What We Do
We Support
Basic Science
The Mathers Foundation supports basic research with translational potential in areas such as immunology, microbiome, structural biology, cancer, genetics, stem cells, and neuroscience. We fund work that can lead to major advances in scientific understanding and human health.
Image credit: Priya Rajasethupathy with Lab Staff
Transformational Research. Meaningful Impact.
To decode fundamental mechanisms of cellular aging, the Abuddayyeh and Gootenberg Labs will build a detailed atlas mapping rejuvenation and aging pathways across diverse human cell types. The ultimate goal is to identify novel drug targets that promote healthier aging and extend healthspan.
To decode fundamental mechanisms of cellular aging, the Abuddayyeh and Gootenberg Labs will build a detailed atlas mapping rejuvenation and aging pathways across diverse human cell types. The ultimate goal is to identify novel drug targets that promote healthier aging and extend healthspan.
Signal transduction by growth factor activity plays a central role across a diverse set of biological processes, is highly regulated, and the focus of many therapeutic principles. The Flynn Lab will expand the scope of how growth factors decide how to productively interact with cells through an unexpected layer of RNA regulation.
The Peng Lab will aim to uncover how ErbB receptor family members interact dynamically in living cells using advanced single-molecule imaging techniques. By visualizing these interactions in real time, the study will shed light on the molecular basis of oncogenic signaling and inform future cancer therapies.
The Mustoe Lab will define mechanisms of 7SK non-coding RNA structural switching to enable new therapeutic paradigms for targeting aberrant transcription in cancer.
The Chen Lab will unlock the potential of Next-generation RNA medicine – targeting circular RNAs for cancer treatment
The Hayne and Oakes Labs are teaming up to characterize and understand the important role of an RNA splicing enzyme in cellular biology. They have evidence that cells adjust a specific part of RNA splicing to adapt to stressful conditions, and that this process goes awry in diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
The Hayne and Oakes Labs are teaming up to characterize and understand the important role of an RNA splicing enzyme in cellular biology. They have evidence that cells adjust a specific part of RNA splicing to adapt to stressful conditions, and that this process goes awry in diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
The Rajasethupathy Lab previously identified that genetic variation in the brain’s thalamus explains meaningful behavioral variation in mouse short-term memory performance. Here, they will model the developing thalamus using human brain organoids to rapidly screen for additional genes linked to variation in short-term memory.
How To Apply
The first step in applying to our Grant Program is to ensure your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria. We recommend thoroughly reviewing our guidelines before starting an application.
Image credit: Rick Bucala
Please read through our FAQ’s for any questions you may have.
We do not engage in such conversations with any university or institution to maintain objectivity in our application review process. Our website offers clear guidance for applicants. Reviewers prioritize innovative, high-merit proposals with an established proof of concept.
The Foundation’s policy is to fund 501(c)(3) organizations. However, applications can be submitted through a 501(c)(3) foundation or entity that supports educational institutions without their own 501(c)(3) status.
The Primary Investigator (PI) and the Secondary Contact coordinating all applications must register. The Primary Signatory must register if the LOI has progressed to a Formal Proposal. Detailed instructions are available here.