The Council for Science and Technology chaired by the Prime Minister and the Science Council of Japan have subsequently published programs and recommendations for the promotion of brain science in accordance with this plan. In recognition that brain science has reached the stage for scheduled, systematic promotion towards major goals thanks to the accumulation of basic research results in the past and the progress of related technologies, research into brain science has become a topic to be emphasized strategically and comprehensively by creating a central research institution in Japan.

As a result of consideration by the government, the promotion of brain science and the establishment of a Brain Science Institute (BSI) became important items in the FY1997 national budget, and the BSI was established at RIKEN in October 1997.

At BSI there are currently 200 researchers working in the 23 laboratories which are arranged into 8 research groups (including the ATDC). In the near future, the Institute will expand and in a few years the organization will consist of 13 research groups, 58 laboratories and over 500 staff members : (about 400 researchers and 100 technicians.) The BSI aims to lead brain science research efforts, on an unprecedented scale, concentrating human and financial resources on interdisciplinary research, collaborating with industry, government institutions and universities, promoting the development of advanced technology in related fields, and strengthening training and education of young researchers as well as public relations activities.

• Research staff are employed on fixed-term contracts in place of employment for life. Salaries are determined annually, according to individual capabilities and achievements.
• Laboratory Heads are employed on a rolling tenure system and may be re-appointed depending on the results of an external evaluation. This new system makes it possible to develop research based strictly on fair evaluations of capability.
• Research laboratories have inherited the freedom and flexibility of research traditionally cultivated in RIKEN, enabling them to collaborate with industry and universities, maximizing technological support and allowing Laboratory Heads the maximum discretion in terms of personnel affairs and budget use.
• In order to make the BSI a truly international organization, researchers are recruited worldwide. At least one third are non-Japanese and English is used as the common language in important meetings.
• Three official committees have been created in order to provide guidance and advice on how achievement of goals may be achieved and administration systems improved.

1. The Brain Science Advisory Council:
   This is an international advisory body supporting the director. Japanese and foreign experts provide a comprehensive evaluation of the research management, programming and progress of research at the BSI.
2. The Research Review Committee:
   This committee of primarily foreign experts meets every 5 years to fairly and objectively review each research topic. If the evaluation results are favorable, the Laboratory Heads will have their employment contract renewed.
3. The Search Committee (Personnel Affairs Committee):
   In principle, all vacant positions are advertised in international journals and appointments made according to the ability and suitability of the candidate in an effort to promote fairness and eliminate racial discrimination.

The BSI regularly holds seminars and forums, inviting eminent researchers from foreign countries. In the future it is hoped that the BSI will hold similar RIKEN-sponsored forums overseas and establish summer schools for young, foreign researchers.

The BSI will also stress research that is more applicable to practical problems and positively promote human resource exchange, joint research and technology transfer with industry, specifically , in the fields of protecting the brain and creating the brain.