Neurosciences Research Foundation, Inc.

Programs: The experimental and theoretical research program aims to understand the fundamental principles underlying brain function with potential applications of the results to ameliorate human disorders and improve life. The range of research areas includes the molecular details of nerve cell physiology and the effects of various drugs thereupon, the genetic bases of appetite and sleep control, the neurophysiology and genetics of behavior, the mechanisms by which we understand music and language, and the biological bases of consciousness. Functional computer models of various brain areas are used to control robot-like devices that can interact with the world and learn from their experience, and, at the same time, provide insights into how the brain works. The research results are published in a variety of scientific journals, and researchers present talks about their work at various institutions and scientific meetings.

the educational outreach program includes activities to inform the general public about advances in neuroscience and to interest young people in careers in science. These activities include several library roundtable public lectures each year, several "lunch & learn" presentations on current research topics, a minding the brain event with laboratory demonstrations, a teen discovery day, job shadowing opportunities for students, and an annual brain bee (like a spelling bee, but with questions about the brain) for high school students. Fewer events were held in fiscal year 2012 as the foundation prepared to move to new quarters. Most of the costs were employee effort, which was not separately allocated.