The public lack an online source of authoritative information about the progress and promise of brain research. To address this, we are partnering with the Kavli Foundation to support the Society for Neuroscience to create and maintain BrainFacts.org.

BrainFacts.org will serve an important function that is presently unfilled: assembling and disseminating scientifically vetted public information about the brain and nervous system to the broad public, sub-university level science educators, and public policy audiences.  This will strengthen public awareness of growing scientific knowledge about the brain and how basic physical and life science research translates to better human health.

If successful, the site will deliver a variety of benefits.  It will help dispel “neuromyths” and decrease misunderstanding and stigma around topics like mental illness.  It will stimulate greater academic interest and enthusiasm among young people by providing science teachers with easy access to teaching tools and resources.  It will also increase public support for brain research funding by showcasing how research happens, demonstrating tremendous progress to date, and informing policy deliberation about brain science.

BrainFacts.org launched in May 2012.