MIND Prize Grant

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.

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
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.
The Pershing Square Foundation’s (PSF) brain initiative funds cutting-edge research that revolutionizes our ability to predict, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). 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.