In a recent “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) the National Science Foundation (NSF) describes their intent to create a National Brain Observatory (NBO) to create a coherent national infrastructure for neuroscience that fosters collaboration, development, and dissemination of research resources and instrumentation.
In mid-February, 6 scientific directorates participating in the BRAIN Initiative at NSF announced plans to create a National Brain Observatory to facilitate large-scale collaborative research efforts in neuroscience. Signed by the Assistant Directors for Biological Sciences, Computer & Information Science & Engineering, Education and Human Resources, Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Social, Behavioral, & Economic Sciences, the DCL notes that “achieving a comprehensive understanding of the brain requires increased emphasis on systemic, multi-disciplinary collaboration and team science,” but the appropriate infrastructure to support such collaborations and ensure dissemination of the products developed therein is lacking. Among other things, the NBO is expected to aid in the dissemination of research resources as broadly as possible across all brain science communities, assist collaborative networks of cross-disciplinary scientists investigating common questions, and establish an infrastructure that allows the integration of data across neuroscience projects at a national and international level. Interested parties should look for additional DCLs and solicitations from NSF that clarify guidance and funding opportunity particulars: http:/www.nsf.gov/brain