Gladstone Institute researcher Dr. Ryan Coces has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Pershing Square Foundation’s MIND Award. This prestigious award recognizes the next frontier thinkers who are uncovering a deeper understanding of the brain and cognition.
The award is awarded to eight scientists each year and aims to advance high-impact neuroscience research by fostering collaboration across academia, biomedical industry, philanthropy, and business communities.
The 2026 recipient will receive $750,000 over three years to support groundbreaking research into neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementias, which affect millions of people around the world.
“Thanks to advanced technology and human ingenuity, Alzheimer’s disease and its cousins are finally considered treatable human diseases,” said Pershing Square Foundation Director Dr. Neri Oxman in announcing this year’s recipients. “This year’s cohort reflects the potential for serendipity in technological and biological research, linking molecular structures with behavioral patterns and genetic predispositions through the power of AI.”
Uncovering genetic factors
Dr. Coces, who joined the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Diseases in 2000, studies how genetic and environmental factors influence the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. With funding from the MIND award, he will investigate why many families in which multiple members have Alzheimer’s disease do not carry the gene mutations (also called mutations) known to cause the condition.
Many of us have family members who have experienced Alzheimer’s disease. We watch our grandparents and parents develop Alzheimer’s disease and fear we will follow in their footsteps. However, most of those families do not carry the known genetic variation that causes the disease, which limits our ability to prevent and treat the disease. ”
Dr. Ryan Coces, Gladstone Institute Researcher
His project will use artificial intelligence and CRISPR tools to identify and test novel genetic mutations that may be present in these families, with the goal of uncovering new drivers and therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease.
“If we can pinpoint which genetic mutations are causing Alzheimer’s disease, we will be able to better understand who is likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, what causes it, and be able to intervene before irreversible neurodegeneration occurs,” Corseth says. “The MIND award will accelerate this research and bring clarity to more people who have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s disease but the genetic cause is unknown.”
Growing global threat
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. As people live longer, it becomes more widespread. The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050. The socio-economic costs are enormous and Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on patients and their families.
“Alzheimer’s disease is notoriously complex, and unraveling its hidden causes requires new perspectives and innovative approaches,” said Renato Mucke, MD, director of the Gladstone Institute for Neurological Diseases. “By leveraging artificial intelligence and CRISPR, Ryan’s important research has the potential to transform our understanding of this incredibly difficult situation.”
The Pershing Square Foundation is a family foundation founded in 2006 to support outstanding leaders and innovative organizations that address important issues and create scalable and sustainable global impact. The Foundation has committed more than $930 million in grants and social investments in target areas including health and medicine, education, economic development, the environment, and innovation. Bill Ackman and Neri Oxman are co-trustees of the foundation.
