BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network

Scientists working together to transform our understanding of the human brain.

About

The BRAIN Initiative® Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) is a collaborative effort between neuroscientists, computational biologists and software engineers to create a comprehensive atlas of the human brain. Supported by the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, we are dedicated to advancing our knowledge of the brain by gathering and sharing new data that allows us to develop the “parts list” of the brain, detailing the vast array of neurons and non-neuronal cells in the human brain. The BICAN continues the work of the BICCN consortium.

Our mission is to create an open-access compendium of data and tools that will enable researchers to better understand the structure and function of the brain and advance neuroscience research. We are committed to fostering collaboration among the scientific community and promoting the sharing of data and tools.

Learn about our ground-breaking science and the recent collection of papers on the cell census of the developing mammalian brain.

Upcoming Events

Mapping the cellular architecture of the mammalian basal ganglia

Tue, Dec 02

Webinar - Pacific Time (PT)

New cellular advances allow us to map basal ganglia’s structure and function in both humans and model organisms. We will present major advances by the HMBA consortium on basal ganglia mapping—including cross-species cellular mapping and open-access visualization tools.

RSVP

New frontiers in understanding brain development

Tue, Dec 09

Webinar

How does the brain build itself? What sparks the transformation from a handful of cells into a complex organ that powers thought, emotion, and behavior? We will present the findings from a collection of scientific works aimed at mapping brain development in extraordinary detail.

RSVP