MIND Prize Grant

MIND Prize Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Pershing Square Foundation
Amount: US $750,000
Last Updated: November 01, 2025

Summary

The MIND Prize, funded by The Pershing Square Foundation, supports innovative research to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to explore unconventional approaches and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each winner receives $250,000 annually for three years, promoting advancements in neuroscience and creating a unique network for researchers. The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of brain health and tackle pressing societal challenges.

Overview

NOTE: The application process will be conducted in two stages: Stage 1: Letter of Intent, Budget, and Biosketch - see LOI deadline aboveStage 2:  Presentation – Finalists will be invited to present their proposal to the Scientific Board at the MIND Prize Review Board Meeting in Manhattan, New York (a remote option will be available, if necessary, but in-person is preferred) - see Full Proposal deadline above About Us The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) was established in 2006. Since then, Pershing Square Philanthropies, which includes The Pershing Square Foundation, has committed more than $930 million in grants and investments in target areas including health and life sciences, education, economic development and innovation. By investing in pioneering individuals, non-profits and mission driven companies who dare to re-imagine the possible, we have helped to bring about important breakthroughs — from cancer research and small-scale agriculture to criminal justice reform and educational opportunities for young people in communities — around the world. Mission We bet on innovative leaders solving humanity’s big societal, environmental, and health challenges. MIND Prize The Pershing Square Foundation’s (PSF) brain initiative funds cutting-edge research that revolutionizes our ability to predict, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Advancing our fundamental understanding of the brain and cognition to ultimately combat neurodegeneration and related diseases is a goal of increasing urgency. Breakthroughs in basic scientific and translational research will yield critical tools for and knowledge of NDDs, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, which affect millions of people worldwide. The MIND (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize supports and empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to rethink conventional paradigms around NDDs. Modeled after the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize, the MIND Prize catalyzes interdisciplinary approaches and facilitates collaborations across academic departments and institutions. It fuels the groundbreaking research that will accelerate our understanding of NDDs at every level. Projects may range from the invention of novel tools, techniques, and technologies for mapping and analyzing the brain to bold approaches that demonstrate extraordinary therapeutic potential. Research domains may include—but are not limited to—neurobiology, brain imaging and mapping, machine learning, drug delivery, and synthetic biology. MIND Prize winners each receive $250,000/year for three years, and they become part of a unique network of researchers associated with PSF. At least six prizes will be awarded annually. Benefits include: Facilitated partnerships with like-minded researchers within and across institutionsNetworking programs such as collaborations and discussions with industry mentors, introductions to philanthropic and for-profit investors in the business community, special industry networking and entrepreneurship events, and moreAn annual retreatOpportunities to present at conferences and events (hosted by PSF and other organizations) Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.