The ETPBBR, an independent body, was created in 1969, after the report's study by the OECD on the field of Brain and Behaviour which recognize the need for intensified research and a coordinated programme within Europe.
Its principal aims were to promote work at the interface of the neurosciences particularly concerned with behaviour.
In 1974, the ESF was approach by the ETPBBR for financial help. For the EMRC this programme was of high scientific value and the ESF's Executive Council recommended that it as an Additional Activity but in contrast with the others. The ETP is a programme of grants.
The ESF office took over the financial management of the programme in 1977 and its scientific administration the year after. And all the scientific aspects of the training programme are taken care of by the International Scientific Committee (ISC) composed of distinguished neuroscientists nominated by the Member organisations.
1984 was the last year when the programme of grants for promoting brain and behaviour research in Europe was run as an Additional Activity of the ESF. From 1985 it is constituted as an Associated Programme (i.e. self financed).