Axel Schönthal, PhD, Univ. of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

National Brain Tumor Society research programs play an integral role in the progress toward new therapies for brain tumor patients. Our research funding programs are designed to achieve thoughtful, strategic investment across the research spectrum. We see NBTS as a critical component of the wider brain tumor research effort, and we aim not to duplicate the expertise or resources of other funders. We fund investigations that seek new targets to improve existing therapies, which will ultimately lead to a cure.

About our Approach

 
National Brain Tumor Society has been known for its success in funding promising basic and translational investigations by academic researchers whose work meets the highest, peer-reviewed standards. Now, with visionary board leadership and professional staff expertise, the National Brain Tumor Society can both affect and direct promising research through our new funding structures.

Industry partners are critical to our commitment to moving research more quickly through the development pipeline. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are motivated to acquire and promote promising therapeutic targets as identified by academic researchers, as well as their own scientists. These companies have the resources to see new therapies through clinical trials and the regulatory reviews in order to bring successful new treatment options onto the market – and into the hands of brain tumor patients.

Responsive Priorities

 
The passage of the economic stimulus plan has shaped the research funding plans for NBTS in 2009 and 2010, as the stimulus plan infuses the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with an additional $10 billion. Much of this additional funding is likely to be channeled primarily to basic and early-stage translational research through existing NIH programs.

Therefore, NBTS funding for 2009 and 2010 is best invested in later translational and pre-clinical investigations that may not benefit as much from the influx of NIH funding. NBTS Innovation Grant opportunities, in both the academic and industry worlds, will take priority for NBTS in the near future, while basic and translational investigations are well-supported by the economic stimulus funding to federal agencies.

Learn more about:

• Our Expert Advisors
• Grant Review Process
• Current Programs
• Current Funded Research 
• How Your Research Dollars Are Spent