Page 6 - ESTABLISHING THE INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN AND NEURAL SCIENCES

Comprising billions of neurons intricately interconnected in a complex tapestry, the brain is the most complex organ in our bodies—more elegant in design than any computer yet conceived. This enormous complexity is re ected in the interdisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience, which combines multiple biological areas with innovation in chemistry, computer science, linguistics, physics, psychology, and engineering.
WHY BRAIN SCIENCE?
WHY NOW? WHY WEIZMANN?
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F
ully realizing the promise
buildings, numerous scientists in other departments—over 40 altogether— are actively conducting research of relevance to neuroscience across all levels of analysis.
Our experts in molecular and cell biology, immunology, genomics, systems biology, and cognitive neuroscience conduct research across the full evolutionary spectrum. Our computer scientists are working
at the cutting edge of arti cial intelligence. Our physicists and chemists are developing new methods technologies—for example, for visualizing the brain in action.
If all this strength could be leveraged as one, the result is an entity
whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The new Institute
for Brain and Neural Sciences
will generate such synergy. It
will accelerate multidisciplinary research by gathering the diverse neuroscience knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure at the Weizmann Institute into a greater, collaborative, and integrated whole—creating
a unique environment of physical proximity that promotes robust synergistic energy and catalyzes discovery for the bene t of humanity.
of neuroscience research
to understand and demystify the
brain in health and disease requires intellectual exchanges among scientists from di erent elds. The best way to ensure the necessary collaboration
for transformative advancements in neuroscience is to promote face-to-face interactions among scientists.
The design of the Weizmann Institute of Science naturally enables such interactions, with its small size and permeable walls between departments. In fact, while the members of the Department of Neurobiology and
their labs are spread across several