The Neurosciences Institute

Specialties

Neuroscience

Basic Research

Performing Arts Program — Auditorium

History

Established in 1981.

The Neurosciences Institute was originally located on the campus of The Rockefeller University in NYC, and began by sponsoring various activities for visiting scientists. In 1988, it began its own program of research in theoretical neurobiology designed to develop biologically based theories of higher brain functions and to train young scientists in the methods used to construct such neural theories.

In 1993, the Institute moved from NYC to San Diego and into permanent facilities on land owned by The Scripps Research Institute. The new three-​acre campus on Torrey Pines Mesa was opened on October 15, 1995. The three-​building complex, designed by the Tod Williams Billie Tsien and Associates, has been awarded numerous honors, including the Honor Award for Architecture from the AIA in 1997.

The campus includes experimental laboratories for research across a broad front of neurobiological disciplines, as well as facilities for theoretical research and for visiting scientists.

Meet the Business Owner

Gerald E.

Business Owner

Dr. Gerald Edelman is the Director of The Neurosciences Institute and President of Neurosciences Research Foundation. He is Professor at The Scripps Research Institute and Chairman of the Department of Neurobiology at that institution. His early studies focused on the structure and diversity of antibodies. His subsequent work led to the discovery of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and in 1972, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. To understand higher brain functions, Edelman and his colleagues designed and constructed a series of mobile devices with simulated brains. These brain-​based devices (BBDs) were shown to be capable of operant conditioning and episodic memory. Dr. Edelman has also formulated a detailed theory to explain the development and organization of higher brain functions called Neural Darwinism.