Understanding the brain and its complex functions in health and disease is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This could reap significant benefits, both for individuals and society as a whole. Brain and nervous system disorders – from mental illness to substance abuse, aggression, and degenerative brain diseases and cognitive decline suffered by so many in old age – impose a wide range of costs on individuals, carers, families and communities.
Building brain science
Although the UK has a particularly strong track record in the brain sciences and advances are being made across the science disciplines, there is a need for more cross-disciplinary working.
In the 2002 comprehensive spending review the Government committed £15m for Brain Sciences, shared between the MRC, the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils. The four Councils have used this funding to build capacity and multi-disciplinary interactions in those areas where they have complementary strengths.
However, further investment will be required if we are to build on this foundation to secure the UK’s position at the forefront of research into the brain. The MRC and its partner Research Councils are therefore seeking further Government support for the Brain Sciences programme in the forthcoming spending review.