Croatian institute for brain research: bridging the gap from the decade of the brain to the next millenium.

The Croatian Institute for Brain Research has been founded at the Zagreb School of Medicine as a central institution for neuroscience research in Croatia. The major research program of the Institute is based on multidisciplinary research using a variety of approaches, from molecular to clinical, for studying the neurobiological basis of normal and disturbed development and functioning of the human brain. Basic organizational features and social goals of the Institute are: permanent correlation of basic and clinical neuroscience, optimal exploitation of resources and manpower, providing the best education and research opportunities for young investigators in neuroscience, and involvement of Croatian neuroscientists into global professional organizations and research programs. Thus, with the establishment of this Institute, Croatia strives to contribute to the overall advancement of neuroscience in The Decade of the Brain and to take part in pushing the frontiers of research along the path leading into the next millenium.