Page 4 - Establishing the Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences

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JOIN US ON OUR EXPLORATION OF THE HUMAN BRAIN
Is there any mystery more challenging than the brain—or more marvelous? Billions of nerve cells connect to form
the most sophisticated computer in the world, one that governs every aspect of our lives. While the brain is by far the most complex organ in the human body, it is still the least understood. Demystifying the brain’s complexity, a fundamental goal for society, is a mission spearheaded by neurobiologists, who, together with colleagues in molecular biology, systems biology, computer science, biophysics,
and biochemistry, are contributing to the uniquely interdisciplinary eld of neuroscience we know today.
In the last two decades, an explosion of knowledge in genomics, immunology, and other elds has led to new ways to investigate diseases like Alzheimer’s and disorders like autism, and scientists have shown that the brain is
far more malleable than we ever thought possible. We
now have imaging techniques for seeing, stimulating, and recording brain activity with extraordinary precision. But deepening expertise can breed silos, and so it is incumbent upon us to come together to share ideas and nd our common language if we are to make serious progress. Today, neuroscience research may be more diverse
than any other biological eld, and many domains of exploration are ready for the next stage: integration.
The key to solving the brain’s mysteries in 2020 and beyond is to harmonize across sub- elds and encompass all levels of analysis—from genes, molecules, and cells, to neural networks and behaviors. The goal: to cultivate an environment in which a range of experts interact on
a regular basis, learn to speak each other’s language,
and break through to new frontiers.
The Weizmann Institute of Science possesses this great diversity within neuroscience—with more than 40 internationally renowned groups actively investigating topics of relevance to the eld. Its scienti c community is close-knit, collaborative, agile, and exible, and includes the brightest young stars and seasoned experts in multiple disciplines who share a common purpose to elucidate the mysteries of the brain, paving the way to new treatments and cures for diseases and disorders.
A USD $200 million agship project, the Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences will take shape in two parts, both of which are critical to fostering synergy: the construction of a new USD $100 million building that will serve as a hub for neuroscience activities, facilities, and state-of-the-art technologies; and USD $100 million for the expansion
of sta and research, including incentive mechanisms to facilitate and amplify collaborative work across disciplines.
This e ort will further enable a rich network of international collaborations, serve as a vehicle to attract the best neuroscientists worldwide, and be a powerful, national platform for parterships with medical centers and other research institutions across Israel. The new Institute will strengthen neuroscience in Israel and worldwide.
The Weizmann Institute of Science is seeking philanthropic partners to participate in establishing the Institute
for Brain and Neural Sciences, with multiple naming opportunities for leadership gifts including the naming
of centers, wings, labs, and funds.