Nurturing neuroscience - Outlook Magazine

Credit: Matt MillerA patient undergoes an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain.

Washington University’s renowned neuroscience research enterprise is built on a bedrock of scientific expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration. Not to be overlooked, however, is the critical role private philanthropy plays in cementing these assets. For decades, visionary benefactors have channeled millions of dollars to the university for brain and nervous system research.

This money fills gaps in federal funding, which takes years to secure and is often limited in scope. Gifts from donors provide a flexible source of funding to explore new ideas and support equipment purchases, recruitment and other critical activities.

These investments have a deep impact on faculty members’ ability to unravel the brain’s mysteries and drive discoveries that benefit patients, from new drugs to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and treat psychological disorders, to technology that minimizes damage from aneurysm and stroke.

Learn more about donors who have helped advance neuroscience research.