AGA receives $2.25 million endowment for new research into neuroenteric disease

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation has received a generous gift from prominent San Francisco philanthropist Athena Blackburn, which will create new research opportunities for young investigators who are interested in neuroenteric disease. The AGA-Athena Troxel Blackburn Research Scholar Award in Neuroenteric Disease will provide $270,000 over three years to young investigators who are interested in advancing research in neuroenteric disease. AGA will match this donation, resulting in a $2.25 million endowment.

The overall objective of the research scholar award is to enable young investigators to develop independent and productive research careers in digestive diseases by ensuring that a major proportion of their time is protected for research. This award is intended to support research in neuroenteric disease, which affects the brain-gut axis, or the relationship between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system, and includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The award will fund a young investigator working in the field of neuroenteric disease and, in particular, conducting research that will enhance the fundamental understanding of IBS in order to ultimately prevent or develop a cure for the disease.

"On behalf of the AGA Research Foundation, I would like to thank Mrs. Blackburn for this significant donation," said Martin Brotman, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation. "This grant will not only benefit young researchers, but also the field of gastroenterology by furthering our understanding of neuroenteric disease."

Provided by American Gastroenterological Association