Dr. Francis Collins spoke at the White House today about the initiative.

Dr. Francis Collins spoke at the White House today about the initiative. Charles Dharapak/AP

A Big Day for Science: Welcome to the BRAIN Initiative

Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the NIH, would like to tell you about the President's newest initiative.

What an exciting day for science and innovation in the United States! I was thrilled to be present at the White House this morning, as President Barack Obama announced a pioneering project to explore the complex workings of the human brain: the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. And I’m proud to report that NIH-supported scientists will be among those at the forefront of this ambitious endeavor.

I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage each of you—whether you’re a researcher, health professional, patient, or young person interested in science—to embrace the BRAIN Initiative. Not only will this landmark effort continue our nation’s strong tradition of scientific innovation, it will advance NIH’s mission of turning scientific discoveries into better health for all.

For more details on the BRAIN Initiative, check out what DARPA chief Arati Prabhakar and I have to say on WhiteHouse.gov blog .

Learn more about the BRAIN Initiative from Director Collins in the video and infographic below:

Infographic via WhiteHouse.gov blog :