How Philanthropy Continues to Support Novel Neuroscience Research

Gottesman Fund Supports Additional Clinical and Research Efforts

In 2023, the Gottesman Fund continued to fund significant neuro-related programs at Mount Sinai. First, it fully funded the next phase of our work researching precision approaches to using ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.

Under the leadership of James Murrough, MD, PhD, Mount Sinai has continued to demonstrate the untapped potential of ketamine as a transformative therapeutic. Dr. Murrough is Professor of Psychiatry, and Neuroscience, and Director of the Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Additionally, the Gottesman Fund made a transformational gift to name the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Center for Headache Treatment and Translational Research. The gift was made in large part due to the exceptional care the late David “Sandy” Gottesman received from Mark W. Green, MD, and Bridget R. Mueller, MD, PhD. This gift will enable the Center, already known for its exceptional clinical care and fellowship training program, to become a research powerhouse.

Dr. Green is Emeritus Director of Headache and Pain Medicine, and Professor of Neurology, Anesthesiology, and Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr. Mueller is Assistant Professor of Neurology and will serve as Research Director of the Gottesman Center. Jihan A. Grant, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, is Division Chief and Director of the Gottesman Center.

Seaver Autism Center: 30 Years of Transformative Impact and a Brighter Future

Under the leadership of Joseph D. Buxbaum, PhD, the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment has advanced the understanding and treatment of autism and related rare disorders. In 2023, the Center celebrated its 30th anniversary—and the unwavering support from its generous donors, including annual multimillion-dollar gifts from the Beatrice and Samuel A. Seaver Foundation. Dr. Buxbaum, a renowned molecular geneticist, is the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Research Professor of Geriatrics and Adult Development, and Professor of Psychiatry, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, and Neuroscience at Icahn Mount Sinai.

A special “Seaver Celebration” that commemorated three decades of achievements took place at The Plaza. The event honored Alex Kolevzon, MD, for his 16 years (and counting!) of dedicated service, and recognized the transformative impact of three decades of research. Dr. Kolevzon, who is the Clinical Director of the Center and leads its experimental therapeutics program, is Professor of Psychiatry, and Pediatrics, at Icahn Mount Sinai.

Recent breakthroughs by the Center, including the largest-ever genetic analysis, involving more than 150,000 individuals, unveiled diverse mutations influencing autism and established precision therapeutics as a critical approach to treatment. The Center has also pioneered novel clinical trials in genetic subtypes of autism. Notably, low-dose ketamine's positive impact on children with ADNP syndrome represents a significant stride toward precision therapeutics. These discoveries have greatly advanced the diagnosis and understanding of the biological causes of autism, and are continuing to yield new treatments. Today, the Center can promise a brighter future for those touched by autism.