Brain & Behavior Research Foundation $25M Challenge – Bridging the Gap Between Science and Cures

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Funding the Boldest Science to Cure Mental Illness

Mental illness affects over 43 million Americans each year, with an estimated 1 in 5 adults experiencing a mental health condition. Despite the prevalence of mental illness, research funding has historically lagged behind other areas of health. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is working to change that.

We are the leading non-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative research into mental illness. Since 1987, we have awarded over $450 million in grants to scientists around the world who are leading the charge against some of our most devastating diseases.

Our research portfolio includes groundbreaking work in a wide range of areas, including:

• Neuroimaging and brain mapping: Using advanced technologies to visualize and better understand the brain circuitry involved in mental illness.
• Genetic research: Identifying genetic risk factors for mental illness and developing new treatments that target those risks.
• Neuroscience and neuropharmacology: Discovering new medications and developing innovative treatments for mental illness.
• Behavioral and social science: Investigating the role of environmental factors, such as stress and trauma, in mental illness.

Our mission is to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and cures for mental illness through research. We believe that by investing in the boldest and most innovative science, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people.

$25M Challenge: The Power of Collaboration

In 2017, the BBRF launched its $25M Challenge, a five-year initiative to fund cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between science and cures. The Challenge is designed to support collaborative research projects that combine the expertise of multiple scientists from different disciplines.

By bringing together the brightest minds in the field, we believe we can accelerate the pace of progress and make a breakthrough in the fight against mental illness.

The Need for More Research

Mental illness is a serious public health problem that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The consequences of mental illness are far-reaching, impacting individuals, families, and communities.

• Mental illness costs the U.S. economy over $200 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
• People with mental illness are more likely to experience poverty, homelessness, and unemployment.
• Mental illness is a leading cause of disability and suicide.

Despite the significant impact of mental illness, research funding remains inadequate. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) allocates only about 10% of its budget to mental health research. This is a fraction of the funding that is allocated to other areas of health, such as cancer and heart disease.

The BBRF: A History of Innovation

The BBRF has a long history of funding innovative research that has led to new treatments and cures for mental illness. Some of our most notable achievements include:

• Funding the research that led to the development of Prozac, the first antidepressant medication.
• Supporting the development of new treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious mental illnesses.
• Investing in research on the genetic basis of mental illness, which has led to new insights into the causes of these diseases.

The Future of Mental Health Research

The BBRF is committed to continuing to fund the boldest and most innovative science to cure mental illness. We believe that by investing in research, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people.

We are excited about the future of mental health research. With the help of our generous donors, we will continue to bridge the gap between science and cures and make a breakthrough in the fight against mental illness.

How You Can Help

You can help the BBRF continue its mission by making a donation today. Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that is leading to new treatments and cures for mental illness.

To learn more about the BBRF, please visit our website at www.bbrf.org.

Tables

Table 1: The Prevalence of Mental Illness in the United States

Table 2: The Economic Impact of Mental Illness in the United States

Table 3: The BBRF's Research Portfolio

Table 4: The BBRF's $25M Challenge