The Kavli Institute for Brain Science at Columbia University was established in late winter 2004 with a gift of $7.5M from the Kavli Foundation. It is the mission of the institute to develop experimental and computational tools that will allow neuroscientists to move away from the study of individual neurons, to that of complex neural circuits, believed to for the basis for higher mental function and behavior.

In addition to these aims, The Institute supports various research and education initiatives here at Columbia University. These take the form of annual lectureships and weekly seminars, core facilities, a university wide undergraduate neuroscience course, as well as research fellowships for undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral scientists.

Science prizes for the 21st century, the Kavli Prizes recognize scientists for their seminal advances in three research areas: astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience. Established in 2008, the Kavli Prizes are awarded every two years and consist of a scroll, medal and cash award of one million dollars for each area. read more