The University at Buffalo (UB) is set to enhance its groundbreaking research on Alzheimer’s disease thanks to a significant investment from the state of New York. As part of the 2025-26 budget, the state will allocate $10 million to launch the SUNY Brain Institute, a multicampus initiative aimed at expanding neuroscience research across the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
The SUNY Brain Institute will focus on funding shared research infrastructure and equipment across various SUNY campuses. This funding will be available to eligible institutions that submit proposals addressing critical areas such as brain aging, stroke, mental health, neurodegenerative disorders, and neurotechnology. The initiative is expected to foster collaboration among over 600 active neuroscience faculty researchers within the SUNY system.
At UB, researchers are applying immunotherapy techniques to combat Alzheimer’s. This innovative approach targets the two main proteins associated with the disease, training the immune system to recognize and attack them more effectively. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “SUNY campuses are leading the way on groundbreaking research that saves lives and improves the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers and people around the planet.”
Underlining the broader impact of the institute, Hochul added that it will enhance researchers’ capacity for new discoveries and critical treatments. This collaborative effort aims to solidify New York’s position as a leader in neuroscience research, with projects not only focused at UB but also at other institutions. For example, the University at Albany is conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease, Binghamton University is focusing on Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, and Stony Brook University is addressing traumatic brain injuries.
The launch of the SUNY Brain Institute represents a strategic investment in the future of neuroscience research in New York. As noted by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., “New York will continue to be at the forefront of that research in part through the SUNY Brain Institute.”
This initiative is expected to attract significant attention and resources, furthering the quest for innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges facing society today. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared resources, the SUNY Brain Institute is poised to make a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience and public health.
