Global Agenda Council on Brain & Cognitive Sciences 2011

The fields of brain and cognitive sciences are not sufficiently present in policy discussions on health, the economy or human capital formation. 

The brain is the organ of thought, emotion, motivation, social interaction and decision-making. According to the World Bank and World Health Organization, neuropsychiatric disorders are the largest single cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in advanced market economies and a leading cause worldwide. Given the early onset of many brain disorders (e.g. autism, epilepsy, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, learning disorders and schizophrenia), they are also a staggering drag on human capital formation at an enormous – yet unmeasured – economic cost. Meanwhile, globalization, competitiveness and the complexity of modern society have profoundly altered the way people live. These powerful forces of change can bring great benefits, but can also serve as potent stressors acting on individuals, families and societies. 

Brain and cognitive sciences can provide useful insights into these phenomena by shedding light on the bases of thought, emotion, decision-making, stress, social interactions and even morality.