MDA, sponsor of the upcoming Wings Over Wall Street ALS Fundraiser "What would you do with more research funding?" I would like to share with you my thoughts and seek your support for this endeavor. Columbia University is fortunate to have broadly-based world-class researchers and clinicians in the basic and clinical neurosciences. This environment is critical for expanding our research program in ALS. We are just completing a detailed survey and evaluation of current ongoing research programs that relate to ALS both at the Health Sciences campus at 168th Street and the main University campus at 116th Street. Leadership and targeted investment can easily propel Columbia into the forefront of ALS research. To this end, we are forming a cross-campus, interdepartmental team of investigators who are committed to a coordinated, multifaceted research program in ALS that links basic, translational, and clinical investigators. Some of these are well established in the field (e.g. , Drs. Serge Przedborski and Thomas Jessell). Others are new to the effort but have the skills and interest necessary to broaden the scope and impact of the program. Our research program is focusing on two critical issues: 1) mechanisms of cell death associated with neurodegeneration, especially the roles of apoptosis and inflammation, and strategies for modifying or reversing these; and 2) use of embryonic stem cells to repair nervous system damage that occurs as a result of cell death and neurodegeneration. Within this context, specific funding needs include the following: (1) Provide limited "transition" funds to established investigators not now working in the field but who bring new and necessary skills required for expansion of the ALS research program. These funds will allow them to obtain pilot data necessary to obtain new NIH or foundation support necessary for a portion of their laboratories to change direction. (2) Recruit one new junior faculty member dedicated to ALS laboratory research based on programmatic needs as determined by Drs. Przedborski and Jessell. (3) Initiate a pilot program in restorative biology using stem cells focused on ALS within the overall stem cell program now being developed at Columbia by our new Dean, Dr. Gerald Fischbach. This may also require new personnel. (4) Expand Dr. Przedborski’s program in the use of transgenic rodent models of ALS. (5) In collaboration with the Sergievsky Center (Drs. Ruth Ottman and Richard Mayeux), develop a program in the genetic epidemiology of ALS to clarify interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Althougyh I have only focused on basic science research in this column, it is important to know that our efforts in patient care and patient oriented research are equally important. The continuum of research from the lab to the clinic cannot be separated and at Columbia occurs amidst patient care. Joining me in the leadership of the above efforts is Research Director of the Center, Serge Przedborski, MD, PhD.