About SPARK NS
SPARK NS is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to more efficiently advancing promising academic discoveries in neuroscience from the lab to the clinic. To achieve its mission, SPARK NS manages a translational research program based on an unconventional model that emphasizes close collaboration between academic researchers and industry expert advisors. The program supports projects that focus on autism, Parkinson’s disease, and adjacent conditions.
Our Vision
Every person with a neurological disorder has safe and effective treatments and cures.14% of biomedical discoveries make it to the clinic.1
More Effective Drug Development
Close gaps in knowledge and know-how
Academic researchers often have gaps in knowledge and know-how about how to translate discoveries.
Bridge cultural divide
A cultural divide exists between academic researchers and industry that discourages collaboration.
Support translation efforts
Academia lacks the infrastructure to support researchers’ needs during translation and commercialization.
The SPARK NS Solution
An unconventional model of translational research with a high-level of support and accountability
Start With The End in Mind
Academic researchers maintain a focus on the patient throughout the drug development process
Milestone-Based Funding
Funding is dispersed by SPARK NS based on jointly developed Drug Development Plans designed to meet translational objectives quickly and efficiently
Collaboration and Community
Researchers work with industry expert advisors and each other to share ideas, information, and resources so each project and all projects can succeed
A 20-Year Track Record of Success
The foundation of the SPARK NS program is a proven model of translational research developed, refined, and used since 2006.
50+% of projects that use the model advance to the next phase of development.2
Our Values
Act with Urgency
We are reinventing a process that results in the failure of 86% of drug and diagnostics development efforts.
Work Together
We work in cross-disciplinary teams to share knowledge, learn from each other’s successes and failures, and collaborate so everyone can succeed.
Remove Ego from the Process
We create environments where all voices are heard and everyone can put aside competing interests for the benefit of patients.
Value Creativity and Accept Risk
We cultivate curiosity, creativity, and innovation and are prepared to tackle high-impact, high-risk endeavors.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
We continually seek ways to improve, extend, and enhance our model, programs, and operations.
Put Patients First
We bring patients’ needs into academic research at the earliest stage to help ensure that therapeutics meet an unmet need and are safe and effective.
Our People
We’re scientists, educators, project managers, industry experts, and business leaders working together to more effectively advance academic discoveries from the lab to the clinic. Interested in working at SPARK NS?
See OpenJobs
SPARK NS Translational Research Program, 2027 Cohort
SPARK NS is no longer accepting applications for the 2027 Cohort of our program. Finalists will be notified in September 2026 with finalist presentations to be held in October 2026. Interested in applying to our program?
Sign Up for Updates- 1.
Wong, C.H., Siah, K.W, and Lo, A.W. Estimation of clinical trial success rates and related parameters. Biostatistics 20, 273-286, . (2019).
- 2.
Kim, J.S., Kargotich, S., Lee, S.H. et al. SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death. Nat Biotechnol 42, 339–342 (2024).