President’s Welcome

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Welcome to the Grass Foundation, a beacon of innovation and support in the field of neuroscience.

Borne from the vision and generosity of Albert M. and Ellen R. Grass, the Grass Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing the frontiers of neuroscience since its founding in 1955. Our founders, a remarkable duo of scientific visionaries, established The Grass Foundation with the core belief that the progress of neuroscience is propelled by the brilliance and dedication of extraordinary people. Their pioneering spirit lives on as we continue to nurture and champion the work of emerging neuroscientists.

At The Grass Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of research and education. Our flagship Grass Fellowship Program, established at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, embodies this belief. It offers early-career scientists a unique opportunity to conduct independent research, fostering an environment where joy for neuroscience exploration flourishes. The priorities for this program are clear: support the exceptional, encourage the daring, and cultivate an ecosystem where both individual growth and collaboration thrive.

Together with our numerous outreach initiatives, The Grass Foundation remains dedicated to advancing neuroscience as a field and ensuring it is broadly inclusive and accessible. We take pride in our efforts to bring neuroscience education to under-resourced communities and institutions, believing that great ideas and talent are everywhere, awaiting the right attention to bloom. By fostering a sense of community, collaboration and family, we ensure that the journey through neuroscience is as enriching as the discoveries made along the way.

As we look to the future, our mission remains unchanged—to fuel the engine of neuroscience with the brightest minds and boldest ideas. We invite you to join us in this exciting journey, to be part of a legacy of excellence and innovation. Together, we can unravel the mysteries linking brain, behavior and environment, and pave the way for breakthroughs that will transform our understanding of the human mind and its good health.

Thank you for your interest in The Grass Foundation.

Matt McFarlane

President

Matthew McFarlane, Grass Foundation President