International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal

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.

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.

[citation needed] One of its objectives is to allow the return of Brazilian scientists to the country and create an enabling environment for foreigners to come based on criteria internally defined by the institution's managers.

[citation needed] In 2007, the IINN received a cash reinforcement: Education Minister Fernando Haddad signed a decree allocating R $42 million to the institution.