Giving

Traditionally, an endowed professorship is used as a tool by an institution to recruit, retain and reward the highest level of academic accomplishment. These prestigious awards allow investigators to pursue novel paths of research and establish themselves as leaders in their fields. This type of funding also creates a retention tool to allow us to be competitive when our faculty stars are targeted for recruitment by other institutions. 

Fellowships enable us to recruit best-in-class talent. These scholars become the next generation of scientists who generate discoveries and innovate novel approaches to research in neuroscience. Supporting fellowships in this area helps us develop the talent pipeline of future leaders in the field who will propel advances in understanding the basic functions of the brain.

The Neurotech Hub, located in our Neuroscience Research Building, is among the few specialized facilities like it in the nation. Using tools such as precision laser cutters and high-resolution 3D printers, the Hub provides custom design and build services for novel techniques and devices, both hardware and software. This enables researchers to perform experiments that could not have been done previously—therefore leading to exciting discoveries and innovations. Funding for the Neurotech Hub would support personnel and equipment that allows researchers to perform investigations that are at the leading edge of the field of neuroscience.

The Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging houses some of the most cutting-edge microscopy and imaging instruments in the world, including light, electron, X-ray, and cryo-transmission electron microscopes. The WUCCI provides researchers with affordable access to these technologies, professional guidance in experimental design, and sample preparation and data analysis. The WUCCI also develops and applies new imaging technologies to advance understanding of brain health and disease. Funding for the WUCCI would support personnel and equipment that positions Washington University in St. Louis as a world leader in imaging science. Furthermore, support will strengthen the WUCCI satellite facility recently established in the new Neuroscience Research Building.

The Brain Microanatomy Core will provide specialized histology and imaging services to accelerate neuroscience research at WashU. Located in our new Neuroscience Research Building, this unique resource will further position Washington University in St. Louis as a leading institution for neuroscience research. Funding will support equipment and personnel for this critical endeavor.

The newly established CTCN supports collaborative, creative research projects across disciplines at Washington University, with a focus on accelerating and improving artificial intelligence. Funding would support our prestigious postdoctoral fellowships and seminars that train the next generation of computational and theoretical neuroscientists.

Scientific meetings allow global experts dedicated time to collaborate, share cutting-edge ideas, and accelerate scientific progress. For conferences on specific brain disorders, family participation in these events offers unique opportunities for scientists and patients to interact, and in-person gatherings enable the collection of often difficult-to-source biospecimens, imaging data, and medical information.

Funding is needed to maintain space, equipment, and personnel to manage collections of biospecimens, genetic sequencing data, and medical history from patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. This collection ensures that researchers and clinicians at Washington University have access to the materials they need for investigating the causes of these disorders, improving diagnosis, and developing potential treatments. Such a biobank would position Washington University in St. Louis as a global hub for researchers to access tissues and patient data for research on developmental disorders. Support for the biobank would also accelerate new and innovative treatments by allowing faster access to a wider range of samples for use in research.