alliance released two newsletters in 2024, each featuring three dynamic new resources making it easy to share, store, monitor, and analyze neuroscience data. Get up to speed on any newsletters you may have missed at the links below:

• Issue 13 – Spring 2024
• Issue 14 – Fall 2024

In addition, the BRAIN Initiative Alliance hosted their annual Society for Neuroscience (SfN) satellite event in October, “Building Tools & Tech for an Innovative Future: A BRAIN Initiative Alliance Social,” where ~365 attendees networked with BRAIN-funded investigators to explore the work of 50 toolmakers at 22 toolmaker stations.

Explore numerous BRAIN Initiative scientific tools, including those highlighted in the newsletters and satellite events, on the BRAIN Initiative Alliance’s Toolmakers Resources webpage.

Neuroscience and Society

Hastings Center Neuroscience and Society Essay Series 

Earlier in 2024, the Hastings Center Report added a new series of essays, funded by the Dana Foundation, tackling ethical, legal, and societal issues presented by emerging neuroscience. Explore all open access published articles and opinion pieces here.

Dana Center Initiative for Neuroscience & Society

In April, the Dana Center Initiative for Neuroscience & Society was launched and later featured in an article from Nature. The multi-million-dollar partnership effort with academic institutions aims to align brain science advances with societal goals and community values. The article dives into the ongoing work of university partners, including the University of California, Los Angeles, along with the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mass General Brigham, and Loyola University Chicago. The piece highlights the power of collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge.

First Annual Meeting of the iBCI Collaborative Community

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) became a member of the implantable Brain-Computer Interface Collaborative Community (iBCI-CC), which held its inaugural annual meeting on September 18, 2024, with initial funding provided by the Dana Foundation. The iBCI-CC operates in the pre-market space, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address challenges, drive innovation, and improve outcomes for individuals with neurological conditions. The September event featured a public meeting that included updates on iBCI-CC and discussions on regulatory science. Additionally, there were workgroups focused on clinical study endpoints, ethics, neural data privacy, public messaging, and more. Breakout sessions addressed user priorities, device categorization, interoperability, and standards.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit 

The Dana Foundation partnered with the European Brain Council for a special event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit, which occurred on September 19-20, 2024. “Applying Neuroscience in the Courtroom” explored how neuroscientific evidence is being used in criminal and civil cases. Links to the full day recordings of the summit can be found here. The Dana Foundation-supported panel begins at the Day 2 video’s 4:38:52 mark.

2024 IEEE Brain Discovery & Neurotechnology Workshop

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Brain Discovery and Neurotechnology Workshop was held on October 3-4, 2024. Three symposiums—Emerging Neurotechnologies, Machine Learning and Computer Paradigms for BRAIN Discover, and Clinical Applications—brought together experts from world-renowned institutions to spotlight groundbreaking advances in neurotechnology. The workshop encouraged collaboration in the neuroscience community and considered emerging topics like neuroethics. During the two-day event, more than 40 posters and live demonstrations from students and young professionals were on display. At the end of the workshop, four participants won the Best Poster Awards, and one won the Best Live Demonstration Award. To find out more information on the workshop see the IEEE website.

Neuroethics Essay Contest

Now in its 11^th year, the Neuroethics Essay Contest announced its latest winners and their essays are now online. In 2024, over 150 students and 32 postdocs worldwide competed for a chance to win cash prizes awarded through four distinct categories: Academic, General Audience, High School, and Video. Through its ongoing collaboration with International Youth Neuroscience Association, the International Neuroethics Society aims to engage with a younger, high school audience to inspire the next generation of thinkers. The contest is also funded by the Dana Foundation, whose support is vital to its success.

NeuroSociety Stories 

The Dana Foundation launched a new video series called, “NeuroSociety Stories,” featuring unique perspectives, experiences, and practical advice on how to better connect brain science to societal goals and community values.

