On October 8, 2024, the French Consulate in New York hosted the annual dinner of Paris Brain Institute America (PBIA), gathering prominent philanthropists and influential figures from the scientific community for an evening dedicated to transatlantic research on brain diseases. In the presence of Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, and Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York, this event highlighted PBIA's commitment to supporting collaborative research projects between Paris Brain Institute and leading American universities.
A Shared Commitment to Brain Disease Research
In presence of Professor Gérard Saillant and Jean Todt, Founding Members of the Paris Brain Institute, as well as Jean Reno, the Institute’s Ambassador, the evening underscored the importance of philanthropic support in realizing ambitious scientific projects.
Thanks to the collective commitment of the guests and the support of influential personalities like Helena Skarstedt, President of the dinner, this landmark event confirmed PBIA’s leading role in funding and promoting transatlantic collaborative research.
An Evening Marked by Philanthropic Engagement
Martine Assouline, Chair the Board of PBIA, was praised for her exceptional leadership, alongside Zofia Reno and Mathilde Coste, members of the Board of PBIA. Their dedication, as well as that of the guests, was pivotal to the success of this fundraising event.
Our goal is to foster collaboration between scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs and donors on both sides of the Atlantic to accelerate research on brain diseases. This partnership will advance science and improve the lives of millions around the world.
Two Transatlantic Research Projects Begin to Take Shape
In the presence of the medical and scientific leaders of these projects, the dinner was an opportunity to present two major research initiatives made possible by PBIA’s work and the commitment of its donors. CNN journalist Pamela Brown, who led the evening’s discussions, brilliantly illustrated PBIA’s powerful model and unique positioning in supporting research funding.
The first project, led jointly by Dr. Mehdi Touat, neurologist and researcher at Paris Brain Institute, and Dr. Keith Ligon of Harvard Medical School, aims to develop new therapies against glioblastomas, the most aggressive form of brain tumor. This four-year research program represents a major step forward in the fight against this type of cancer.
The second project, led by Dr. Jacobo Sitt, psychiatrist and researcher at Paris Brain Institute, and Dr. Jan Claassen of Columbia University, seeks to create personalized care protocols for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries. This project, also spanning four years, aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of these complex neurological injuries.
Both projects began in 2024, and PBIA donors will receive regular updates on their progress.
An Inspiring Vision and a Moving Testimony
Dr. Brian Lau, Scientific Director at Paris Brain Institute, an American who has been at the Institute for over 10 years, shared his experience and explained why he chose to pursue his career and experimental neurosurgery research at the institute. He highlighted the unique model of Paris Brain Institute, which combines fundamental and clinical research in an environment that fosters translational research. According to him, this integrated ecosystem is a major asset in accelerating scientific discoveries and their direct application for the benefit of patients
His speech was followed by a poignant testimony from Rosemary, an American patient living in New York, who underwent surgery in 2019 by Paris Brain Institute teams. Suffering from essential tremor, she shared how the institute and its experts had radically transformed her life. This sincere and emotional moment illustrated the direct impact of the research conducted at Paris Brain Institute on patients’ daily lives.
We must deepen our understanding of the brain and find remedies for its disorders; it is a collective effort that will bring hope and dignity, and ultimately, a healthier world for all.
Find out more
To find out more about Paris Brain Institute America :
- visit parisbraininstitute-america.org
- write to info@parisbraininstitute-america.org.
