The nonprofit Institute for Mental Health Research is currently requesting applications for pilot studies to support research into child and adolescent mental health, brain disease and injury, schizophrenia, and mood disorders.

Ten one-year grants of up to $25,000 each are up for grabs for those Arizona-based mental health research scientists whose proposals pass muster. Proposals are due on August 31, 2004.

"The intent of the pilot study grants is to support research that will further our understanding of the mental disorders that affect both children and adults," said Cynthia West, chief executive of the institute, in the Business Journal.

"A more complete understanding of the factors that influence brain function and behavior is needed if current treatment practices are to be improved. We want to cultivate and nurture, in cooperation with our partners, expanded mental health research in the region and attract more funding for additional research."

The institute is based at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and at Barrow Neurological Institute. It is also housed at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson.

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For more information:

"Mental health pilot created," Business Journal, 06/18/2004

"Mental health institute focuses on families, aims to grow research," Arizona Republic, 06/06/2004

Institute for Mental Health Research