#USA #New York #Neuroscience #Dana Foundation #Walter Koroshetz

Walter Koroshetz Joins the Dana Foundation as Senior Advisor

The Dana Foundation has made an impactful announcement this February, revealing that Dr. Walter Koroshetz will take on the role of senior advisor starting March 1, 2026. This decision is part of the Foundation's ongoing commitment to advance neuroscience that benefits society and adheres to the needs of diverse communities. Dr. Koroshetz, previously the director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), brings a wealth of expertise that promises to enhance the Foundation's science funding endeavors.

Dr. Koroshetz has an extensive background, having directed the largest neuroscience research portfolio for the federal government. He is tasked with guiding collaborations in science funding and nurturing early-career scholars and practitioners. Caroline Montojo, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Dana Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about his appointment, highlighting their shared history in numerous initiatives related to neuroscience, including the US BRAIN Initiative and the International Brain Initiative. Montojo remarked on Dr. Koroshetz's dedication to ensuring that neuroscience serves society positively - a mission deeply embedded in the Foundation's ethos.

Koroshetz also shared his thoughts on joining the Dana Foundation, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to impactful neuroscience advancements that engage responsibly with societal needs. With the pace of innovation in the field rising, he recognizes the importance of addressing the ethical and societal questions that may arise. He looks forward to bolstering the foundation's goals in providing meaningful benefits to all.

His relationship with the Dana Foundation has been longstanding; Koroshetz has aided in its neuroscience research and public outreach efforts over the years. In 2020, as the Dana Foundation refined its mission, he offered valuable insights into how its support could yield the most significant impact. He advocates for an intersectional approach to neuroscience, recognizing that the field must not function in isolation.

The Dana Foundation's board chair, Dr. Steven E. Hyman, acknowledged Koroshetz's deep knowledge in neuroscience and his understanding of its societal implications. Their shared commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, which encompasses dialogue across various fields like ethics and law, is fundamental to ensuring that scientific discoveries resonate with public interests.

Dr. Koroshetz's extensive career at NINDS, spanning from 2015 to 2026, includes notable leadership roles in various significant programs, such as the NIH's BRAIN Initiative and initiatives addressing the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. He has also contributed to numerous NIH programs focused on enhancing understanding and treatment of diseases. His leadership extended beyond administrative roles; he founded the BRAIN Initiative Neuroethics Working Group in 2015 and engaged actively until his recent appointment.

Prior to leading NINDS, Dr. Koroshetz made significant contributions as vice chair of the neurology department and director of stroke and neurointensive care at Massachusetts General Hospital. As a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, he helped advance the training and development of neurology residents, laying the groundwork for future contributions in the field. His early research contributions included groundbreaking studies in Huntington's disease.

The Dana Foundation stands as a vital philanthropic entity dedicated to advancing neuroscience, aiming to bridge the gap between research and societal needs. Through its efforts, the Foundation cultivates an environment where students, scientists, practitioners, and communities can work collectively to foster a more responsible and impactful approach to neuroscience. With Walter Koroshetz on board, the Foundation is poised to significantly enhance its mission and connect its research endeavors with real-world applications that resonate with everyday experiences, values, and necessities of the communities it serves.

In conclusion, Dr. Koroshetz's appointment signifies a pivotal moment for the Dana Foundation as it seeks to shape the future of neuroscience in a manner that prioritizes ethical and societal considerations. As he steps into this role, there is a strong sense of optimism regarding the new avenues of research and impact that lie ahead.