20th Anniversary of the Safenowitz Fellowships

In 2004, former ALS United Greater New York Board Member Marilyn Safenowitz, established the Milton Safenowitz Post-Doctoral Fellowship for ALS Research in memory of her husband Milton, who died of ALS in 1998. This two-year fellowship offers unique opportunities for recent Ph.D. graduates to engage in cutting-edge ALS research, encouraging promising young scientists to enter the ALS field. Since its inception, nearly 100 fellowships have been awarded.

Over the years, ALS United Greater New York has hosted symposiums for the fellows to foster dialogue and collaboration, leading to new research opportunities. Fellows have focused on priority areas such as biomarkers, genetics, animal model development, and stem cell research, often presenting their findings at the annual International ALS/MND meeting. The Milton Safenowitz Post-Doctoral Fellowship has successfully nurtured many ALS researchers, with most fellows continuing their work in ALS and publishing in top-tier journals.

After twenty years, this Fellowship Program remains unique, providing essential resources and mentorship to ensure a robust pipeline of leading scientists dedicated to ALS research. The program has attracted top laboratories and post-doctoral fellows, with the majority of past fellows remaining committed to moving ALS research forward. Together, the Safenowitz family and ALS United Greater New York have contributed nearly $4 million to the program since its inception and remain committed to honoring the legacy of Milton and Marilyn Safenowitz by ensuring that new scientists are supported and encouraged to join the fight to cure ALS.

For more information on how you can support this program, contact Vivian Banks at vbanks@als-ny.org.