Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn Recognize Brain Research Foundation's 60th Anniversary

CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The modestly sized foundation with enormous reach in the world of neuroscience research today marked its 60th year of funding critical research into the brain. The Brain Research Foundation had humble beginnings on LaSalle Street in Chicago's business district where it set out to help the research community's quest to understand the brain and its complex mysteries so that afflictions unique to the brain and central nervous system could be addressed, and lives improved and saved.

The Brain Research Foundation measures its success in part by how the research it funds attracts additional funding by other organizations and foundations. "We view our Foundation as the catalyst of innovative research," stated Terre Constantine, PhD., Executive Director of Brain Research. "Our objective is to support the most important early stage research to a point at which funding from larger institutions is possible. Our track record over our sixty years is excellent."

Mayor Rahm Emmanuel proclaimed September 19^th as Brain Research Foundation Day in Chicago, highlighting the Foundation's work in multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases. In a letter to the Foundation, Governor Patrick Quinn drew attention to the community of contributors who make the work of the Foundation possible.

Today, the Brain Research Foundation funds research conducted across the United States. Funding research into the brain and nervous system has become especially challenging because government budgets have contracted while the opportunities for meaningful research have expanded.

"The board of trustees commends the inspired work of Terre Constantine and her staff for their success in maintaining and growing our critical role in identifying and funding important research," stated Nathan Hansen, President of the Brain Research Foundation Board of Trustees. "The Foundation is unique in that it understands the interrelated nature of neurological research and also that discoveries in one area often benefit science in a completely different area of the brain. BRF is a very lean operation and money given for research goes entirely to research. We thank the Mayor and Governor for their support, and appeal to all of our friends to support our important mission."

About the Brain Research Foundation
The Brain Research Foundation (www.theBRF.org) supports cutting-edge neuroscience research that will lead to novel treatments and prevention of all neurological diseases in children and adults. We deliver this commitment through research grants, which provide initial funding for innovative research projects, as well as educational programs for researchers and the general public.

For more information:
BRF contact:
Louis G. Pukelis
Office: 312.465.5110
Mobile: 312.208.0560
[email protected]

SOURCE Brain Research Foundation