Brain & Behavior Research Foundation to award grants to 40 scientists for research into mental illness

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation today announced its 2015 Independent Investigator Grants which will award $3.9 million in funding to 40 mid-career scientists from 30 institutions in 16 countries. Selected by the Foundation's Scientific Council, comprised of 150 leading experts across disciplines in brain and behavior research including two Nobel Prize winners, four former directors of the National Institute of Mental Health, four recipients of the National Medal of Science, 13 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 21 Chairs of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Departments at leading colleges and universities around the world, and 47 members of the Institute of Medicine, the grants fund basic research, new technologies and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.

The Foundation's Independent Investigator Grants provide $50,000 per year for up to two years to support investigators during the critical period between the initiation of research and the receipt of sustained funding.

To accomplish its mission of alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness, the Foundation awards grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.The Independent Investigator grants are part of ongoing efforts by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation to support scientists at every stage of their careers by funding cutting-edge research for the understanding, early detection, prevention, treatment and cure of brain and behavior disorders, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, suicide, and tic disorders.

"Every year, the Foundation supports innovative work that builds upon a growing body of knowledge geared to understanding, preventing, treating and curing psychiatric illnesses," says Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. "We are delighted to support the research of these outstanding scientists."

The Foundation awards Independent Investigator Grants for basic research to understand what happens in the brain to cause mental illness; new technologies to advance or create new ways of studying and understanding the brain; and next-generation therapies that reduce symptoms of mental illness and ultimately cure and prevent brain and behavior disorders.

"The goal of the research supported by Independent Investigator Grants is to increase the possibility that people living with mental illness will be able to live full and productive lives," says Scientific Council Member and Chair, Independent Investigator Grant Selection Committee, Robert M. Post, M.D., George Washington University. "The foundation selects Independent Investigators who are conducting creative research that advances our understanding of the brain, and the role genetics, brain circuitry, neural pathways, and biochemistry play in behavior and mental illness."

According to Dr. Post, more than half of the recipients also received Young Investigator Grants from the Foundation early in their careers. The Foundation also awards Young Investigator Grants which support scientists at the advanced post-doctoral or assistant professor (or equivalent) level for up to $35,000/year for one or two years with a maximum $70,000 grant and Distinguished Investigator Grants,which support scientists at the full professor (or equivalent) level for up to $100,000 for one year.