illustration of neurons and chemicals in the nervous system

Engineering Treatments of the Future
Neuroscience Research at Barrow

Advancing and translating scientific discoveries into new treatments and the practice of medicine in neuroscience, education of scientific and medical professionals, and innovation in technology and devices that transform clinical techniques.
Home / Research at Barrow Neurological Institute

At a Glance: Our Research and Mission

Neuroscientific research has been one of the three foundational pillars supporting the mission of Barrow Neurological Institute since our doors opened in 1962. What began as a handful of researchers and clinical trials decades ago has blossomed into a modern research powerhouse: Here, dozens of research scientists are conducting translational work in the neurosciences, hundreds of clinical and observational trials are offering hope to patients with intractable diseases, and numerous scientists and physician-scientists are working to bring the latest discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic. We’re also home to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center, the largest Phase 0 clinical trials program in the world.

Within the Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow scientists and physician-scientists conduct leading-edge research into neurodegenerative disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as neuroimaging, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular diseases, and stroke. They incorporate new and cutting edge technologies to explore disease pathogenesis, as well as develop and test new therapies.

Our physician-scientists in our Department of Neurology are conducting groundbreaking research in neuro-epidemiology, uncovering previously unknown risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Essential to this effort is the Barrow Neuro Analytics Center, where our team is bringing the computational power of supercomputers and advanced statistical analysis to bear on massive datasets to demystify the relationship between genetics, the environment, and health outcomes.

Building on our strong history of innovation in neurosurgical devices and spinal instrumentation, neuroscience research at Barrow continues to specialize and adapt as advances are made in the field.

Join Our Team – See Open Positions

Leading the Way

Barrow is an international leader in neuroscience research. We are a major force leading, designing, and conducting clinical trials and observational trials—paving the way for future cures. 

Clinical Trials

Offering more than 287 active clinical trials

Patients Enrolled

More than 1,000 patients enrolled in neuroscience clinical trials

Articles Published

196 peer-reviewed articles published in the most recent academic year

Million in Funding

More than $57 million in federal research funding received in FY24

Latest News & Stories

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exposure data map
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Study Finds Increase Risk of Parkinson’s Disease in Communities Near Golf Courses

Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Krzyzanowski Laboratory was recently featured in multiple…
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Potential Treatment for Huntington Disease: The GENERATION HD-2 trial

The phase 2 GENERATION HD2 trial assesses tominersen’s safety and efficacy, focusing…
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neurologist brad racette in the neuroplex atrium at barrow neurological institute
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Dementia Tied To Metabolic Diseases

Heart disease, strokes and diabetes contribute to many dementia cases in the…
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Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Account for More Than One-Third of Dementia Risk

A substantial number of dementia cases could be eliminated by mitigating modifiable…
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Barrow Study Examines Geographic Ties Between Dementia, Cardiometabolic Disease in the US

Strongest Connection Found in the South A “substantial number” of dementia cases…
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Meet the 2025 Undergraduate Interns at Barrow

Barrow Neurological Institute is thrilled to introduce the 2025 class of summer…
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$2 Million Raised for Ivy Brain Tumor Center from Nicole Hazen Fund

Since it was established in 2021, the fund has raised more than…
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Barrow Sports Biomechanics Spine Lab Aims to Eliminate Golfers’ Back Pain

The Barrow Neurological Foundation in Phoenix, Ariz., recently raised $1 million to…
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$2.5M Grant to Study TBI and Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute have received a $2.5 million grant from…
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Ivy Brain Tumor Center Expands Global Phase 3 Gliofocus Study

The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute has announced the…
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DoD Funds Study of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s

Scientists at Barrow Neurological Institute and other institutions are putting their heads—and…
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NIH Funds Study of Secondary Injury After Stroke Treatment

After an ischemic stroke, the possibility of serious side effects from reperfusion…
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Vesalius’ Historical ‘Manikins’ Displayed Together for First Time

