MiND Program Collaborative Research Funding

MiND Program Collaborative Research Funding

Funder: Van Andel Institute (VAI), Grand Rapids, Michigan

Program Type: Research collaboration grants

Overview

The West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program provides funding to support groundbreaking, life-changing science through collaborative research efforts. Collaboration is at the heart of VAI's mission, with emphasis on early-stage collaborative research projects, screening studies, and pilot studies.

Award Details

• Focus: Early-stage collaborative research projects
• Emphasis: Screening and pilot studies for neurodegenerative disease research
• Scope: Support for VAI scientists engaged in collaborative work

Eligible Applicants

• VAI scientists
• Researchers affiliated with VAI's collaborating institutions

Research Focus Areas

• Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, dementias, and related conditions)
• Genetic and epigenetic changes in neurodegeneration
• LRRK2, VPS35, Parkin, ATP13A2 and other genetic pathways
• Protein pathologies (α-synuclein, tau, GBA1)
• Patient-based disease models
• Molecular neurodegeneration

Program Leadership

Program Director: Darren Moore, Ph.D., Chair of VAI's Department of Neurodegenerative Science; Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson's Disease Research

Program Manager: Erin Williams, Ph.D.
Email: [email protected]

Technology and Resource Access

Funded researchers have access to:
• MiND Biorepository: Blood samples from individuals with and without neurodegenerative diseases
• VAI Brain Bank: Accredited biorepository providing tissue samples for neurodegeneration research
• iPSC Platform: Advanced induced pluripotent stem cell culture and high-content screening technology directed by Laurent Roybon, Ph.D.

Website

https://www.vai.org/research/collaborations/west-michigan-neurodegenerative-diseases-mind-program/