Throughout 2010, ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research undertook numerous activities to increase exposure during the period of slow economic rebound – a time when nonprofits vied for limited charity dollars. Nevertheless, the grant program remained strong, building on our unique and accomplished story. We evaluated very strong applications on a wide range of research topics, and grantees attained customary recognition for their scholarly achievements. From 109 alcohol research proposals submitted, 30 projects were approved for funding with the aim to support the development of young investigators fulfilled – all grantees were beginning their career trajectories in alcohol research. read more...

The Foundation’s Council chairs reported that 75% of the applications received are considered potentially fundable if there were increased available resources. To adequately support the worthy ideas of scientists who have limited options for grant money elsewhere, the Foundation has worked to expand its funding sources. Digital resource material by alcohol research topic has been published and distributed as part of a larger outreach program. The Foundation celebrates and thanks a growing list of donors: Brewers, brewing suppliers and wholesalers, ABMRF’s past and present leaders and grantees, as well as individuals whose support will enhance our funding rate so that we may more significantly help improve people’s lives. Advocacy and contributions – large or small, in honor or in memory of a loved one, to the annual fund or endowment – are extremely meaningful. read more about...

* Broadcasting research news via the Foundation’s weekly Research Alert Digest (RAD)

* Going viral with alcohol research on Twitter and Facebook

* Partnering with PGA’s TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ fundraising tournaments  

The Foundation continued to provide conference support to the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) for its 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting, held June 26-30 in San Antonio, Texas, where researchers, clinicians and students gathered to network and present their recent studies. RSA is the principal scientific society promoting those involved in understanding the causes of and potential cures for alcohol-related problems and alcoholism. Foundation support to RSA promotes the Student Merit and Junior Investigator Awards ensuring that young investigators may attend the meeting and share their achievements. Symposia and project posters were presented throughout the conference by preeminent alcohol researchers, including many former and current grantees, Advisory Council and Board members of the Foundation. RSA encouraged symposia bridging different types of research to provide the opportunity for broader discussions. read more...

The mission of ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research combines support for innovative research with a commitment to communicating scientific advances on alcohol and health at conferences, symposia and workshops. The 36th International Medical Advisory Group (IMAG), organized by the Foundation’s sister organization, ERAB: The European Foundation for Alcohol Research, was held October 17-20 in Frascati, Italy where relevant topics in alcohol research were presented by global academic and medical experts. This year’s IMAG was opened by Alberto da Ponte, President of the Brewers of Europe and Professor Philippe De Witte, chairman of ERAB. Six research sessions featured themes including binge drinking, heavy alcohol intake episodes, pharmacological treatments, alcoholic liver disease, cardiology and alcohol, and cancer and alcohol. A lay synopsis, providing the most recent and relevant science on the effects of alcohol to the Worldwide Brewing Alliance. The IMAG conference provides an opportunity for preeminent alcohol investigators around the globe to exchange findings and present new ideas. read more...

With increasing globalization in the brewing industry and in research science, together with the need for infrastructure in alcohol studies in many countries, ABMRF has been exploring connections with academic researchers and brewing leaders in key regions. Toward year-end 2010, the Foundation shared the exciting news that ABMRF-funded research soon will be conducted in Brazil and in South Africa, thanks to funding opportunities that evolved with global brewer SABMiller. At its November meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to approve this international expansion of the grants program. Another opportunity for global development was presented in a transfer request from current grantee Dr. Isabel Quadros. The Board approved the transfer of her grant from Tufts University to the Federal University in São Paulo, Brazil, where she had accepted a new faculty position. The Foundation is eager to establish the infrastructure to support global collaboration in alcohol studies in the coming years for these and other countries under consideration.