• Episode 1 features Pierre Magistretti, lauded scientist and physician, who speaks to the importance of collaborations between neuroscientists and experts from fields such as ethics, law, and social sciences.
• Episode 2 features Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist at the Franklin Institute, who shares the latest information about a new neuroscience and society high school curriculum.
• Episode 3 features Francis X. Shen, neurolaw expert, who shares his career transition from law to neurolaw and discusses his involvement with the Dana Career Network in Neuroscience & Society.
• Episode 4 (see below) features Jennifer French, founder and executive director of the Neurotech Network, who speaks about her co-leadership of the Implantable Brain Computer Interface Collaborative Community.

Credit: Dana Foundation

Watch NeuroSociety Stories and access bonus footage here.

Fellowships and Funding

2024 Simons Foundation Independence Awards

The Simons Foundation announced the winners of its 2024 Independence Awards. The awards offer significant support for postdoctoral and tenure-track roles in fields such as autism research, neural dynamics, and cognitive resilience in aging. Thirteen exceptional early-career scientists were selected for the award this year. Read more about them here.

The Kavli Foundation Awards

The Kavli Foundation Awards supported foundational research in neuroscience across three strategic themes in 2024: Open Data in Neuroscience, Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems, and Observe and Measure the Mind. Click to learn more about Kavli-supported projects.

National Science Foundation (NSF) & The Kavli Foundation Partnership

The Kavli Foundation and the National Science Foundation (NSF) forged a partnership to advance the emerging field of neurobiology in changing ecosystems (NiCE). Building on the success of an inaugural funding call for proposals in 2023, the program was renewed with a Dear Colleague Letter in August 2024. Open until February 2025, this grant opportunity invites proposals that tackle fundamental questions related to how the brain or nervous system adapts to environmental change, at the cellular or molecular level. Read more about Kavli-NSF grant recipients here.

NSF Biocomputing through Engineering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN-OI) Funding Awards

The NSF awarded several projects under its Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program, specifically focusing on Biocomputing through Engineering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI). These awards fund pioneering research to advance the design, engineering, and creation of organoid systems that can adaptively interpret information and interact with non-living systems.

NIH BRAIN Initiative: Committed to Innovation Despite Budget Challenges

The NIH BRAIN Initiative continues to drive forward with its mission, ensuring that critical research in neuroscience remains a priority. This commitment to advancing the understanding of the human brain fosters innovation and collaboration within the scientific community, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and the translation of foundational neuroscience research into much-needed treatments. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, NIH allocations for the BRAIN Initiative totaled $402 million, representing a $278 million decrease compared to FY 2023. The reduced budget poses significant challenges and has impacted the scope and scale of research projects. Read more about the strategic priorities of the NIH BRAIN Initiative in this message from Dr. John Ngai, director of the NIH BRAIN Initiative.

American Brain Coalition BRAIN Initiative Sign-on Letters for 2024

The NIH BRAIN Initiative is revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain and offering hope for millions of individuals impacted by brain diseases, disorders, and injuries. The pace of brain science is advancing at unprecedented speed. In order to continue capitalizing on these opportunities, in June 2024, the American Brain Coalition (ABC) submitted a sign-on letter to the U.S. Congress with 145 signatories requesting that the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations provide at least $740 million in funding for the NIH BRAIN Initiative in FY 2025.

Subsequently in November, ABC partnered with the Friends of the All of Us Research Program to expand its support for federal funding for the NIH BRAIN Initiative. Together with 148 signatories, ABC submitted a sign-on letter encouraging the U.S. Congress to support the funding level proposed by the Senate Appropriations Committee for both of these important programs. The BRAIN Initiative and the All of Us Research Program are both partially funded through the 21^st Century Cures Act and the Senate Appropriations Committee has proposed to restore funding for both programs to the FY 2023 levels, before decreases in 21^st Century Cures funding resulted in deep cuts to these efforts.

A Decade of Innovation

Celebrating 10 Years of BRAIN-Funded Science, with Many More to Come!

