Mission and Strategy

The mission of The Brain Institute is very straightforward: We are committed to gaining better understanding of the complex brain circuitry so that better treatments and possible cures can be developed.

This mission, however, is far from simple. As the organ responsible for every facet of life, the brain is complicated beyond compare. The medical and social implications of brain disorders extend far beyond any other system in our bodies, yet it remains the most misunderstood and perplexing aspect of medical science.

The answers to uncovering the mysteries of the brain lie in an interactive, high tech approach to research and development, and better understanding of the effects on lives and lifestyles. That's why The Brain Institute strategy is focused on three specific aspects:

• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Education

Collaboration

A key distinguishing factor in the approach of The Brain Institute is the close alliances and seamless integration with a variety of scientific and technical partners. Nowhere is that more evident than with our partnership with the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR). Through this unique economic development program, The Brain Institute can conduct research and development on new, state-of-the-art equipment. This includes a $3 million high-field MRI scanner, which provides The Brain Institute with a huge advantage rarely seen in public research institutions.

A unique, integrated structure that incorporates complementary departments at The University of Utah provides a platform for full spectrum research and innovations. This holistic team approach ensures that ideas and theories can be planted, nurtured, and harvested within a single,

But it's the spirit of collaboration that truly sets The Brain Institute apart. An open environment of sharing ideas, learning, insight, knowledge and expertise, and a willingness to embrace, access, validate, and expand the work of others, means that there is truly no limit to the breakthrough discoveries and developments that can be given life at The Brain Institute.

Collaboration and a unity of purpose. It's The Brain Institute way.

"To achieve our goals we will depend upon the University of Utah's unparalleled strengths in computer science, bioengineering and radiology. This is why The Brain Institute could not exist anywhere else."
--- Norman L. Foster, M.D., Director, Center for Alzheimer's Care, Imaging and Research, and Brain Institute member

Innovate

If collaboration is the soul of The Brain Institute, innovation is the mind. After all, it's the ability to develop and comprehend complex approaches to the unknown that set the stage for breakthrough solutions. An environment that challenges the status quo, encourages abstract thinking, and embraces failures as steps to success is one that will set the standard for innovation. And that embodies The Brain Institute at every level.

Pushing the boundaries of science and research is the norm at The Brain Institute. Without the willingness to take risks, ground-breaking developments, such as the profound discoveries that come with chelation therapies, genome mutation, and mouse modeling would not be possible. But as Nobel Laureate Mario Capecchi, Ph.D has said about his award winning work, a determination to look for results in unlikely places led him to his mouse gene targeting - an approach most of his peers thought would fail.

And the support behind the innovations means that real-world solutions can come from the research that's conducted at The Brain Institute. And at the end of the day, it's the meaningful treatments, the prevention, and the ability to maintain a high quality of life that will truly make the difference in the lives of everybody touched by a brain disorder.

Innovation with purpose and integrity. It's The Brain Institute way.

"Without the collaborative spirit and outstanding support for scientific creativity found at The Brain Institute, we would not be nearly as successful in our quest to discover the causes and cures for brain disorders."
--- Mario Capecchi, Ph.D, 2007 Nobel Prize recipient in Physiology or Medicine, and Brain Institute member

Educate

From Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to depression and addiction, brain disorders, like most chronic or debilitating health issues, strike fear in just about everybody. But brain disorders come with an added burden: they are often misunderstood or saddled with preconceived notions and judgments. That's why promoting awareness and better understanding is a key aspect of the work at The Brain Institute.

That understanding goes well beyond the scientific research and ongoing development at The Brain Institute. It extends to the population as a whole - those that are coping with a brain disorder and their caregivers, as well as co-workers, friends, neighbors or anybody else that deals with people suffering from brain disorders. And as we know by now, that includes virtually everyone. That's why The Brain Institute is committed to providing ongoing, meaningful information and resources to the entire community.

From our interesting and relevant quarterly newsletters (with free online or offline subscriptions available), to an annual Brain Awareness week designed to inform, entertain, and educate elementary and high school students, The Brain Institute strives to shed light on the complex workings of the brain.

From research findings and tips on keeping the brain healthy, to recognizing symptoms and understanding treatment options when it's not, our goal is to provide unbiased, accurate information that will help empower and encourage the millions affected by brain disorders today.