Millions of people worldwide struggle each day with the debilitating effects of central nervous system damage. The endeavor to understand how our central nervous system functions, responds to injury, and recovers has been ongoing for centuries. It was not until the mid-20th century that advances in the arenas of neuroimaging, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience created a platform on which unprecedented discoveries are now being achieved.

Mission Connect joined this effort in 1997; founded by TIRR Foundation and a core group of premier scientists, physicians, and venerated philanthropists. The principles on which they structured Mission Connect were as simple as they were novel: environment, focus and strategic funding. There was a consensus among the group that if scientists in related areas of neurobiology were given a collaborative environment in which to interact, pose questions and share information, the pace of discovery would accelerate. Secondly, the pursuit of basic research was identified as an essential first step from which applied science would grow. Lastly, funding from Mission Connect would have the greatest impact when awarded to the best and brightest scientists with the most promising exploratory studies considered too risky or emergent to attract federal funding. Early funding from Mission Connect would allow these scientists to compile the preliminary data needed to apply for larger funding from major donors.