Research

Research

The Foundation organizes, conducts, and funds research to advance new applications of focused ultrasound that will fulfill an unmet clinical need, are cost-effective, and can become a standard of care.

The strategic focus of our research program is the rapid development (5 to 7 years) of new indications of focused ultrasound. Our research provides evidence of feasibility, safety, and efficacy for use by a variety of stakeholders (physicians, regulatory agencies, third-party payers, manufacturers, and investors).

The program’s niche is translational research – the application, rather than the discovery, of knowledge. The Foundation funds preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as the development of technology when it is needed to overcome a proximate impediment to future studies.

In addition, the Foundation will fund certain high risk, high impact, early-stage studies that have the potential to impact the field broadly.

When possible, the Foundation will partner with other foundations or government sources of funding to leverage our financial and intellectual capital. Our policy is to make all intellectual property derived from Foundation funding as freely available as possible. Our research model involves a paradigm shift that emphasizes collaboration, data sharing, transparency, and breaking down silos of secrecy.

The Foundation provides research funding through several pathways. We fund high-risk or clinically based investigator-initiated projects through the General Awards Program. We also fund projects in high-priority focused ultrasound applications through the Brain ProgramCancer Immunotherapy Program, and Veterinary Program, including both invited and investigator-initiated projects. Additionally, the Foundation staff conducts internal research projects, supplemented by contracts with industry and academia.

The Foundation has published documents outlining our policies toward data repositories and clinical registries.

Apply for Funding

Funding decisions are based on a competitive peer-review process similar to that used by the NIH and disease specific foundations. If you are seeking funding for a research project, we encourage you to apply for funding. Also, see a list of Foundation-Funded research projects.