The Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience at

The Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience at the forefront of modern brain
science research and innovative treatment
Neuroscientists at the ELS-IINN have contributed to some of the technological breakthroughs that made it
possible for the Walk Again Project to implement a brain-controlled exoskeleton and train 8 paraplegic
patients to take advantage of this new technology and start a journey towards regaining the ability to walk
autonomously again.
In addition to its participation in the Walk Again Project, a group of ELS-IINN's scientists also contribute to
the development of innovative neuroscience treatment solutions – from new prosthetic limbs controlled
directly by thought, to new therapies for Parkinson’s disease, a series of scientific breakthroughs and
discoveries point to a very promising future for neuroscience at the ELS-IINN.
The ELS-IINN is on the forefront of modern brain research mission: to understand the basic physiological
principles that govern the operation of the human brain and discover new therapies for those affected by
brain diseases. As such, the ELS-IINN scientific staff works on a variety of programs aimed at seeking
new treatments for several neurological disorders, including paralysis and neurodegenerative diseases.
ElS-IINN as a new model for social development
The ELS-IINN was created based on a shared dream - the idea of Professor Miguel Nicolelis to develop a
neuroscience research center in his native Brazil that would promote scientific knowledge as an important
driving force to enhance social and economic progress, and the desire of Mrs. Lily Safra, Chairwoman of
the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation, to advance research and treatment for neurodegenerative
diseases and to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children. Featuring two
neuroscience research centers, an innovative science education curriculum for children, implemented at
the ELS-IINN’s two schools and named in memory of Alfredo J. Monteverde, and a prenatal care program,
the Anita Garibaldi health center, the ELS-IINN's decade long history has impacted profoundly the lives of
thousands of people living around it.
Each year, up to 1500 teenagers from the public school system are given the chance to take part in a
hands-on science education program aimed at enhancing their scientific knowledge through creative
thinking and experimental work (including chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, and many other
subjects), performed in state-of-the-art laboratories. In this ebullient environment, students are inspired to
continue their education for life, so that, one day, they too can see their dreams become reality and their
impossible ideas come to fruition for the benefit of humanity.
The seminal role of Mrs. Lily Safra and the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation
Mrs. Lily Safra made the largest ever private donation to scientific research in Brazil in 2006 to develop
the country’s pioneering neuroscience research center under the direction of Prof. Miguel Nicolelis. The
center was renamed the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience of Natal (ELSIINN) to recognize this vital contribution. Subsequently, the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation
made a similar multi-million dollar donation for the further development of the ELS-IINN. Research
conducted at the ELS-IINN was fundamental for the success of the Walk Again project.
For more information on the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience please visit:
http://www.natalneuro.org.br/
http://www.edmondjsafra.org/science-and-medicine/neuroscience-in-natal
Press contact:
Seth Goldschlager - [email protected]

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