The Weizmann Institute of Science and Weizmann Canada have announced a $50 million lead gift from the Azrieli Foundation in support of an institute dedicated to neuroscience research.

The Azrieli Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences, to be located at the Weizmann Institute campus in Rehovot, Israel, will serve as a hub for neuroscience activities, facilities, and state-of-the-art technologies. The institute will be dedicated to research in the areas of perception and action; mental and emotional health; positive neuroscience; learning, memory, and cognition; the development of neural networks; the aging brain; neurodegeneration; injury and regeneration; theoretical and computational neuroscience; the development of innovative neurotechnologies; and integrative brain disorders.

A longtime supporter of research at the Weizmann Institute, the foundation has previously awarded a total of $30 million in support of research facilities as well as faculty and student fellowships.

"The new Azrieli Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences embodies one of the Weizmann Institute's fundamental values — interdisciplinary collaboration. It will create a home for all the Weizmann researchers studying neuroscience, who will, under one roof, work together to gain a detailed understanding of how the brain develops and how it functions. I'm confident that this new and unique research environment will enable the next major leap in brain research," said Weizmann Institute president Alon Chen. "The Azrieli Foundation's commitment to the Weizmann Institute is extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful for their longstanding support and partnership."

(Image credit: Weizmann Institute)