By the numbers - Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Our Mission
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by
mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific
research.
Our History
The Foundation began as a family movement in 1981 and has become the world’s leading
private funder of mental health research grants. The Foundation funds the most innovative
ideas in neuroscience and psychiatry to better understand the causes and develop new ways to
effectively treat brain and behavior disorders. These disorders include depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, borderline
personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How We Do It
The first NARSAD Grants were awarded in 1987. Since then the Foundation has awarded more
than $328 million to fund more than 4,800 grants to more than 3,800 leading scientists around
the world. This has led to over $3 billion in additional funding for these scientists.
100% of dollars raised for research are invested in grants leading to advances and
breakthroughs in brain and behavior research.
Our Scientific Council
Led by Dr. Herbert Pardes, Executive Vice Chairman of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, our
Scientific Council is composed of 150 world-renowned scientists 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
psychiatric departments, and 47 members of the Institute of Medicine. The Council guides us to
fund creative and impactful research proposals that are relevant to the whole spectrum of
mental health.
Our Values
Brain and behavior disorders touch virtually every family.
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We believe better treatments and breakthroughs come from scientific discovery.
We fund only those scientists whose research is reviewed and recommended by our
world-renowned Scientific Council.
100% of contributions for research go directly to research. Costs for administration and
fundraising are underwritten by two family foundations.
Our financial operations are transparent. Those who manage our Foundation are
committed to honesty and integrity.
Our Vision
To dramatically improve the lives of those with mental illness and ultimately enable people to
live full, happy and productive lives.
90 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016
T: 646-681-4888 | 800-829-8289
bbrfoundation.org
bbrfoundation.org
BY THE NUMBERS
SINCE 1987
Awarded to Scientists
$328 MILLION
4,800+
Grants
Universities &
Medical Centers
518
The breakdown of our grantees since 1987
3,697
Young Investigators
748
Independent Investigators
379
Distinguished Investigators
Countries,
Including the U.S.
34
150 Scientific Council Members
The all-volunteer
Foundation Scientific Council
is composed of 150 leading experts
across disciplines in
brain & behavior research
who reveiw grant applications and
recommend the
most promising ideas to fund.
The group includes:
47 Members of the Institute of Medicine
21 Chairs of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Departments
13 Members of the National Academy of Sciences
4 Recipients of the National Medal of Science
4 Former Directors of the National Institute of Mental Health
2 Nobel Prize Winners