About The Fisher Center Foundation

In 1995, philanthropists Zachary Fisher and David Rockefeller joined forces to build the Fisher Center laboratory at The Rockefeller University. The two men raised $5 million to begin construction on what would become one of the largest and best-equipped scientific facilities for Alzheimer's research in the country.

Nobel Laureate Directs Research
A blue-ribbon search committee unanimously recommended world-renowned neuroscientist Paul Greengard, Ph.D. to be founding director of the Fisher Center. Dr. Greengard revolutionized our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis by which nerve cells communicate with one another, discoveries that earned him the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He and his research group at our center at The Rockefeller University have also made fundamental contributions to our understanding of Alzheimer's disease, as well as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, drug abuse and other brain disorders.

To learn more about the pioneering work and scientific achievements of the Fisher Center, click here.

A Model for Public-Private Collaboration
Former First Lady and current U.S. Senator from New York Hillary Rodham Clinton, a supporter of the Foundation from its inception, attended the opening ceremonies. "What we have with this extraordinary collaboration is an example of what we need throughout our society -- the ability of the government and the private citizens to work together to bring to the table the best scientific minds in our country to attack the most troubling disease that afflicts us," Senator Clinton said.

The Fisher Center Foundation was established for purposes that are exclusively charitable, scientific and educational. Among these are generating support from the public for its charitable programs and activities. Supporters include individuals, corporations, foundations, charitable organizations, and governmental and quasi-governmental organizations. This support is primarily directed toward research to be conducted at The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at The Rockefeller University.

The Fisher Foundation also has a center at the New York University School of Medicine, the Fisher Alzheimer's Disease Education and Resources Program which focuses on the care of people suffering from Alzheimer's. Led by nationally recognized Alzheimer's care expert Barry Reisberg, M.D., investigators have developed a new approach to Alzheimer's care that addresses the basic mechanisms of the disease, resulting in new techniques for managing the disease. And the Foundation also funds research at the Instituto Superiore di Sanitas in Italy which is engineering genetically altered mice that will speed up the time needed for Alzheimer’s research projects.

The Board of Trustees of the Fisher Center Foundation is comprised of well-known and highly respected community and business leaders, as well as world-renowned scientists dedicated to the cause of combating Alzheimer's disease. A scientific advisory board made up of eight scientists distinguished in the field of Alzheimer's disease counsels the Foundation's board regarding research projects and expenditures.

The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation also supports events throughout the year, including forums for exchange of scientific information about Alzheimer's disease, educational conferences and fund-raising events.

A singular genuine belief drives the mission and activities of the Fisher Center Foundation: that the scourge of Alzheimer's disease can and will be eliminated with the cooperation of the world's scientific community and the dedication of the pioneering scientists at the Fisher Center.

The Foundation which was founded by Zachary Fisher, a noted philanthropist, has its administrative office on the world-famous Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum. He not only helped start the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, but these sister charities as well:

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: www.intrepidmuseum.org
Features aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the destroyer USS Edson, submarine USS Growler and over 25 aircraft.

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund: www.fallenheroesfund.org
The Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. TheFund has an A+ rating from The American Institute of Philanthropy

Fisher House: www.fisherhouse.org
Provides free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers. Click here for more information on Zachary Fisher.