BrightFocus Awards Nearly $18 Million for New Alzheimer’s and Vision Research

Record-level Funding for the Foundation, Emphasis on Early-Career Scientists

CLARKSBURG MD – BrightFocus Foundation, a leading nonprofit funder of global research on Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, today announced 93 new research grants, a $17.8 million commitment toward ending these age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

“We’re living in a time when the need for innovative science is painfully clear. For families impacted by dementia and vision disease, progress can’t come fast enough.” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this year’s grants mark a record-level of support for bold, high-risk, high-reward science.”

The organization’s rich history supporting new and novel ideas has led to a number of scientific breakthroughs toward revolutionary technologies and therapies. Reflecting a long-standing commitment to growing the next generation of science, over 70 percent of this year’s BrightFocus grants will go to early-career scientists – postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and assistant professors. BrightFocus-funded research spans both scientific disciplines and international borders, with this year’s awards supporting research in 10 countries.

“Our grants strategy is laser-focused on identifying the brightest new scientific ideas,” said Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, the organization’s Vice President for Scientific Affairs. “Our scientific review committees are comprised of leading researchers from around the world. They review hundreds of grant applications, identifying and recommending the most promising concepts, the bold ‘what-if’s’ of science that may someday make these diseases a thing of the past.”

Today’s announcement brings BrightFocus to a nearly $50 million commitment to research over the past three years. The foundation manages a global portfolio of approximately 200 projects. Details on the new grants, which begin September 1, will be announced after the completion of agreements with partnering institutions.

BrightFocus shares the latest research findings and best practices with the public to inform and empower those impacted by diseases of mind and sight. For more information, visit brightfocus.org.