SfN Establishes James L. Roberts Endowed Fund

Washington, D.C. – The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) has received $128,000 from the estate of James L. Roberts, PhD. With the funds, SfN Council voted to create a new long-term endowed fund, The James L. Roberts Fund, and will use the income from its investments to create and perpetually fund James L. Roberts Trainee Professional Development Awards (TPDAs) beginning at Neuroscience 2024.

“I knew Jimmy Roberts very well. We basically launched neurobiology at Sinai when we co-directed the Fishberg Research Center for Neurobiology at Mount Sinai from 1989–2002,” said incoming SfN President John Morrison. “Jimmy was an outstanding researcher and student mentor, taking great joy in watching his students mature as scientists and people. I cannot think of a better way to honor Jimmy than through support of SfN’s TPDAs. His generosity will ensure future trainees can benefit from his spirit of mentorship in perpetuity.”

The annual contribution by the James L. Roberts Fund will support 5–6 TPDAs every year. As with other funds that become restricted for TPDA in an endowment vehicle, the annual James L. Roberts Fund contribution will be matched by SfN Council, providing an additional 5–6 awards annually. As TPDAs currently represent the Society’s highest fundraising priority, Council is committed to supporting as many early career scientists as possible through this matching initiative.

TPDAs recognize undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who demonstrate scientific merit and excellence in research. The awards are highly competitive as recipients receive a travel stipend to offset the costs of attending Neuroscience 2024, as well as complimentary meeting registration and access to a variety of SfN professional development resources.

James L. Roberts was a 37-year member of SfN. He earned an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, doctorate from University of Oregon, and fellowship from UC San Francisco. Roberts served on the faculty of Columbia University, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, University of Texas, and Trinity University, where he retired as Cowles Distinguished Professor of Biology in 2018. He passed away in 2023 at age 72.

The Roberts bequest is the second large bequest to the Society in less than a year. It joins the John I. Simpson Fund and Nancy Rutledge Zahniser Fund as endowments set up in memory of longtime SfN members that support TPDA. SfN welcomes philanthropy from its membership and beyond to support a range of activities and initiatives to advance the neuroscience field. Those interested in advancing neuroscience through estate planning, bequests, or other charitable donations are encouraged to contact SfN’s development team at development@sfn.org or visit the SfN philanthropy webpage.