Papers of: Brain Research Association (founded 1968)

Records of the Brain Research Association (BRA), 1968-1992, comprising committee and Annual General Meeting minutes and papers, and Honorary Secretary's correspondence. There are, however, no committee minutes after 1987 or correspondence before 1977.

The Brain Research Association (BRA) was set up in 1968 on the initiative of Derek Richter and Donald MacKay, UK representatives on the Central Council of the International Brain Research Organization. It was renamed the British Neuroscience Association in 1997. The Association acts as an informal discussion forum for all those interested in brain research, and aims in particular to foster the exchange of ideas between young and established scientists. Its objects as stated in the BRA rules c.1977 include:

*Promoting multi-disciplinary study of the structure and functions of the nervous system

*Correlating such studies as far as possible

*Making available information to all research workers in the brain and related sciences and to members and student members of the medical and related professions by means of lectures, discussion, meetings and reports

*Advising on problems concerning the structure and functions of the nervous system

In due course several local groups were established throughout the UK, which in conjunction with the BRA committee organise an active programme of local and national events. The BRA has also contributed to discussions on issues of relevance to neuroscientists such as legislation on the use of animals in research, and the proposed registration of psychologists.

The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, by prior appointment with the Archivist after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking. Two files of correspondence are closed until 2010 and 2012 respectively.

These records were given to the Wellcome Library by Dr IC Kilpatrick, ex-Secretary of the Brain Research Association, in March 1993 (Acc No. 466).

Catalogued by Helen Wakely, CMAC, Wellcome Library, April 1999. Hard-copy catalogue available in Wellcome Library.

Description compiled by Helen Wakely

Photocopies/photographs/microfilm are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds, and that photographs cannot be photocopied in any circumstances. Readers are restricted to 100 photocopies in twelve months. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.