Website natalneuro.org.br | ||
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The International Institute for Neurosciences of Natal - Edmond and Lily Safra (IINN-ELS - Portuguese for Instituto Internacional de Neurociências de Natal - Edmond e Lily Safra) is located in Natal, capital city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). It was projected and is directed by neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis (considered one of the 20 most important neuroscientists in activity in the last decade). The IINN aims to decentralize research in Brazil, currently restricted to South and Southeast regions of Brazil. There are many educational projects held by the IINN, to support the local community and teach science to children of the nearby area. Nicolelis said he chose that district to create the institute exactly because it was the worst in terms of education. Some children said they have always hated science subjects such as Chemistry, but after learning with the IINN projects, now they dream of becoming scientists.