Skip to main content
impact
.nav--link
research
research
impact
open science
subheadline
careers and opportunities
subheadline
people & teams
people & teams
subheadline
allen institute advisors
subheadline
board of directors
subheadline
shanahan foundation fellowship
subheadline
next generation leaders
subheadline
research
overview
our approach
subheadline
publications
subheadline
open science
subheadline
accelerator
brain science
subheadline
cell science
subheadline
neural dynamics
subheadline
immunology
subheadline
synthetic biology
subheadline
education
education
science education
subheadline
teaching resources
subheadline
field trips
subheadline
open science
subheadline
open science quest
subheadline
news
news
stories
subheadline
podcast
subheadline
sign up for our newsletter
subheadline
events
events
all events
subheadline
conferences
subheadline
event code of conduct
subheadline
events
open science quest
subheadline
summer workshop on the dynamic brain
subheadline
open science week
subheadline
brain fest
subheadline
science resources
science resources
allencell.org
subheadline
allenimmunology.org
subheadline
allenneuraldynamics.org
subheadline
brain-bican.org
subheadline
brain-map.org
subheadline
microns-explorer.org
subheadline
impact
back to menu
impact
open science
subheading
careers and opportunities
subheading
people & teams
people & teams
subheading
allen institute advisors
subheading
board of directors
subheading
shanahan foundation fellowship
subheading
next generation leaders
subheading
research
back to menu
impact
Label
subheading
Label
subheading
people & teams
education
back to menu
research
Label
subheading
Label
subheading
Heading
news
back to menu
research
Label
subheading
Label
subheading
Heading
events
back to menu
research
Label
subheading
Label
subheading
Heading
science resources
back to menu
science resources
allencell.org
subheading
allenimmunology.org
subheading
allenneuraldynamics.org
subheading
brain-bican.org
subheading
brain-map.org
subheading
microns-explorer.org
subheading
search
research
discover
brain science
building a complete, interactive blueprint of the brain's cells and connections to unlock how it all works
visit brain-map.org
brain science teams
news
publications
events
advisory council
3D visualization of brain neural networks with colorful data particles flowing through tissue

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.

Female scientist in lab coat and safety goggles conducts research with blue gloves in laboratory.
Our brain cell atlases, connectomes, and open knowledge platform give scientists worldwide the reference tools they need to accelerate every corner of brain research.

meet our teams

Scientist holding brush pointing at chest X-ray images on dark background
brain science management
leading institute-wide deciphering of mammalian brain cellular and circuit organization across development, evolution, and disease
Colorful cross-section of brain tissue showing different anatomical regions with vibrant pink, blue, and yellow fluorescent staining.
data and technology
driving breakthroughs in neuroscience through advanced computation, data management technologies and collaborative open data sharing
Colorful neon neural network visualization with branching lines on black background
connectomics
mapping the nervous system at cellular and synaptic resolution within and across brain regions
Abstract pixelated pattern with blue, orange, and tan colored blocks on dark blue background
human cell types
characterizing cellular diversity in the nervous system of humans and other mammals to study disease, evolution and brain function
Milky Way galaxy band spanning across starry night sky with colorful nebula dust
imaging
exploring the diversity of cell types in the brain using a variety of microscopy and image processing techniques
Advanced optical research equipment with multiple laser apparatus and measurement instruments on laboratory bench
integrated cell physiology
establishing connections between morphoelectric characteristics and transcriptomic-defined cell types
Network diagram with interconnected nodes and branching red and blue lines on white background
neuroanatomy
investigating the neuroanatomical architecture of the brain at the population and single cell level
Colorful illustrated brain map showing anatomical regions with different colored zones and labeled divisions.
molecular genetics
driving comprehensive molecular profiling of mouse brain cell types and developing advanced transgenic and viral tools
Collection of abstract spark and explosion effects transitioning from white to orange to red.
research operations
driving large-scale scientific initiatives via strategic partnerships, streamlined communication, and efficient planning

brain science news

explore more news
news 
“Computational crystal ball” helps predict cell behavior
New technology could lead to better treatments for cancer by allowing scientists to perform virtual experiments
news 
Neuropixels Opto sheds new light into deepest regions of the brain
A single tool measures and manipulates brain cell communication and democratizes advanced neuroscience
news 
Mind trip: How psilocybin changes the brain
New research may help improve psychedelic therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders
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
Block Quote
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.

featured publications

view all publications
publication / 2025
Evidence from spatial transcriptomics for the mosaic hypothesis and pure cell types in the cortex
Cell Reports
publication / 2025
Spontaneous pathology in PS19 tauopathy mice progresses via brain networks
Neurobiology of Disease
publication / 2025
Data-driven fine-grained region discovery in the mouse brain with transformers
Nature Communications
view all publications
Healthcare worker wearing blue scrubs and protective face shield examining patient with colleague nearby.

access open tools, brain atlases, neuroscience databases, and more

brain-map.org

brain science events

explore more events
event 
IBRO 2023
Meet scientists from the Allen Institute for Brain Science team at the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) World Congress in Grenada, Spain.
event 
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.
event / February 27 & March 5, 2024
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.
explore more events

brain science advisory council

David J. Anderson
California Institute of Technology
Paola Arlotta
Harvard University
Edward M. Callaway
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Rosa Cossart
French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm)
Karl Deisseroth
Stanford University
Michael D. Ehlers
CSO & Venture Partner | Apple Tree Partners
Viren Jain
Google
Erich Jarvis
Rockefeller University
Botond Roska
Institute for Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel
Barbara Treutlein
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH Zürich)
Matt Wood
PwC
Lab scientist wearing purple gloves pipetting sample in modern research laboratory

explore open positions at the allen institute

careers and opportunities
we acceleratedevelopcatalyzeimpact

science done differently. shared with the world.

explore our accelerators

brain science

Mapping every cell, connection, and circuit in the brain—openly shared with the world.

cell science

Decoding how cells become tissues, then programming that knowledge into powerful new research tools.

neural dynamics

Revealing the brain's hidden algorithms that transform neural activity into real-world behavior.

immunology

Creating the deepest open reference for the healthy human immune system ever built.

synthetic biology

Engineering cells to record their own histories, transforming how we understand disease over time.

research

Big questions, open answers, and science built to be shared.

education

Inspiring the next generation of scientists through open science resources.

impact

Our science is empowering researchers and advancing health worldwide.
advancing science through open, collaborative research
Get the allen institute newsletter
Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, bioscience, and AI-driven research.
allen institute
impactpeople & teamscareers & opportunitiesalumnihistory & founder
science resources
allencell.orgallenimmunology.orgallenneuraldynamics.orgbrain-bican.orgbrain-map.orgmicrons-explorer.org
research
brain sciencecell scienceneural dynamicsimmunologysynthetic biologypublications
education
science educationfield tripsprofessional developmentteaching resources
quick links
newseventsopen sciencepodcastscience resourceshuman brain donationvisit uscontact
follow us/

allen institute, 615 Westlake Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109 +12065487055

© 0000 allen institute. all rights reserved.
privacy policyterms of usecitation policyemployee portalpolicy & compliance