WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici announced today that the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $7 million to the Mental Illness and Neuroscience Discovery (MIND) Institute in Albuquerque to study disease and illness of the human brain.

The Mind Institute, based at the University of New Mexico, is a collaboration between research institutions designed to increase understanding of human behavior, brain disease, and mental illness. It is often considered to have completed the most complete mapping of brain activity to date. The institute received the funds as part of a competitive DOE grant program. “I am pleased to know that the MIND Institute has received these funds from DOE as they are crucial to its existence,” said Domenici.  “I believe in the work that the Mind Institute does and know that it is contributing to our understanding of mental illness and brain function. I hope this money from DOE will help it continue its pursuits.”

Domenici is a long-time advocate for activities associated with the Mind Institute. During the FY2007 appropriations process, he requested funds on behalf of the institute. Although most appropriations earmark requests were done away with as part last year’s Continuing Resolution, Domenici has worked to ensure that funding for the MIND Institute remains a priority at DOE. Domenici is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which plays a large role in determining funding priorities for programs, including those administered by the Department of Energy.