BRF funded projects generate over 8 times of the initial investment in additional funding

Mar 2 2011

The Brain Research Foundation today announced that a recent analysis of its seed grant program indicates that BRF funded projects generate over 8 times the initial investment in additional funding. The findings were based on a sample of 47 projects over a three-year period that received $1.4 million in BRF funding and subsequently generated approximately $12 million in additional funding. "These findings illustrate the critical role the Brain Research Foundation and its seed grant program play in promoting novel brain research," stated Dr. Terre Constantine, BRF Executive Director. "Frequently it is only with seed grants that researchers can achieve a level of results required for more substantial funding. BRF is opening the door to meaningful neurological research."

The BRF plays a critical role in brain research by funding early stage research that is the starting point for scientific discovery. Modest funding allows scientists to prove the feasibility of their projects and produce data that makes them eligible for larger government and institutional funds. "We realize that not every project results in great success," added Dr. Constantine. "But the scientific expertise and financial resources that BRF brings to grant making result in the funding of projects with both high potential and great importance to brain research."

The BRF provides grants in the amount of $40,000 awarded to researchers after review and approval by the BRF Scientific Review Committee. Members come from leading national neuroscience research institutions such as the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Rush University Medical Center and University of California Davis.

As National Institutes of Health funding has dropped by one-third over the past 10 years, research support from non-profit organizations like the Brain Research Foundation has become more critical than ever.  "BRF seed grants ensure that the best and the brightest in neuroscience research throughout the region are able to advance their careers," states Dr. Constantine. "Tomorrow's major breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases depend on dedicated funding of our scientists' research.  Every dollar invested in their work moves our understanding of the brain and nervous system forward."