Investing in the Next Generation of Science

Diane Bovenkamp: So this is like a boot camp. It's a BrightFocus Alzheimer's Disease Fast Track, to allow people to become immersed in not only the information, but also connect with some of their colleagues and with people leaders in the field.

Dr. Frank LaFerla: I think it's perhaps one of the most innovative programs that any foundation does. We invite the most distinguished, accomplished researchers throughout the world. And they spent three days in close proximity with the most junior investigators in the field. It doesn't happen at any other venue that I'm aware of.

Dr. Jennifer Gatchel: You know, foundations like BrightFocus, really provide that opportunity, kind of recognize that that is that period of the people really need that bridge, and they provide that. So that's the difference.

Dr. Arjun Masurkar: And so this conference focuses me on what are the relevant topics today, what are what are the leaders in the field really excited about today, where is this field going right now?

Dr. Isabella Aubert: That's critical, because this is the next generation that will be the scientists of the future.

Dr. Harry Steinbusch: But if you want to have new scientists, you have to have what I would call it ‘seed money.’ If you're investing in your people you can benefit later.

Dr. Hei-Man Chow: We need research to improve society and we need grounds to pay on the research with our brands can be nothing funding is very important.

Diane: Part of this boot camp, this Alzheimer’s Fast Track is teaching them how to think of an idea put it together in a scientific way.

Dr. Iman Aganj: They gave a topic to each group. And each group starts brainstorming and coming up with an idea

Diane: In the format of our grant proposal they're going to present it, we're going to give them 15 minutes to present their idea, they hatch together over the course of this whole meeting.

Dr. Cynthia Lemere: There are many, many opportunities here that people wouldn't normally get when they're at a big meeting. Because they don't have that one on one time. This really facilitates interactions with the students and the faculty.

Dr. Aubert: Here you go, this is your chanc. Go for it. Learn, absorb, integrate everything you can and bring it back to the lab to other colleagues and help your career

Eric Hamlett: That was why I came to BrightFocus, like I want to be with other folks that are looking at a lot of different avenues, and where we coalesce on a one kind of an idea that may help someone and it's not just someone but a lot of people.

Dr. Aganj: There are great researchers out there doing great science, but they need funding and it would be a waste of their intelligence if they can obtain funding just because they don't know how to write a grant.

Sonam Dubey, BSc: Which was really unique, and also really useful for students like me who want to one day in academia, and have that research or principal investigator position is learning how to write grants.

Certified for funding and was able to be successful in obtaining that and just from day one and working with them even like asking about the application and what appropriate candidate has just been incredibly helpful.

Dr. Masurkar: It really benefits me in two ways. One is it stimulates ideas. Second aspect is people ask just meeting people in my position, the other students meeting the other faculty being part of a network where we can really help each other.

Dubey: So we really need foundations like these who have that faith, you know, let's put in the money in this sort of high risk research because it can have huge benefit in the end.

Dr. LaFerla: Researching was hope. I mean, there's no doubt about it. We're never going to find a cure for any of these diseases other than through research and these students and represent the future of that ensure that you and I will have a life where Alzheimer's disease is not our reward for living to a long period of time

And I'm happy that I'm really happy that you know, had a chance to experience that.

Narrator: Brightfocus Foundation: Cure in Mind. Cure in Sight.