Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Cancer Center

The Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute (MBTI) of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University receives charitable funding in order to fulfill its mission, primary of which is to support brain and spine tumor-related research and projects aimed at improving the care and well-being of patients suffering from a brain or spine tumor. Physicians, researchers and collaborators affiliated with the MBTI and/or Lurie Cancer Center are invited to apply for funding and support from MBTI.

There may be specific and programmatic calls from time to time, however, projects can also be submitted on a continuous basis for review and consideration. Projects need to be within the mission of the MBTI, and the scope must be in accordance with the possibilities of charitable support. Single grants will typically be given between $10,000 and $100,000.

Applications should include a short summary and brief outline of the planned research or project, typically 1 ½ pages and no more than 4 pages). This summary should include a budget and justification of the funds requested, as well as notice of any other pending grant applications or other relevant funding, as applicable. The application should be accompanied by an NCI-style biography of the PI(s) for research proposals, as well as any additional supporting documents as judged by the applicant.

Applications should be addressed to the MBTI Scientific Review Committee and sent by email to the Program Director for the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Laura Jaros.

The MBTI Review Committee (the “Committee”), composed of its Directors (Medical Director, Scientific Director and Surgical Director) together with the Chairs of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Neurology and the Director of the Lurie Cancer Center, will review and score applications on an ongoing basis. The Committee will convene as needed, approximately 6-8 times per year. The Committee may elect to meet virtually and score project proposals via email.

The Committee will score projects and conclude whether they are fundable or non-fundable, and prioritize all projects recommended for funding. However, ultimate attribution of funding will be decided by the Medical and/or Surgical Director together with the MBTI Program Director and the Director of the Lurie Cancer Center, based on budget and availability of funds.

The mission of the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is to provide state-of-the-art clinical care to patients with brain and spine tumors, provide the resources and support necessary for patients and their families to meet the challenges of living with a brain or spine tumor, train neuro-oncology researchers and clinicians to meet the highest standards, and to endeavor to find a cure for brain and spine tumors.