Giving
BIG Center
Scientists in UVA’s Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center are at the forefront of neuroimmunology research, and their cutting edge studies ongoing in the BIG Center are investigating ways to harness the power of the body’s own immune system to help develop new treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, Autism spectrum disorder, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Depression, Stroke and many other illnesses.
Journals and News
The BIG Center has made huge scientific strides towards a greater understanding of neuroimmunology as seen in impressive work recently highlighted in major journals and news outlets. The University has invested significantly in the BIG Center, but additional support from private philanthropy will allow us to move more quickly and enhance the impact of our research.
What is Neuroimmunology
Neurological disorders strike the core of what it means to be human — memory, personality, movement, the ability to acquire and process information, even how you relate to those you love. Neuroimmunology is a ground-breaking and exciting field of research that has recently developed in response to the growing community affected by neurodegenerative, autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases.
How Can You Help?
- Seeding innovative research projects that aim to identify and test novel therapies to treat neurological disorders, especially in the early stages before they are eligible for government and industry grants.
- Providing competitive start-up packages and endowing professorships to help recruit and retain the most talented scientists. People are the heart of all pioneering scientific discovery.
- Equipping laboratories with staff and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
- Preparing the next generation of neuroscience investigators by funding research fellowships and student positions.
- Providing opportunities to exchange ideas and foster collaborations at top tier conferences and meetings