Brain research has high returns but Europe is lagging behind

We have shown that brain disorders cost Europe almost 400 billion euros annually, whereas the funding for brain research is only 1% of that amount. There is a growing understanding of the ability of research to improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of brain disease and thereby reduce the burden on the affected individuals and on society. New studies have shown that brain research is highly profitable, with conservatively measured annual returns of 50% or more. However, funding of brain research in Europe, particularly public funding, is lagging behind when compared with the US. We argue that increased public investment in brain research in Europe is critical and will most likely be highly cost-effective to European society. If Europe wants to remain competitive in the field of brain research, public investments must be increased several fold over today's investment.