Stony Brook University has announced a $6.2 million gift from David and Jan Ellison Baszucki to develop Neuroblox, a platform that aims to revolutionize treatments for brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia. 

The software platform, developed by biomedical engineer and neuroscientist Lilianne Mujica-Parodi and inspired by the Roblox interactive gaming platform, will model brain circuits to treat brain disorders. Neuroblox will enable researchers to explore the complexities of brain-based disorders by providing a blueprint for individualized care. The gift includes $3.2 million to help build and launch Neuroblox and $3 million to create the Baszucki Endowed Chair for Metabolic Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. Mujica-Parodi will be the inaugural holder of the chair, which recognizes an exceptional researcher in metabolic neuroscience. 

“Right now, there is a disconnect between the aims of clinical research and the computational tools we have to exploit that research,” said Mujica-Parodi. “Neuroblox is doing something fundamentally different. It’s trying to bridge that gap.” 

“Lily is building a software platform where neuroscience researchers worldwide can refine, test, and share models to help us understand how the brain regulates energy—a critical driver of mental health,” said Roblox co-founder and CEO David Baszucki. “Our family believes Neuroblox’s impact on understanding and treating brain-based disorders, including mental illness, will be transformative.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/gorodenkoff)