During 2024, NIH celebrated 10 years of BRAIN Initiative funded science, highlighting a decade of groundbreaking neuroscience research. While reflecting on the achievement, the NIH BRAIN Initiative Director Dr. John Ngai highlighted the NIH BRAIN Initiative’s critical and ongoing contributions to advancing the understanding of the brain. The celebration also emphasized the ongoing commitment to future discoveries and continued support for cutting-edge brain research. To celebrate, the BRAIN Initiative developed the “BRAIN at 10” blog series to highlight the work of each of the 10 participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Discover more by searching “BRAIN at 10” on the BRAIN Blog! See the December Director’s Message from Dr. Ngai on additional BRAIN achievements. The BRAIN Initiative Alliance has played a crucial role in this success by coordinating communications, facilitating collaborations, and promoting the Initiative’s achievements to different audiences, including the public, policymakers, and the scientific community.

Congressional Neuroscience Caucus Briefing

In April, the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC), in cooperation with several BRAIN Initiative Alliance members, held a congressional briefing on 10 Years of BRAIN Initiative Funding–Building on a Decade of Innovation. The event featured prominent speakers who highlighted significant progress in neurotechnologies, mapping neural circuits, and innovative treatments for brain disorders. Personal stories from participants underscored how these advances have also helped de-stigmatize mental health disorders. The congressional briefing emphasized the importance of robust funding for the NIH BRAIN Initiative, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of new technologies to further revolutionize the understanding and treatment of brain conditions. You can watch the recording on the American Brain Coalition’s YouTube page.

10^th Annual BRAIN Initiative Conference

Nearly 900 people attended the 10th Annual BRAIN Initiative Conference on June 16-18 in Rockville, Maryland, and another 1187 participated virtually. To mark BRAIN’s 10^th anniversary, Dr. John Ngai moderated a special panel called, “BRAIN at 10: Building on a Decade of Innovation,” to discuss the progress of the BRAIN Initiative and ongoing efforts to accomplish the “ambitious mission to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain by accelerating the development and application of innovative technologies.” Other highlights included discussions on high-density neurophysiology, large-scale imaging, music’s impact on the brain, and advancements in brain-computer interfaces. The conference also emphasized networking collaborations, neuroethics, and the integration of arts in STEM outreach. Key sessions focused on the future of computing, Alzheimer’s research, and the development of new neurotechnologies. Find out more about the conference on The BRAIN Blog and from the in-depth conference summary.

The annual BRAIN Initiative Conference has transitioned to a biennial schedule. This change aims to provide more time for in-depth research, collaboration, and preparation, ensuring that each conference delivers high-quality content and meaningful advancements in the field. The 11^th BRAIN Initiative Conference is being scheduled for 2026.

6^th Annual BRAIN Initiative Photo and Video Contest

The 2024 winners of the 6^th Annual BRAIN Initiative Photo & Video Contest are here! BRAIN Initiative investigators submitted artistic photos and videos representing the beauty of brain science through their research. The top three winners for each category were selected through a public vote and were announced at the BRAIN Initiative conference. Additionally, the 2024 finalists in the photo category are spotlighted in the 2025 BRAIN Initiative calendar and the video winners are featured on the BRAIN Initiative YouTube Channel. In 2024, a special “BRAIN at 10” category was added to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the BRAIN Initiative.

BRAIN at 10 Video Finalist: Cortical Density. This animation reveals the immense scientific progress that has been made in visualizing the brain. The Golgi method, established around the year 1873, stains ~1-5% of neurons, leading to a view of neurons surrounded by much empty space. Modern methods detail the true complexity and density of brain tissue. Credit: Tyler Sloan, Quorumetrix Studio

Looking Ahead in 2025

As we gear up for another exceptional year of advancements in brain research, we extend our deepest gratitude to all BRAIN Initiative investigators, trainees, collaborators, supporters, staff, and partners for their dedicated efforts in making these successes possible in 2024. Below is a glimpse of the milestones, events, and opportunities to anticipate in 2025. Be sure to download or order your free copy of the 2025 BRAIN Initiative calendar showcasing winning images from The BRAIN Initiative Photo and Video Contest to keep track of these important dates!

