Mission & History

Founded in 2013, The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience brings together an interdisciplinary team of investigators dedicated to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Together their work has advanced the understanding of pathological mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), age-related diseases, and other central nervous system disorders, with a goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets and critical biomarkers that can help forge much-needed paths in disease treatment and diagnosis. 

Led by co-directors William Van Nostrand and John Robinson, the Ryan Institute faculty includes a dynamic cohort of researchers who share a deep commitment to this critical work. 

The George & Anne Ryan Institute is named for the parents of Thomas Ryan ’75, who created the Institute with his wife, Cathy, to support innovation in discovery science and translational medicine in the eradication of neurodegenerative disease.