Burke Medical Research Institute Gets $3M+ Federal Grant

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Burke Medical Research Institute in White Plains will receive more than $3 million from the federal government over the next five years. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, announced Wednesday that $3,125,875 was allocated for the research institute. The funding comes through the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and BRMI will use this funding for the pioneering study of spinal cord injury.

“Advances in scientific research hold tremendous potential to help people suffering from spinal cord injuries lead full and independent lives,” Lowey said. “This federal funding will enable Burke Medical Research Institute to continue to lead in cutting-edge research and innovation on spinal-cord rehabilitation that has the potential to improve thousands of lives. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to bring these essential resources to the Lower Hudson Valley.”

“The grant is a collaboration with a leading imaging group at Cornell University in Ithaca that will allow Dr. Jian Zhong, director of the Molecular Regeneration Laboratory at Burke Medical Research Institute, and his colleagues here at BMRI to visualize reformation of spinal circuits as they are happening,” said Dr. Rajiv R. Ratan, executive director of the Burke Medical Research Institute. “This exciting new potential may be relevant for the repair of the brain and spinal cord not only after spinal injury but also may pave a successful path for treatment of an array of conditions including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.”

Research project grants funded by NINDS are highly competitive, with only 20 percent of applicants receiving funding.

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