National Initiative Brain & Cognition

Our brain, our thinking, our behaviour, our society

Walking and talking. Learning and planning. Enjoying and wondering. Everything we do, whether individually or collectively, is directed by our brain. Scientists around the world are trying to unravel its many mysteries. Not just for the sake of understanding, but also to find concrete solutions to brain-related problems in society.

The National Initiative Brain & Cognition was created to support this important mission. This major Dutch umbrella programme, placed at the interface of science and society, aims to use cutting-edge science to study the human brain and its role in our social behaviour. The ultimate goal is to use that knowledge to improve people’s quality of life and society as a whole.

The Initiative brings together scientific and societal partners to address questions relating to cognition and behaviour. This powerful network will stimulate research and seek new ways of cooperation. It will facilitate the practical application of scientific insights.

The Initiative is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) together with the Dutch Departments of Education, Culture and Science, Public Health and Sport, Judicial Affairs, Defense, Internal Affairs and Youth.