In a yearlong research project, a Barrow Neurological Institute team collected works…
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NIH Funds Further Study of Manganese Exposure, Neurological Health

Researchers at Barrow and collaborating institutions have received an R01 grant to…
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Illustration of confocal microscopy lighting up tumor cells
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Pioneering Device May Advance Neurosurgery, Researchers Say

Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Bern, and C. Besta Neurological Institute researchers…
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neurologist chia ling phuah standing in front of a working area in the barrow neuroanalytics center
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DoD Funds Barrow Study of Alzheimer’s Genetics, TBI Outcomes

Can our genetics predict our cognitive recovery after a traumatic brain injury?…
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First Participant Enrolled in NIH-Funded Access for All in ALS Consortium

The Access for All in ALS Consortium (ALL ALS) announced the successful…
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New Atlas Could Revolutionize Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Pittsburgh collaborate on groundbreaking study Researchers at…
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Ivy Brain Tumor Center Announces Phase 0/2 Clinical Readout of Niraparib

Indicates significant improvement in overall survival of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients.
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Photo of entrance to Barrow Neuro Analytics Center with a sign advertising the grand opening event.
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Barrow Expands Phoenix Research Footprint with Neuro Analytics Center

Barrow Neurological Institute has officially opened a new cutting-edge research center that…
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PRIME Study Site Announcement

Friday, April 12, 2024 The first participant in Neuralink’s PRIME Study recently…
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artak tovmasyan conducting brain tumor research in a laboratory.
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Ivy Brain Tumor Center Awarded U.S. Department of Defense Grant 

The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute received a $1.48…
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Dr. Robert Bowser is pictured in a brightly lit lobby of the Barrow Neuroplex. He is wearing a white lab coat and smiling at the camera.
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Barrow Receives $16.7M NIH Award to Help Coordinate New National ALS Research Consortium

Barrow Neurological Institute has received a large award from the National Institutes…
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Dr. Elliott Mufson performs Alzheimer's research in his laboratory
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NIH Funds Study of Brain Cell Dysfunction in Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s

Barrow Neurological Institute has received a $2.4 million, five-year R01 grant from…
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Fine Particle Air Pollution Linked to PD Risk

Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Racette Laboratory was recently featured in multiple…
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DoD Funds Barrow Neuroimaging Study of Peripheral Nerve Injury, Repair

Richard Dortch, PhD, a neuroimaging researcher at Barrow Neurological Institute, has received…
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Barrow Neurologist Discusses Alzheimer’s Drug Trial Results

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that…
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A portrait of Drs. Stokes, Dortch, Borazanci, and Robers
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Remyelination: Barrow Neuroimaging Scientists Explore ‘Next Frontier’ of MS Treatment

Neuroimaging scientists at Barrow Neurological Institute have received $875,000 in grants to…
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Imaging Research Aims to Unravel How Parkinson’s Alters Brain Networks

Ashley Stokes, PhD, a neuroimaging scientist at Barrow Neurological Institute, has received…
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Barrow Study Suggests Important Drug Target for Glioblastoma

A new study led by Shwetal Mehta, PhD, at Barrow Neurological Institute…
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R01 Grant Supports Further Study of Role of Immune Cells in ALS, FTD

The National Institutes of Health has awarded an R01 grant to Rita…
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Centers, Collaborations & Consortiums

Groundbreaking technologies like AI, machine learning, and brain-computer interfaces are disrupting and accelerating how we make discoveries that will profoundly impact our patients. These efforts cross continents, bringing together the brightest minds in the neurosciences to upend the status quo and accomplish the unimaginable.

Research Programs & Laboratories

These translational programs aim to create and deliver new therapeutic agents—and hope—to people with neurological diseases. Our researchers are investigating the deepest functioning of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to solve the most recalcitrant mysteries of the mind and body.

Core Facilities & Biobank

The next generation of therapeutics demands access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise for researchers around the world. Here in Phoenix, we deliver the advanced tools and resources to support our investigators locally and abroad.