Advancing Research

The Waisman Center is dedicated to advancing knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the life span.

Researchers spend every day searching for the causes, consequences, and therapies for developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, fragile X, and cerebral palsy. Interdisciplinary teams of scientists are discovering the roots of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and spinal cord injury.

Gifts propel discoveries out of the lab and into new treatments and therapies for these complicated disorders and diseases. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children, adults and families in Wisconsin and beyond.

Your gift makes a difference and helps pave the way for discovery and hope.

• Alexander Disease / Leukodystrophy
  Alexander Disease Research Fund
  Supports Alexander disease research at the Waisman Center.
• ALS
  ALS Fund
  Provides support to ALS research at the Waisman Center.

• Autism
  Autism Research Fund
  Provides support to autism research, education and outreach programs at the Waisman Center.
• Alzheimer’s/Down Syndrome
  Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome Research Fund
  Supports research on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
  CMT and Nerve Injury Research Fund
  This fund supports research in the area of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease, other inherited neurological disorders affecting myelin, and mechanisms of nerve injury repair.
• Cochlear Implants
  Cochlear Implants Fund
  Provides support to cochlear implant research, education and outreach programs at the Waisman Center.
• Down Syndrome
  Down Syndrome Fund
  Provides support to Down syndrome research, education and outreach programs at the Waisman Center.
• Fragile X Syndrome
  Fragile X Fund
  Provides support to fragile X syndrome research, education and outreach programs at the Waisman Center.
• Parkinson’s Disease
  Parkinson’s Research Fund
  Provides support to Parkinson’s Disease research, education and outreach programs at the Waisman Center.
• Spinal Cord Injury
  David Busta Spinal Cord Stem Cell Research Fund
  Supports research on spinal cord injuries.
• Stem Cells
  Stem Cell Research Fund in Neurological Diseases
  Supports stem cell research at the Waisman Center.
• Vision Research
  Vision Research Fund
  Supports vision research at the Waisman Center.