ABOUT

Neuroscience is the study investigating the function of the central and peripheral nervous system, a highly developed organ for information processing. Neuroscience also aims to understand "the mind," the core of human existence. Elucidating the principles of information processing in the brain is closely related to mathematical and information science and is expected to lead to developments in brain-based artificial intelligence. Research on the human mind also contributes to solving problems in social systems through understanding human sociality and group behavior. In the case of nervous system disorders, it is necessary first to understand the complex structure and function of the nervous system and then develop strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

As a Japanese neuroscience hub, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) takes a multilevel approach, conducting research that ranges in scale from genes and molecules to neural circuits and the behavior of individuals. CBS was established in 2018 as the successor of Brain Science Institute (BSI) with enduring success under the leadership of Drs. Yasushi Miyashita and Ryoichiro Kageyama, two former directors. To decipher brain complexity, CBS develops innovative technologies for the analysis and manipulation of the nervous system, promotes mathematical science in the quest for how the mind relates to information processing in the brain, and creates experimental models to reproduce the pathophysiology of dementia and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our mission is to elucidate the nature of the nervous system function and apply the acquired knowledge to benefit society. This goal can be achieved only through integrated research that goes beyond medical and biological sciences, involving physics, chemistry, engineering, information and mathematical sciences, psychology, and other academic fields.

For ten years since 2014, CBS has played a central role in the national project "Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies (Brain/MINDS)." In the fiscal year of 2023, a new brain project, "Brain/MINDS 2.0," started with CBS as the core organization. Taking this opportunity, CBS will further promote the progress of neuroscience through the formation of networks with related research institutes and universities, both domestic and abroad, and the translation of novel discoveries through industry-academia collaboration.

CBS has a research environment in which a diverse group of researchers can work in collaboration while demonstrating their own capabilities and tackling important research questions based on their original ideas. CBS utilizes this unique environment while acting as a hub of the domestic neuroscience research network. These two features of CBS will contribute to the progress of neuroscience, which aims to elucidate the structure and function of the nervous system, understand its information-processing mechanisms, and overcome the burden of neurological and psychiatric disorders.