Since 1989, SMRI has supported a research grants program that has covered a wide spectrum of approaches to research on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In the intervening years, other sources of funds have become available. In addition, it has become increasingly apparent to SMRI that some research areas that are promising are being comparatively underfunded. After reviewing research funding available from NIMH, NARSAD, the British Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, the European Community, and other sources, SMRI has decided to focus its funds on four areas only:

  1. Treatment trials and drug development: See that section of the website.
  2. Genetics research leading to the development of new medication: Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute (see that section) and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.
  3. Infectious agents as possible causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Stanley Laboratory for Developmental Neurovirology (see that section) at Johns Hopkins and at seven collaborating laboratories through the SPECTS program (Stanley Program on Environmental Causes of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder and Their Treatment). Currently, much research is focused on Toxoplasma gondii as a possible cause of schizophrenia; see Toxoplasmosis-Schizophrenia Research section.
  4. Neuropathology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

At this time, the only research grant programs being conducted by SMRI are treatment trials and neuropathology.

Neuropathology Research Grants

SMRI supports only neuropathology research that utilizes samples from the Stanley Brain Collection. Tissue is available from the Consortium Collection, the Array Collection, the Parietal Collection, and the Depression Collection. For availability of samples, see Brain Research Laboratory and Brain Collection on this website. Proposals that carry forward previous research on these collections are especially encouraged. Existing data already collected from the Consortium and Array Collections are available at

http://www.stanleyresearch.org/brain/

http://www.stanleygenomics.org/

Funding

Neuropathological research is funded for up to $75,000 per year for one or two years. SMRI considers the cost of the proposed research as an integral part of the review process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to request only those funds needed for the research. SMRI allows a maximum of 15 percent for indirect costs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications are welcome from neuropathology researchers at all levels of development. Applications are welcome from any country except those prohibited by U.S. law.

How does the review process work?

Applications are reviewed by a committee and assigned a priority score. In contrast to NIH, the proposed cost and proposed scientific goals are evaluated simultaneously, resulting in a cost-benefit assessment. Applications must be submitted by March 1; applicants will be notified of a decision by the end of April. The start date for funded applications is August 1.

For questions regarding scientific aspects of your application, contact Dr. Maree J. Webster.

For questions regarding administrative aspects of your application, contact Ms. Rhoda Marte.