Two Researchers Awarded Prestigious Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships to Advance Brain Health Research

Two scientific researchers have been selected to receive the 2025 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health, a program aimed at advancing understanding of neurological diseases and brain health. Hortense Triniac, Ph.D., from Milwaukee, and Katy Walsh, Ph.D., from Boston, will each receive a $150,000 two-year scholarship to support groundbreaking research in neuroscience.

The scholarships, established through a bequest by the late Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, a neurologist who served as president of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association, represent a critical investment in early-career research focused on understanding brain health complexities.

Triniac's research will explore potential strategies for stroke prevention by examining protein interactions in the liver. Specifically, she will investigate how tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) might reduce stroke risk by lowering lipid accumulation in blood vessels and improving blood clot breakdown. Her work could potentially lead to novel therapeutic approaches for stroke prevention.

Walsh's research will focus on cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition characterized by abnormal protein buildup in brain blood vessels that often leads to devastating strokes. By studying a rare APOE genetic variant, Walsh aims to improve understanding of CAA's underlying mechanisms and potentially develop new treatment strategies for this currently untreatable condition.

The scholarship program addresses a significant need in medical research by supporting early-career scientists investigating critical aspects of brain health. By funding innovative research, the organizations hope to advance scientific understanding of neurological conditions and develop potential interventions that could improve patient outcomes.

Both researchers will commence their two-year research projects on July 1, 2025, continuing Dr. Sacco's legacy of promoting scientific discovery and enhancing brain health research.