The Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS) was founded in 2007 as an overarching structure to coordinate neurobiological research in Magdeburg. Structurally the CBBS is a central scientific facility of the Otto von Guericke University (OVGU) that is directly associated with the rectorate (§99 LHG, Saxony-Anhalt). It includes two institutional members, the OVGU and the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), and more than 100 individual members (Magdeburg-based Neuroscientists from 7 faculties of the OVGU, the LIN and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)).

The CBBS is steered by ten directors who represent all import research fields studied by CBBS members. Currently, three spokesmen (Eckart Gundelfinger, LIN; Daniela Dieterich, OVGU MED, LIN; and Toemme Noesselt, OVGU), are responsible for representing the CBBS towards the instutional partners, politicians and governmental bodies, local business partners and the public. The basic budget of the CBBS is currently provided by the European Commission (EFRE). Additional income was provided by the State Government of Saxony-Anhalt and from overhead funds of the
institutional partners.

The CBBS supports new recruitments of young scientists to Magdeburg neuroscience community, finances junior professorships, independent research group as well as several so-called NeuroNetworks (small collaborative networks organized by junior CBBS members). It finances LSA fellows who apply for their own salaries to achieve scientific independence and supports the organization of local and international scientific meetings.

Finally, the CBBS organizes regulary parliamentary events and outreach activities and CBBS members serve as advisors for politicians and industry partners.