• FY25 NIH BRAIN Initiative Funding Opportunities:
  • Learn more about current NIH BRAIN Initiative notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for FY 2025 on the NIH BRAIN Initiative funding page.
• Simons Foundation Programs:
  • The Simons Foundation requested applications for their Independence Award under a new program name: the Fellows-to-Faculty Award. The award supports early career scientists transitioning to tenure-track faculty positions, with a focus on advancing research in autism and neuroscience. The deadline for submission was January 14, 2025, and the awards will be announced later this year.
  • In July 2025, the Simons Foundation will be launching a new program that supports fundamental research in neuroscience. Subscribe to the Simons Foundation newsletter to receive news and updates on this launch.
• Dana Foundation Programs:
  • The Dana Foundation accepted applications for letters of interest for pilot projects in Neuroscience & Society (priority deadline January 31, 2025), and is currently accepting applications for professional development awards and trainee research awards (deadline March 14,2025). These awards provide undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers with funds to explore interdisciplinary opportunities that connect neuroscience with fields outside of the natural sciences and engineering—such as ethics, social sciences, journalism, and others.
• The Kavli Foundation’s Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems (NCE) Program: In 2025, there will be several exciting opportunities to learn about and explore the NCE program.
  • NiCE Funding Opportunity: The National Science Foundation, in partnership with The Kavli Foundation, currently has an open call for the Neurobiology in Changing Ecosystems (NiCE) Funding Award for FY 2025.
  • New Webinar Series: The Society for Neuroscience and The Kavli Foundation are launching a new, four-part webinar series, “Neural Adaptation in Changing Ecosystems,” aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about research in neurobiology and changing environments. This one-year scientific training program began on January 29, 2025, with an inaugural webinar, and will be followed by three additional webinars throughout 2025. The webinar series will explore different modes of nervous system adaptation in an age in which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment. The series will include segments focused on neuromodulatory, genetic, behavioral, and evolutionary adaptations for a changing world. Learn more and register here.
  • Scialog®: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems: The Kavli Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group are co-sponsoring a Scialog^®: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems, in partnership with the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. Kicking off in March 2025, the three-year conference series unites 50 early-career researchers and 10 senior scientists to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across fields like neurophysiology, climate science, and toxicology. The conferences will help develop research ideas that address mechanisms behind the brain’s ability to respond to environmental stressors. Seed grant opportunities will be offered to spur innovative projects, as part of Kavli’s Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems Initiative. Register for The Kavli Foundation newsletter to find out more!
• International Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting:
  • In April 2025, the next International Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting will take place in Europe, marking the first meeting outside of North America. It will be in collaboration with the Italian Neuroethics Society, focusing on neuroethics and artificial intelligence. Be sure to subscribe to receive annual meeting updates!
• Celebrating their 75^th Year Anniversaries: In 2025, the Dana Foundation, National Science Foundation (NSF), and the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a leading institute of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, are celebrating their 75th anniversaries, marking significant milestones in their long-standing contributions to neuroscience and scientific research.
  • The Dana Foundation is excited to celebrate its anniversary, marking 75 years of steadfast commitment to health and education. Subscribe to the Dana Foundation newsletter to learn more about their historical impact and vision for the future.
  • NSF has major celebrations planned for May 2025 to mark its 75th anniversary. Leading up to May, they are hosting other celebratory activities, including the Game Maker Challenge for students in grades K-12. This challenge encourages students to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and passion for game design. The theme is “Life in 2100” to envision life in the future. The deadline for submissions was January 31, 2025. Find more details on the NSF website.
  • NINDS is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2025. This occasion includes events and activities highlighting NINDS’s accomplishments and inspiring future collaborations in neuroscience. Spread the word and explore NINDS’s milestones!
• Ongoing Outreach Efforts for the BRAIN Initiative:
  • The American Brain Coalition is looking forward to continuing its outreach and educational efforts on the vital importance of the BRAIN Initiative in 2025 and beyond.

Don’t forget to bookmark the BRAIN Initiative Alliance’s news hub to keep up with the latest BRAIN Initiative news, research highlights, and funding opportunities. Notably, 2025 promises to bring even more groundbreaking developments in neuroscience research!