Detroit’s Wayne State University is gearing up to establish an institute on brain health, thanks to a $20 million donation. The Ben L. Silberstein Institute for Brain Health will find its home within Wayne State University’s Integrative Biosciences Center, under the leadership of Dr. David Rosenberg.

The institute represents hope for the future of neuroscience and will focus on understanding the structure, chemistry and function of the human brain, according to Rosenberg.

“We have a real opportunity to do that and have this Institute rise to a place of preeminence where we can do something really special, as well as do a lot of good for a bunch of brain disorders ranging from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease,” he said.

Rosenberg envisions the institute as a hub for collaborative work across different fields within Wayne State, as well as with external institutions. He added the goal is to ultimately do research that enhances the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. The gift was made by philanthropist Seema Boesky, in memory of her father.

Rosenberg explains the funding will not only support research on addiction and pain biology, but also on conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. He added many different types of doctors and patients could benefit from the results.

“So, what we are learning as physicians and clinicians in the clinic, we’re notifying and letting the basic scientists know and vice versa, so it’s a two-way street,” he continued.

He said the institute will also cover significant aspects of health equality and the challenges of brain and behavioral health in urban communities.