By Michelle Jaffee
In a rapid-fire data blitz Wednesday evening, 18 neuroscience investigators presented their latest findings from research funded by the MBI Accelerator Program, which has provided over $2 million in seed awards to bolster new extramural applications and collaborations.
“Tonight is a celebration of momentum and discovery,” MBI Director Jennifer Bizon, Ph.D., said in welcoming over 120 MBI community members to the event in UF’s Harrell Medical Education Building. “What you’ll see across our program is how much it highlights the breadth of research in neuroscience and neuromedicine that we have here at UF.”
The latest in the “MBI Insights” community-building series, the evening offered three-minute, visually oriented updates on innovative research in three main areas: brain injury and repair; brain function and behavior; and disease mechanisms and therapeutics. Speakers represented six UF colleges and 14 academic departments.
“We really believe that breakthroughs in brain health happen the fastest when infrastructure, cross-disciplinary science, translational research and world-class training are all built together within a single ecosystem,” Bizon said.
Joe Abisambra, Ph.D., MBI’s associate director for research programs and moderator of the event, said it was chance to share data, ideas and questions about exciting research underway.
“You’re going to hear brief updates on the Accelerator awards, to identify opportunities to collaborate and opportunities to share and meet someone new,” said Abisambra, who led the scientific review committee that selected award winners.
Crucial to the Accelerator Program’s success is support from philanthropic partners and institutional collaborations with UF Research and MBI-affiliated centers.
