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BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition

Mind Science Foundation

The BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition™ has a specific focus on funding for early-career researchers teamed with senior primary investigators, working on pilot studies to help them obtain grants for further research, with an additional strategic goal designed to incentivize the building of skills in translating complex neuroscience for a general audience through a pitch video. Finalists are guaranteed $30,000 in funding. The general public cast votes online for the best video for an additional $10,000 Audience Choice award.

Why is Brainstorm Needed?

The BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition™ is the latest way in which Mind Science grants fund early-career researchers. Using a model that teams young investigators with senior principal investigators in powerful labs to work on pilot studies, Mind Science support makes critical investments in the development of pilot data, leading to greater funding opportunities, while early-career researchers hone their skills in translating complex neuroscience for a general audience. Mind Science funding has also supported prestigious global neuroscientific conferences, in addition to funding its own conferences for both neuroscientists and the general public.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

About the Mind Science Foundation (MSF)

Founded in 1958 by philanthropist Thomas Baker Slick, MSF was created to explore the potential of the human mind through rigorous scientific inquiry.

Its mission centers on advancing cutting-edge consciousness research and fostering public educational programs that deepen understanding of brain and mind.

How MSF Grants Serve as Predictors of Research Success

1. The Tom Slick Research Awards in Consciousness

MSF’s flagship funding mechanism offers pilot grants, usually ranging from US $15,000 to $30,000, intended to spark high-risk, high-reward projects in consciousness studies.

Recipients have included renowned figures like Fred Gage, Susan Greenfield, Christof Koch, and V.S. Ramachandran—whose work has subsequently influenced major scientific discourse.

The grants help early-career researchers collaborate with distinguished labs, generate preliminary data, and strengthen their competitiveness for larger grants.

2. BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition

A signature public event where researchers pitch consciousness-focused projects to an audience of donors, with prizes awarded through live audience voting.

Prizes include $30,000 for the winner and $15,000 for runners-up, offering both funding and invaluable experience in translating complex ideas for broader audiences.

This platform helps sharpen communication skills, foster interdisciplinarity, and enhance visibility—especially for younger scientists.

3. Distinguished Speaker Series & Events

MSF organizes high-profile lectures and events featuring thought leaders in consciousness research and related disciplines. Past speakers include Jonas Salk, Jane Goodall, Kay Redfield Jamison, and Temple Grandin.

The Foundation also supports major international symposia, like the Assocation for the Scientific Study of Consciousness conferences and dialogue events with the Dalai Lama, fostering collaboration and public engagement

Why MSF Support Is a Strong Success Predictor

Aspect	How It Predicts Future Impact
Early-Stage Pilot Funding	Enables high-risk, novel consciousness projects to gain traction
Prestigious Award Recipients	Past grantees are leading scientists, signaling award quality
Pitch & Outreach Platforms	Builds communication skills and visibility for early-career researchers
Thought Leadership Events	Encourages networking and idea exchange among top consciousness scientists

Real-World Example:

The Tom Slick Awards have supported now-prominent researchers like Christof Koch and Fred Gage, providing early validation and resources that helped amplify their contributions to neuroscience.

In Summary

The Mind Science Foundation functions as an exceptional predictor of success in the realm of consciousness and mind research. Its small but strategic grants catalyze new inquiries, its pitch competitions build real-world communication acumen, and its lecture series broaden recognition and foster collaborative opportunity.

Specialties

Geriatrics & Gerontology

Neurosciences

Mental Health

Eligibility Requirements

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Mind Science Foundation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 117 West El Prado Dr. San Antonio, TX

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