Philanthropy in Neurological Research
In an effort to improve the lives of those affected by brain disease, philanthropy plays a vital role in funding neurological research. As our population ages, rates of neurodegenerative diseases continue to rise. Research is essential to understand the mechanisms of brain health and development, and to identify potential drug targets. However, funding for this research is limited.
The brain charity supports world-class research that seeks to develop new treatments for brain disorders. Their program includes the V J Chapman Research Fellowship, which is designed to offer a unique training experience to physicians interested in clinical investigation. To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must be medical graduates committed to the field of neuroscience. The fellowship requires a research component of at least 50% of the total award.
Another major player in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases is the Endowment Fund for Neuroscience. Established by the Sarich family, the fund provides opportunities for scientific research projects. Currently, the endowment is used to fund researchers studying Parkinson's disease.
Aside from funding neurological research, the Foundation also supports military and veterans' organizations, mental health initiatives, and other community-based programs. It also runs signature programs for fallen heroes, disabled veterans, and their families.
Other prominent neurology-focused philanthropic organizations include the Dana Foundation, which provides grants for neurological research. The foundation has several areas of focus, including traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and Rolandic Epilepsy.
The American Academy of Neurology awards a Career Development Award to junior scientists pursuing research in the brain and nervous system. Eligibility requirements dictate that the applicant must have completed at least five years of residency, must be a member of the AAN, and must have an expected annual salary of US$ 150,000 or less.
Discover more about an initiative is focused on gaining a better understanding of chemical activity in the brain. It also seeks to map the circuits of the brain and measure electrical activity. Various associations and laboratories have been awarded funds from the BRAIN Initiative.
In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invests in neuroscience research, which is estimated to amount to about 10.7 billion U.S. dollars in fiscal year 2020.
This funding will enable a comprehensive shared computational infrastructure that will facilitate systematic, grand-scale research on the brain. This infrastructure will support team science and provide a basis for collaboration and discovery. Additionally, the BRAIN Initiative will encourage active discussions between cognitive and computational scientists.
Several other neurological research funding institutions are working to address the rising burden of neurological diseases. The Simons Foundation, for example, awards brain and neurological research grants. These grants support pre- and post-doctoral training, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Other funders that focus on neurological research include the Kirby Foundation, which was established by the mother of a child who died from a brain tumor. This organization channels its funding through major hospitals. They have awarded over $200,000 to Professor Cliff Abraham, an internationally renowned Alzheimer's disease researcher. For better understanding of this topic, please click here: