About us

The Declaration of Intent

The Declaration of Intent to establish the International Brain Initiative was announced on 8 December 2017 at a meeting of representatives from some of the world’s major brain research projects, supported by The Kavli Foundation and hosted by the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra.

The Declaration, made by representatives from Japan, S. Korea, Europe, the United States of America and Australia, is designed to speed up progress on ‘cracking the brain’s code’. Other member nations now include China, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Africa, and Latin America.

Read the full Declaration of Intent.

Current Funders and Support

Fonds de recherche du Québec, and the Institute of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Vision

Border-free global science, scholarship, and innovation that are catalyzed by the critical engagement of large-scale brain initiatives and unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration.

Mission

To provide a platform for active dialogue and exchange among large-scale brain initiatives worldwide, support the emergence of new initiatives, and foster collaboration on a global scale through priority endeavours that accelerate discovery research and innovation for the benefit all people.

Aspirations

1. Between countries: Serve as a convener between IBI countries to promote involvement in the International Brain Initiative and enable synergistic interactions.
2. Across research fields: Promote interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches to research and training to drive discovery and innovation.
3. Among global citizens: Communicate transparently about the opportunities and challenges arising from the latest brain-inspired discoveries and innovation.
4. With industry: Provide access to global engagement for the translation of discoveries.
1. For international collaboration: Develop innovative and dynamic models for international research collaboration.
2. For brain health: Foster a culture of scientific sharing and exchange about brain diseases on a global scale.
3. For ethical practice in the brain sciences: Advance the highest standards of global ethical inquiry as an integral part of the global enterprise.

Recent Timeline and Milestones

November 2024

A delegation of representatives from eight Brain Initiatives travel to Shanghai, Sanya, and Wenzhou, China. New IBI programs, including IBI Fellowships in Global Exchange and IBI Prizes are initiated here.

March 2023

The IBI announces its new round of activity, reaches out to prospective new national initiatives to join the conversation and activity, and invites ideas for new Working Groups. Having established a structure and entities within which to exchange ideas, present challenges, and achieve goals, the IBI will continue their support of global brain initiatives and the neuroscience community at large.

January 2023

With a new structure in place to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and pursue the goals for global neuroscience, the IBI revitalizes its support of brain initiatives worldwide.

December 2022

Funding from the Fonds de Recherche du Québec and the Institute for Neuroscience Mental Health and Addiction of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is secured to move the IBI into the next generation of global neuroscience impact. Japan Brain/MINDS Beyond offers additional funding for IBI operations.

January 2022

IBI transitions from the leadership of the Kavli Foundation to full autonomy. The IBI Secretariat finds its home for 2022-2026 at the University of British Columbia. Existing Working Groups revitalize their efforts; new Working Groups come online.