ABOUT

RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) explores the mysteries of the brain—one of the ultimate frontiers in natural science—carrying out research at all levels, from cells to organisms and social systems, with the goal of returning those results to society.

What makes us uniquely human Harnessing the universal biological principles of life Collecting and applying big data Tackling global challenges
  • What makes us uniquely human
    Research to reveal the high-level cognitive functions of the human brain How do we reflect on ourselves, make inferences, and predict what others are thinking?
  • Harnessing the universal biological principles of life
    Multi-layered studies based on animal models By conducting research at all levels, we aim to understand the principles of brain functions and brain-body interactions.
  • Collecting and applying big data
    Data-driven research led by theoretical and technological advances Ever larger and complex data acquired with advanced technologies can be harnessed to develop new theories and more universal and efficient AI systems.
  • Tackling global challenges
    Developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods for neuropsychiatric disorders We aim to address the social challenges of brain diseases and to create seeds for innovations that will enhance the quality of life.

Message from the CBS Center Director

We are facing a variety of problems in our rapidly aging society that we have never experienced before. In particular, dementia and other neuropsychiatric diseases are becoming major problems that will shake the foundation of our society in the future. In addition, the spread of the new coronavirus infection is restricting social life and threatening the mental health of not only the elderly but also the younger generation. Overcoming these mental health issues is a pressing matter in our modern society. The brain is the foundation of the "mind" and enables us to live as human beings, and mental health instability is caused by dysfunction in the brain. The human brain is capable of learning and memory, as well as decision-making and creative activities based on experience. Elucidating the operating principles of these brain activities is essential to understanding the basis of the "mind" and overcoming neuropsychiatric disorders.


RIKEN CBS was established in 2018 as a core center for brain science research in Japan. We have been conducting basic research and developing innovative technologies for the brain and mind across multiple levels, including genes, cells, individuals, and social systems, with a background in interdisciplinary and integrated academic fields such as medical science, biology, chemistry, engineering, information and mathematical sciences, and psychology.


Since Dr. Yasushi Miyashita became the first Center Director of CBS, we have been engaged in the following four pillars of research.


(1) Research to reveal the high-level cognitive functions of the human brain
(2) Developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods for neuropsychiatric disorders
To achieve the above goals:
(3) Multi-layered studies based on animal models
(4) Data-driven research led by theoretical and technological advances


We will continue to vigorously promote this research moving forward. In addition, by working hand in hand with domestic and international research institutes, universities, and inter-university research institutions, and by fostering collaboration with industry, we will strive to fulfill our role as a core center for the national project "Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies (Brain/MINDS)" and further strive to fulfill our role as a hub for industry-academia-government networks in brain science. Through such research and development, we aim to meet the expectations of society and make further contributions to the elucidation of the full range of brain function networks and the overcoming of neuropsychiatric disorders. We would like to take this opportunity to ask for your continued understanding and support of RIKEN CBS.


  • Ryoichiro Kageyama

    Director, RIKEN Center
    for Brain Science