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 National Initiative Brain and Cognition is an independent umbrella organisation, operating under the supervision of the Brain & Cognition Council. This Council’s members represent the educational, health and justice fields as well as science and business. The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) supports and coordinates this National Initiative.