Back to What Researchers Say About MJFF
From the beginning, working with The Michael J. Fox Foundation has meant checking your ego at the door. Everyone involved truly believes in the cause, wants to be part of the victory, and recognizes that there’s only one way we’re going to get there: together. No one’s thinking about what’s in their own best interests. We all want to do what’s in the field’s best interests. Believe me, this is not always the case in science.
From both a grantee and a reviewer perspective, one of the absolutely key things about MJFF is the integrity of its review process. One of my favorite stories about this comes from my own experience. I had submitted a grant together with European colleagues. Here I was, the hometown hero, part of the organization from the absolute beginning, an advisor before there was even a formal Scientific Advisory Board. Sure enough, the review committee loved my colleagues’ aims — and hated mine. They funded the grant, but cut out me and my portion. Ouch! This Foundation does not play favorites, unless you consider that its “favorite” is always to fund the best research.
There is boldness in every aspect of the Foundation’s work. It is a nimble, action-oriented organization that isn’t afraid to try new things. It’s thrilling to come together with some of the best scientific minds in the world to execute a fast-paced, mission-based research program. With the exception of my own research, my involvement with the Foundation has probably been the most exciting part of my career.
