The Allen Institute for Brain Science is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research organization dedicated to performing innovative basic research on cellular function in the brain and distributing its discoveries to researchers around the world. In doing so, the Institute aims to advance a new understanding of diseases that result from disorders of the brain.

Founded in 2001 and launched in 2003 with a seed contribution of $100 million dollars from philanthropist Paul G. Allen, the Institute seeks federal and state funds, along with private contributions and foundation awards, as part of an ongoing public-private partnership to sustain the organization. The Institute makes its data and tools freely available to the public. The Institute's first project, the Allen Brain Atlas was completed in September 2006, is available online at www.brain-map.org.