Research Partners Program Overview
Our Research Partners Program offers donors the opportunity to personally select and
sponsor scientists based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, illness specialty
area or specific institutions, or a combination thereof. Sponsored researchers are selected
by the donor (Research Partner) after members of our volunteer Scientific Council have
conducted an independent peer-review of all the submitted applications and have been
recommended for a NARSAD Grant award. The Research Partners Program enables donors
to choose among the best and brightest scientists and the most promising, cutting-edge
proposals in mental illness research, as reviewed and selected by the Scientific Council.
How are Research Partners Selected?
Working in conjunction with our Brain & Behavior Research Foundation staff, the donor
may review approved scientists’ grant abstracts and select one based on specific criteria as
outlined above. The Research Partner may elect to review the researcher’s documents
such as project summary, bios, publications or the submitted proposals. If the scientist has
been previously funded, the donor may also review prior work and progress reports.
Depending on the funding amount, a Research Partner may select any combination of
investigators to sponsor.
What Types of Grants can be selected for Research Partnerships?
Young Investigator: Young scientists working within the field of psychiatric and
neuroscience research. Recipients receive a two-year grant up to $60,000 ($30,000 for a
one year grant, renewable for one additional year) to launch or advance their independent
research programs. The results from these studies often provide the pilot data needed to
submit for much larger, federally funded projects (i.e.: National Institute of Mental Health).
Independent Investigator: Mid-level scientists who have successfully established
independent research programs but not yet achieved sustained funding. Recipients receive
a two-year grant up to $100,000 ($50,000 for a one year grant, renewable for one
additional year).
Distinguished Investigator: Senior scientists who are on the threshold of a breakthrough or
wish to pursue a novel research idea. Recipients receive one-year grants of $100,000.
What are the Benefits of a Research Partner?
Once scientists have been selected for the Research Partners Program, the Research
Partner and the scientist are both sent confirmation letters, naming the Investigator as
designated by the Research Partner. Typically, Research Partners are named after the
donor or a family member, such as, “Jones Family Investigator” or
“Jones Investigator.”
Within the course of the Research Partnership, and after Investigators have begun work on
their project, donors will receive summaries of the scientist’s annual progress, as well as an
Investigator’s final report. When possible, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation will
request copies of the publications generated by the scientist throughout the term of the
Research Partnership.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation encourages interaction between the Research
Partner and the scientist via email, telephone, letter or personal visit. Scientists are also
encouraged to communicate with their Research Partner as it is hoped this initial contact
will result in on-going communication for years to come.
Who can sponsor a Research Partner?
Individuals, families, foundations and corporations may all fund Research Partnerships.
Our staff will work with the donor or group of donors to select researchers based on
specified interests.
Please Remember…
Changes from the scientists’ host institutions, along with the sensitivity and immediacy of
research, may affect the Investigator’s participation in the Research Partners Program. And
while these factors operate outside the scope of a NARSAD Grant, Brain & Behavior
Research Foundation will try its best to ensure that the needs of the donor are always met.
Any changes or adjustments to the NARSAD grant award will be shared with the donor.
They can include, but are not limited to:
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Scientists changing their research focus or relinquishing their grants. Research
Partner project schedules – from start dates to end dates – are subject to change
based on the above.
Availability of a specific project or institution may change, and a scientist may leave
their institution mid-grant.
Again, any changes to the terms of the original NARSAD Grant award to the scientist will be
shared, in advance, with the donor; the donor will have the right to change their Research
Partner designation accordingly.
For additional info, please contact us at 800.829.8289. www.bbrfoundation.org