EBRI

The European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) is a non profit international research institute fully devoted to studies in Neuroscience.
The Institute was established in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini, in response to 

the need in Italy for a centre that would foster  and promote brain research with the aim of finding new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer´s, and other neurological disorders.

Uncovering
the Complexity of the Brain

The brain is made up of billions of neurons (nerve cells) that form an extraordinary complex interconnecting network. The activity of these cells underlies all behaviours, ranging from relatively simple tasks to the very complex cognitive functions such as thought, memory and emotion. The brain is very susceptible to illness and the number

of people afflicted with psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer´s, is steadily increasing.

Despite the formidable progress in the field of neuroscience, a better understanding how the brain works is, and remains, the great challenge to prevent or cure brain disorders.

Promoting
Interdisciplinary Research

For many years brain research conducted in Italy has taken place in centers scattered in several locations with little implementation of interdisciplinary exchanges. Rita Levi-Montalcini’s initiative was implemented through the creation of EBRI, an international institute that promotes multidisciplinary research in neuroscience. EBRI brings together the best scientists working

in different scientific disciplines to pursue studies in brain research, synergizing diverse technical and human resources. To attract the best scientist from Italy and abroad, EBRI applies a recruitment policy based on merit and scientific credentials. Applying these standards, EBRI encourages the return of young, promising scientists from abroad in order to reverse the brain drain.

Pursuing
Excellence in Research

EBRI aims at implementing diverse approaches to the study of neuroscience. Scientists with distinct backgrounds will use techniques including molecular and cell biology, genetics, biophysics, bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics, electrophysiology and nanotechnology.

Main research activities involve the study of:

Combining
State-of-the-Art Technology

EBRI is a unique model of scientific relevance, currently undergoing a phase of growth and expansion, that will attract not only scientists from various disciplines but also technology-based firms. The institute is organized in independent laboratories as well as core facilities. State-of-the-art equipment is combined with leading-edge technology to enhance synergy and optimize results.

 

The institute’s infrastructure provides scientists with a high technology platform:

  • Transgenic mouse technology
  • Functional genomics and proteomics
  • Laser scanning confocal microscopy
  • Isolation of pure neuronal cell lines
  • Neuronal stem cell culture
Integrating
Knowledge

Based on the model of other scientific institutions in Europe, EBRI is organized as a main center located in Rome, in a building of approximately 25,000 square meters. EBRI has attracted the relocation on the same site of two other neuroscience institutes: the research laboratories of the Santa Lucia Foundation, institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Health Care involved in neuromotor rehabilitation, and the Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine of the National Research Council. The co-existence of the

institutes in one location is shaping the birth of an International Neuroscience “campus” with a very significant critical mass of scientists and equipment. In addition to this local organization, EBRI is currently collaborating with universities and international research centers and also hosts two Telethon laboratories. EBRI is administered by a Board of Directors and is assisted by an International Scientific Council composed of internationally renowned neurobiologists, including three Nobel Prize winners.