About the Institute

At BSI we engage in interdisciplinary and synergetic research. We integrate various disciplines such as medicine, biology, physics, technology, information science, mathematical science, and psychology. Our research objectives include individual organisms, behavior, microscopic molecular structures of the brain, neurons, neurocircuits, cognition, memory, learning, language acquisition, and robotics. During the first ten years our institute has pursued four strategic Areas of research: Understanding the Brain, Protecting the Brain, Creating the Brain and Nurturing the Brain. In April 2008, we reorganized to establish four Core areas of research: Mind and Intelligence Research Core, Neural Circuit Function Research Core, Diseases Mechanism Research Core and Advanced Technology Development Core. With this reorganization we synergized our research results and took the initiative to pursue the most important research areas in neuroscience. Our aim is to answer the ultimate question, “What makes humans human?”

Of our 500 researchers and technicians 20% are from abroad. In addition, we have nearly 300 research fellows and visiting researchers. Our research covers basic to applied neuroscience. Also, we foster good relationships with many domestic and international universities and institutions. We have established collaborative research centers with the private sector. We also set up the Neuroinformatics Japan Center (NIJC), to organize activities in neuroinformatics research. By planning events such as the Summer Program and Tutorial Series for young neuroscientists, we actively nurture young scientists in the international neuroscience community.