Our history

The origins of the BNA

The British Neuroscience Association (formerly known as the ‘Brain Research Association’) was formally founded in London in 1968 with the aim of drawing knowledge from several distinct scientific disciplines and promoting collaboration across the brain sciences. Our members, past and present, include world-leading scientists making major discoveries in neuroscience. Starting as an eclectic group of like-minded scientists (initiated by Steven Rose, John Lagnado, John Dobbing, and Robert Balázs), the Brain Research Association would gather at the Black Horse pub in Rathbone Place, London to work together to promote neuroscience in the UK. Since the 1960s the Association has been organising conferences and workshops, acting as a lobby group, promoting new courses, degrees, centres and chairs in the neurosciences and gradually engaging in the ethical and social implications emerging from this new field of research.  In 1996 members voted to rename the Brain Research Association to the British Neuroscience Association (BNA). Today, the BNA are proud to be the largest UK organisation connecting, representing and promoting neuroscience and neuroscientists across the globe.