Description

The Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award is administered by the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience, an independent organization funded solely by the McKnight Foundation. It supports scientists applying basic research to neurological and psychiatric disorders, including mechanistic studies at the synaptic, cellular, molecular, genetic, or behavioral level. Research may involve humans or vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms. New approaches, potential paths toward therapeutic interventions, and collaborative or cross-disciplinary work are encouraged.

An additional priority is understanding environmental contributions to brain disorders, particularly early-life stress associated with later neurological and psychiatric conditions. Relevant influences include climate, nutrition, chemical exposure, pollution, family, education, housing, and poverty. The program recognizes communities of color’s higher exposure to these stressors and emphasizes equitable, inclusive laboratory environments.