Fundamental Neuroscience Research

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The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. Research and discovery in fundamental neuroscience (FN) are the foundations of achieving that mission. A more complete understanding of the development, the structure, and the function of the normal nervous system will benefit the entire neuroscience community.

 

For well over a century, discoveries in basic neuroscience research have been the basis for our understanding of the nervous system and the foundation for developing treatments for neurological disorders. Insights into fundamental neuroscience (FN) have advanced at an ever-faster pace in the 21^st century, with remarkable novel discoveries in areas ranging from subcellular mechanisms of action to whole brain activities. FN generates key insights, drives innovation, and underlies many therapeutic breakthroughs that benefit humanity.

Background:

Neurology’s Stake in Foundational Neuroscience Research

Back to Basics: A call for fundamental neuroscience research(pdf, 326 KB)

Discussion of Present and Future Plans For NINDS Support of Fundamental Neuroscience

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is planning a critical effort focused on advancing research in Fundamental Neuroscience (FN). To address this important and foundational aspect of neuroscience research, NINDS convened a Fundamental Neuroscience Working Group (FNWG). FNWG held a series of meetings to discuss key issues and prepared a report to the NANDS Council with recommendations to inform NINDS approaches and plans to support and foster FN research. The report was presented to NANDS Council on Wednesday September 6, 2023: NIH VideoCast - NANDS Council - September 2023.

FNWG activities and materials can be found here: Fundamental Neuroscience Working Group (FNWG). The FNWG's report on Advancing Fundamental Neuroscience Research(pdf, 915 KB) can be found here. Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the report, council presentation or any points related to promoting FN research to fn@nih.gov.

Do you have a cool image related to FN that you would like share?

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If so, please include your image with the following information and submit to: FN@ninds.nih.gov

• Your name
• Description of image
• Credit of image

NOTE: Image should be in a jpg, jpeg, gif, png or pdf format.