The National Institute for Psychobiology in Israel was established in May 1971 as the Israel Center for Psychobiology by Prof. Joel Elkes with the support of Mr. Charles E. Smith. The first Director was Prof. Amiram Carmon from Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem. The aims of the Center were to identify workers engaged in research in psychobiology in Israel, to create mechanisms to ensure regular and steady communication between them, and to support cooperative and individual projects in selected areas of the subject. During the ensuing years, under the directorship of Prof. Moshe Abeles of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, these aims were implemented and expanded. New initiatives were added including support mechanisms for post-doctoral fellowships and senior researchers. In 1977 the Center became the National Institute for Psychobiology in Israel. In 1988 the Charles E. Smith Family Laboratory for Collaborative Research in Psychobiology was established In 1994 the Charles E. Smith Lecture Series was established. In 1998 the Harry Stern National Center for Research and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders was established under the aegis of the Institute. Since its inception, the National Institute of Psychobiology has been a pivotal force in the development of psychobiology in Israel, supporting a generation of young and established scientists. The Institute strives to identify and promote scientific excellence and to balance and interrelate fundamental and clinical research in psychobiology.