-Ken Toren, Executive Director, The Parkinson’s Institute

"Neuroscientists face two significant challenges - obtaining funding for projects and being able to freely collaborate with their peers though all stages of their research. The NeuroNet addresses these critical barriers by providing an efficient alternative to the traditional funding model. It has the potential to unite researchers, and the communities that support them, leading to dramatic improvements in neurological research."

-Mark Becker, M.D., President and Founder, Vivacare

The NeuroNet

What it is

The NeuroNet is an internet based research and funding network specifically designed to address structural communication and funding challenges in the development of treatments and cures for neurological diseases. As the centerpiece of CureNeuro’s mission, the NeuroNet will be the vehicle through which researchers, funders, clinicians and other key stakeholders can interact in a variety of collaborative and secure environments. The synergistic outcome of such interactions will provide a fertile platform for accelerating the process of developing treatments and cures for neurological diseases.

What it does

1. Provides a private and secure environment in which researchers can freely collaborate and exchange ideas at all stages of their work
2. Aligns researchers with investors who have a specific interest in the types of research they are conducting
3. Empowers patients and individuals whose lives have been affected by neurological diseases to get directly involved-at any level- by choosing to support areas of research that they believe will have the greatest impact

Researchers will gain access to vast real-time feedback and collaborative networks at a rate and depth heretofore unrealized while spending less time and energy seeking funding – thereby expediting the process of eradicating debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, Huntington’s, MS, Parkinson’s, and hundreds of variants.

While the NeuroNet utilizes the well known open source principles of collaboration, transparency and accessibility, its structure is unique, simultaneously providing a private and secure environment for idea exchange and access to diverse funding opportunities.

Researchers, funders, clinicians and other stakeholders can interact with various degrees of security and information-sharing depending on their interest in specific subject matter, time commitment and professional role. Even a basic level of participation connects stakeholders with the most relevant peer group in the world to immediately aggregate and process their work.

Importantly, the inclusion of microfinance options for investors increases the likelihood of participation by private citizens, thereby increasing funding possibilities for researchers and providing new avenues for individuals interested in supporting neurological research.

For Researchers

The NeuroNet is a private and secure domain where researchers can collaborate by sharing their work, knowledge and experience.

The NeuroNet provides immediate and convenient access to cutting edge ideas from researchers around the globe, expert peer feedback on work-in-progress, dramatic acceleration in idea evolution via multiple feedback loops and connections between participants, as well as targetted and efficient funding opportunities from individual, foundation, VC, and other sources.

The NeuroNet ultimately frees up time for researchers by providing a comprehensive networking and funding tool. It facilitates efficiencies in communication, file sharing and funding exposure so researchers can focus more on their work rather than lengthy, tedious grant applications that can take up so much of their time.

Sample Features:

• Exchange contact information
• View, comment on work in progress
• File and data exchange
• Develop, share, and expand on research methodologies
• Review, comment on research results
• Subscribe to e-updates from relevant areas of interest
• Blog
• Link to most relevant news sources
• Real-time lab meetings
• Video conferencing

The NeuroNet is also a place for researchers to post projects ready for funding. CureNeuro will establish recommended posting guidelines based on the principles of accountability, efficiency and collaboration. CureNeuro will offer assistance to NeuroNet research participants to better market their ideas to potential funders.

For Funders

The NeuroNet is a place for funders to efficiently search specific areas of research interest and become active participants in the funding process for projects they choose to support.

The NeuroNet gives investors at every level the unique opportunity to become active participants in the process of facilitating delivery of promising treatments and cures for brain diseases.

Sample Features:

• Funders choose from a menu of options to stay abreast of the most recent research funding opportunities (quarterly, weekly e-newsletter, etc.)
• Funders choose various levels of feedback on funded projects
• Secure and private investor networking
• Microfinance option to broaden funding stakeholder base, engage support from individuals/families affected by neurological diseases, and promote the CureNeuro mission
• Research news area including a general “Best of” section (e.g. cutting edge research, profiles of key partner organizations, etc.)

Outcome of NeuroNet

The NeuroNet is designed to accomplish one goal: to dramatically energize and accelerate the development of treatments and cures for neurological diseases. The NeuroNet accomplishes this goal by creating an innovative model for R&D and funding connectivity. Using the principles of open source to drive new thinking about information sharing, the NeuroNet provides a platform that promotes scientific synergy on the broadest level possible while reducing structural funding barriers. As such, the NeuroNet pushes the boundaries of our understanding of brain diseases, encourages a more unified voice in the neurosciences, and is ultimately a critical tool in the development of treatments and cures.

Get Involved

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEURONET!

For more information, contact Laurie Chesler at (503)693-7828 or email lchesler@cureneuro.org.

Please make Checks payable to:
CureNeuro
PO Box 3549 Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Tax ID #- 93-1267966

-Zack Lynch, Founder and Executive Director, Neurotechnology Industry Organization

"CureNeuro has a unique concept in allowing researchers working on different diseases to interact and share ideas in an open, collaborative forum. These open discussions may accelerate developments in understanding diseases and finding therapies in a way not possible in other contexts."

-Catherine Lomen-Hoerth, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the ALS Center, UCSF