Science and Technology Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN)

The NSF Science and Technology Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) examines the basic neural systems governing social behavior in animals.  It also seeks to explain how social experience and the environment alter the nervous system.  CBN researchers use cutting-edge techniques from brain imaging to molecular methods.  CBN scientists, through fundamental research, have identified a brain chemical that could have implications in treating autism; pioneered new methods to diagnose and treat post traumatic stress disorder; and examined brain signaling systems related to obesity.

During its seven-year history, the CBN has made tremendous strides in creating visibility for behavioral neuroscience through innovative research, and educational, and community programs.  Through programs such as the Brain Camps for middle school, Institute on Neuroscience for high school, BRAIN for undergraduates, Graduate Scholars program for graduate students and the Postdoctoral Fellows program for postdocs, the CBN has created a unique pipeline approach to educating and training the next generation of neuroscientists.  To promote science literacy, CBN works with its community partners -- Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Georgia Aquarium.  Activities include the annual Neuroscience Exposition, exhibits on genomics and primate behavior, interactive kiosks on animal behavior, as well as public lectures and seminars.  The Georgia Biomedical Partnership honored the Center with the 2006 Biomedical Community Award highlighting the Center as a "model for conducting nationally recognized scientific research through a broad consortium of colleges and universities," and applauding its "extensive efforts to increase scientific literacy."

This award-winning, interdisciplinary research consortium is composed of more than 100 neuroscientists spanning eight institutions in the metropolitan Atlanta area including lead institution Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College.

Additional information about the NSF Center for Behavioral Neuroscience can be found at the CBN website.