Gray Matters at Columbia
Our Mission…
…To solve the mystery of such brain disorders
as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, autism,
addiction, and Alzheimer’s
through scientific research on genetic and
environmental causes
About Gray Matters
Gray Matters at Columbia was established by a mother who lost her son to suicide after a long and difficult struggle with schizophrenia. It is a research fellowship fund within Columbia University Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry under the leadership of Jeffrey A. Lieberman, MD. Each spring the Gray Matters fellowship is awarded to a young scientist exhibiting outstanding performance in the genetics of brain disorders. The chosen fellow benefits from the multidisciplinary expertise of a peerless team of clinicians and scientists that includes two Nobel laureates. Gray Matters research is a memorial to those who have been lost and a sign of hope to all who struggle with brain disorders.
2009 Event Photos
Spring Benefit Luncheon
The 2009 Gray Matters at Columbia Spring Benefit Luncheon took place on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 12:00 PM at The University Club. Special guests Donna Hanover as Master of Ceremonies and Guest Speakers Anne Ford and Dick Cavett joined Keynote Speaker Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Chairman of Columbia Psychiatry. With 240 guests in attendance, this year's Gray Matters at Columbia Spring Benefit Luncheon raised over $120,000, with every dollar going towards research on brain disorders which affect mental functions and behavior. Dr. Lieberman notes that "like the outstanding young doctors I introduced at the luncheon, the Gray Matters fellows represent our hopes for the future of psychiatric medicine. We are fortunate and proud to have them on our team."
Bradley Peterson, MD, Director of MRI Research in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University, uses an image of the brain to make a point about serious childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. |
Get Involved
Gray Matters exists as a result of the kindness, compassion, and generosity of its donors.
We encourage donors to get involved and see the impact of their contributions. We invite you to visit and meet the scientists in person and hear directly from them about the current research projects and progress being made in treating brain disorders.
Learn about the process of scientific discovery. See PET, MRI, and CAT scans. Find out how and why brain imaging often gives scientists the answers they seek and what role DNA samples play. Discover how these leading edge scientists summarize the findings that lead to a better understanding of illness, treatment, and cures. |
Find out how this research brings hope, eases the day-to-day coping ability of those who struggle with brain disorders, and gives freedom to some who might otherwise be a prisoner to their illness.
Memorialize a special someone lost to mental illness. A donation made in a loved one’s name often helps families transcend their loss through the knowledge that they are helping someone else.
Arrange A Tour
To arrange a tour, please email us at info@graymatters.us
Giving Is Easy
To make a contribution, please click on the link above or contact Emily Carey: eac2149@columbia.edu, 212-543-5942.
Content compiled by Annette Swanstrom.
