Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize
Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery
What is the Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize?
The Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) was created through a generous $10M philanthropic commitment from Mr. Sanders Lee to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI). Mr. Lee, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Hopewell® Group of Companies is a visionary leader who embraces the idea of technology and science for the betterment of society.
This prize will serve as a catalyst to launch innovative, bold, high-impact research projects in brain and mental health at the University of Calgary. The Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize – unique in Canada – offers up to $1 million per year for the next ten years to fund research projects that are “ahead of the curve." These projects would be at a critical crossroads where an injection of funding has the potential to transform the project into significant community impact.
2023 Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize Winner
Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize 2023 Finalists
Dr. Aaron Phillips
A hemodynamic neuroprotection paradigm for spinal cord injury
Hundreds of promising therapies have been developed to protect and regenerate neurons after spinal cord injury, unfortunately with unsatisfying results with respect to both efficacy and translation. Our innovative and bold concept is centred around understanding if stabilizing blood flow in the spinal cord early after an injury can improve neurorecovery.
Dr Deborah Kurrasch
The neurobiology and drug discovery of psychedelics
Psilocybin is the psychoactive ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms’ and is the leading contender for clinical use. Despite its positive advantages over other psychedelics, its pharmacological profile is not perfect. Our prototype allows the clarity of thinking and open mindset required for easy articulation of problems, and only lasts a few hours in duration.
Dr. Wee Yong
Overcoming CNS fibrosis for neuroregeneration
Injuries to the central nervous system can cause fibrotic scars form, composed of many different cell types. There are still many gaps of knowledge on the impact of these cell types on healing. To address these gaps, we bring together world class expertise to overcome CNS fibrotic scars to enhance recovery from injury.
$1 Million Dollars/per award
Total Prize: Up to $1 million
Duration of funding: Distributed up to five years
Expression of Interest Form Deadline: March 22, 2024 at 4 pm MT
Full Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 at 4 pm MT
Selection of finalists: Early September 2024
Decision Date: October/November 2024
$10 million to create Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize
Calgarians are known for making big, bold things happen. Sanders Lee is one of them. A record-breaking new prize in brain and mental health research will bring new ideas to the fore – sparking innovation through cutting edge research at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI).
“I've always been a supporter of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Dr. David Park approached me with what he called a bold idea,” says Lee. “I think at the end of the day, I’m a risk taker, and I loved the idea.”
What is high-impact research?
What does it mean to say high-impact? Research that is bold and new, and has potential to positively affect many people not just in Canada, but around the globe.
Below are summaries of high-impact research from last year's M.I.N.D. Prize finalists.
Innovation Prize Jury
Dr Alon Chen
President of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Head of the Max Planck Society - Weizmann Institute of Science Laboratory for Experimental Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurogenetics and adjunct Professor at the Medical School of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich
Dr Beth Stevens
Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Institute Member of the Broad Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and member of the National Academy of Medicine
Dr Nelson Spruston
Laboratory Head and Chief of Scientific Operations and Programs at the Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute