“Subbu’s BrainStorm project that Mind Science funded is paused at the moment, but will resume as soon as our lockdown lifts. Frankly, if it wasn’t for you guys, her career would be killed by this situation—because your funding will allow her to extend by enough time to actually finish the project. I cannot express how grateful I am for your role in helping to save this brilliant young scientist’s future.”

Michael Anderson, PhD, Principal Investigator at Memory Control Lab, Cambridge University

“BrainStorm is truly different from the other processes: it asks the researchers to be able to convey their work and knowledge to the general population, never forgetting that the ultimate goal of research is the progress of humankind. Also, it is open to young scientists, who are often left out and not admitted to competitive grants.”

Lorenzo Ciccione, Graduate Student, Collège de France, 2020 BrainStorm finalist

“I really enjoyed participating in BrainStorm because it helped me figure out how to better communicate my research to the lay public. In fact, I showed my application to my family and I think it was the first time they really understood the science behind what I do. I believe the emphasis Mind Science places on public dissemination of scientific knowledge is invaluable.”

Merridee Lefner, Graduate Student, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2020 BrainStorm winner

“Through BrainStorm we were equipped with a substantial push to draw community attention to how childrens’ brains could be key to resilience, as well as to substantiate and showcase these claims to provide crucial insights for future practical and policymaking strategies. Preliminary findings emerged from the Mind Science partnership and community-motivated interests have led to additional funding from the NICHD, all of which now enable to us expand the scope of our research mission to evaluate how shared book reading, between parents/caregivers and children, can promote academic resilience by tapping their prefrontal cortex, in the face of socioeconomic adversity.”

Tin Nguyen, Graduate Student, Vanderbilt University, 2019 BrainStorm winner

“The BrainStorm process is special in many ways, including its focus on young scientists, offering regular support and communication throughout, and especially in its prioritization of scientific communication skills. BrainStorm helped me to realize the importance of centering my communication around what I find to be at the core of research, genuine passion and excitement, in hopes that doing so will interest and inspire others.”

Amber Hopkins, Graduate Student, Chapman University, 2020 BrainStorm finalist

“The BrainStorm competition is quite different from the events we typically attend as scientists. We are not used to directly competing with others or being judged by a lay audience. It was a good exercise to think about the concrete applications of our work and ways to interest people outside of our field of research. “

Vincent Taschereau-Dumouchel, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California Los Angeles, 2019 BrainStorm finalist

“Being able to participate and compete as an undergrad alongside researchers with advanced degrees was a wonderfully validating experience. It has had a lasting impact on my confidence that transcends us not winning the grand prize.”

Michael Greenberg, Graduate Student, Bard College, 2019 BrainStorm finalist