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brain science
brain science
building a complete, interactive blueprint of the brain's cells and connections to unlock how it all works

The brain's complexity is staggering. Understanding it requires a blueprint. We're building one.
Imagine trying to understand a city without a map: no street grid, no neighborhood names, no guide to which utilities connect where. That's the challenge brain scientists have faced for decades. We're creating the maps that change everything.
Our Brain Science team produces three interlocking resources: cell type atlases that catalog every kind of brain cell across ages and species, connectomes that chart the brain's intricate wiring, and a knowledge platform that knits it all together with powerful analysis tools. Every dataset is freely shared, so discoveries made here fuel discoveries everywhere.

Our brain cell atlases, connectomes, and open knowledge platform give scientists worldwide the reference tools they need to accelerate every corner of brain research.
brain science news

By examining brain cell types and connections across species at a refined level and at the most comprehensive scale – we are working towards understanding the structure and function of the human brain itself.
Hongkui Zeng
Executive Vice President and Director, Brain Science

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featured publications

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brain science events

Attendee Details: Fundamentals of Neuroscience Virtual Teacher Academy
At this teacher academy, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from neuroscientists, explore open data, attend a live virtual lab tour, and ask questions to scientists on a panel.
This workshop takes place across 2 required sessions on February 27, 2024 and March 5, 2024 from 4:00 pm PST until 5:30 pm PST.

Fundamentals of Neuroscience Virtual Teacher Academy
STEM educators are invited to join us for a two-part virtual professional development workshop all about our open neuroscience concepts and science careers at the Allen Institute. Join us for an opportunity to ask neuroscientists all of the questions you and your students wonder about in class!
This workshop takes place across 2 required sessions on February 27, 2024 and March 5, 2024 from 4:00 pm PST until 5:30 pm PST.
Application deadline extended!
Apply by February 23, 2024.
brain science advisory council
























