Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $10 million investment to establish the SUNY Brain Institute, a multi-campus initiative aimed at expanding neuroscience research within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The institute will provide funding for shared equipment and research infrastructure across SUNY institutions with significant neuroscience capacity, including the four University Centers, Upstate Medical University, Downstate Health Sciences University, and other research-focused campuses.
“SUNY campuses are leading the way on groundbreaking research that saves lives and improves the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers and people around the planet,” Governor Hochul said. “The SUNY Brain Institute will leverage all of the strengths of our statewide public higher education system by increasing our researchers’ capacity for new discoveries and life-saving treatments. This is a smart, strategic investment in neuroscience research that will improve lives.”
The funding comes from capital support allocated to SUNY in the 2025-26 state budget. The new institute aims to promote collaboration among more than 600 active neuroscience faculty members across SUNY’s network. Research areas will include brain aging, stroke, mental health, neurodegenerative disorders, and neurotechnology.
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Innovative neuroscience research is happening on SUNY campuses throughout the state, and thanks to the steadfast support of Governor Hochul, SUNY and New York will continue to be at the forefront of that research in part through the SUNY Brain Institute. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for their unwavering commitment to funding research at SUNY, and their dedication to academic excellence.”
The Board of Trustees at SUNY commented, “Thanks to Governor Hochul and her comprehensive support for SUNY’s research initiatives, we will be able to continue and grow investments in our efforts to improve and save lives. The launch of the SUNY Brain Institute will help make SUNY a leader in neuroscience research, and the important research done there will have a significant effect on the future health and well-being of humanity.”
Funding distribution will follow a proposal process from eligible campuses seeking resources for shared equipment or infrastructure. Ongoing neuroscience projects within SUNY include studies on early Alzheimer’s disease progression at Albany; applications of electrical engineering principles to neurological diseases like Parkinson’s Disease at Binghamton; development of an Alzheimer’s vaccine using immunotherapy at Buffalo; new technologies for treating traumatic brain injuries at Stony Brook; vision restoration work at Upstate Medical; and research on adolescent stress resilience impacting adult mental health at Downstate Health Sciences University.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “I am delighted to see New York investing in the next generation of discovery through the SUNY Brain Institute. This initiative brings together the best of SUNY’s research strength—from advancing Alzheimer’s treatments and restoring vision to understanding stress resilience and mental health. With over 600 neuroscience researchers across the system, SUNY is uniquely positioned to translate scientific innovation into real-world healing. This investment reaffirms that when we support our public universities, we strengthen both the promise of science and the health of our communities.”
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman added, “The launch of the SUNY Brain Institute is a bold investment in the future of science, medicine, and higher education in New York State. By expanding SUNY’s capacity for groundbreaking neuroscience research, we’re strengthening our innovation economy and bringing hope to families affected by Alzheimer’s, stroke, and mental health challenges. This $10 million investment will help sustain research that advances scientific discoveries in the neurosciences, giving affected families hope and ensuring continued progress that improves lives across our state.”
SUNY serves about 1.4 million students across its portfolio including credit-bearing courses as well as continuing education programs. It oversees nearly a quarter of academic research conducted in New York with total expenditures approaching $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024.
