Brain research in Europe is a rapidly evolving field, and increasingly at the forefront of science. Although considerable amounts of knowledge and innovative approaches have been generated, the translation into new health interventions is hindered by excessive fragmentation. Effective and efficient collaboration and cooperation among the various initiatives are often identified as a key success factor to achieve brain research full impact. EBRA fully responds to these needs by bringing together the various stakeholders and major brain research initiatives, at European level and beyond. EBRA creates the conditions for real and effective cross fertilisation, dialogue, building consensus and exploiting research potential. EBRA’s coordination focuses on two levels: a strategic level and an operational level. At the strategic level, EBRA fosters alignment and better co-ordination of research strategies across European and global brain initiatives. A mapping of the European brain research landscape has been performed and the development of a Shared European Brain Research Area (SEBRA) is set for April 2021. On the operational level, EBRA facilitates the emergence of research projects in specific areas in active clusters. A cluster is understood as a research community that can be directed towards basic research, clinical research and/or methodological approaches under a common topic and disease area within brain research. EBRA support clusters to expand their community, engage with relevant stakeholders, build consensus, and promote links with existing research infrastructures. EBRA currently has 4 existing clusters: EPI-cluster, Prevention of Severe Mental Disorders (PSMD)-cluster, TRISOMY21-cluster and BRAINFOOD-cluster.