Thinking about the past. Envisioning the future. Creating. Enjoying. Loving.

Everything depends on the brain. It makes us who we are and helps us build bridges to others. The Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute focuses on maintaining those cognitive functions – and treating diseases and disorders that disrupt them.

As the field of neuroscience enters a new age of innovation, work at the O’Donnell Brain Institute supports UT Southwestern’s aspiration to accelerate research breakthroughs into treatment advances.

The O’Donnell Brain Institute brings together premier scientists and physicians to use the most sophisticated equipment and techniques to uncover preventive options, improve diagnosis, and enhance clinical care for patients touched by a neurodegenerative injury or disorder. Already, these tools are being used to further our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the brain and causes of brain disease to help some of the estimated 50 million people in this country living with a brain disease.

The O’Donnell Brain Institute brings together premier scientists and physicians to use the most sophisticated equipment and techniques to enhance care.

Established in 2015 with a $36 million gift from the O’Donnell Foundation, the Institute continues to develop, strengthened by the generosity of a growing number of philanthropic partners and state and federal support. The goal, to benefit patients today and for generations to come, is to reinforce and expand the national leadership of UT Southwestern in neuroscience research
and treatment.

This past year, some of the most innovative research developments have been in regenerative medicine, sleep science, biomarkers for treatment of depression, individualized therapies for rare brain diseases, study of sports-related concussion, and advanced technology to improve diagnosis and treatment for those with epilepsy.