International Brain Barriers Society (IBBS)

The International Brain Barriers Society (IBBS) is the leading global scientific community dedicated to advancing research on the biological barriers of the brain and spinal cord. Founded in 2006, IBBS brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and students from around the world to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and accelerate discoveries on the function of the brain barriers that ultimately improve neurological health.

As an international scientific and educational nonprofit organization with U.S. 501(c)(3) status, IBBS supports a diverse and growing membership spanning more than 25 countries. Our community is united by a shared commitment to understanding the biology of the blood-brain barrier and the neurovascular unit, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, the arachnoid barrier and additional interfaces including the glia limitans in central nervous system (CNS) health and disease.

At IBBS, we believe that scientific excellence and pursuit for the truth thrives in an environment of openness, curiosity, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, collegial community where researchers at every career stage and background, from students to senior investigators, feel comfortable sharing ideas and engaging in lively and thoughtful discussions. We value diverse perspectives and constructive scientific debate. Every question is an opportunity to learn, and every member deserves to be heard. IBBS promotes a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and kindness, where professional interactions are guided by integrity, inclusivity, and respect.

Our Vision

We envision a future where a deeper understanding of the anatomy, cellular and molecular composition and thus, ultimately the orchestrated function of the CNS barriers, transforms diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Through scientific excellence, global collaboration, education, and innovation, IBBS aims to be the premier International Society advancing brain barrier research and its impact on human health.

Our Mission

IBBS advances brain barriers science by:

• Promoting excellence in basic, translational, and clinical research on CNS barriers and their role in neurological health and disease.
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations among neuroscientists, vascular biologists, immunologists, pharmacologists, bioengineers, computational scientists, clinicians, and industry partners.
• Supporting the next generation of scientists through mentoring, networking, educational programs, and career development opportunities.
• Supporting international conferences, workshops, and scientific exchanges that showcase the latest discoveries and technologies.
• Facilitating the dissemination of scientific knowledge to researchers, healthcare professionals, policy makers, funding organizations, patients, and the public.
• Advocating for the importance of brain barriers research in advancing neuroscience and improving diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Our Scientific Focus

IBBS embraces the rapidly evolving landscape of brain barriers research, including:

• Blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier biology
• Neurovascular unit and cerebrovascular function
• CNS fluid dynamics
• Neuroimmune interactions and inflammation
• Advanced in vivo and in vitro imaging and image analysis
• Drug delivery across CNS barriers
• Biomarker discovery and advanced imaging
• Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
• Organ-on-chip and human in vitro barrier models
• Single-cell and spatial omics technologies
• Artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and data science
• Precision medicine and translational neuroscience

By bringing together experts across these complementary fields, IBBS fosters innovation and accelerates the translation of fundamental discoveries into new diagnostics, therapies, and technologies for neurological disorders.