From invisible wounds to
VISIBLE IMPACT
The Invisible Wounds Foundation Brain Health Collaborative is a collective of researchers, academic institutions, philanthropic supporters, government agencies, and private stakeholders committed to advancing combat and blast-induced Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) research to ensure the rapid development of diagnostics and treatments.
While scientific consensus affirms the need for more research, federal support has significantly declined.
Through the Brain Health Collaborative Research Fund, we aim to address this funding gap. Guided by our Medical and Science Advisory Council of brain health experts, the Brain Health Collaborative will fund targeted, innovative research that investigates the root causes and physical injuries of TBI, with the goals of accelerating the development of early diagnostics and effective interventions. While the near-term focus is on the most exposed population, our Special Operations Forces, this work has broad implications; it will provide a blueprint to protect the health of all service members facing similar risks.
Our Strategy
Catalyze Innovation in TBI Diagnostics and Treatments
Curate, Integrate, and Disseminate Information
Amplify the SOF Community Voice and Engagement
Catalyze Innovation in TBI Diagnostics and Treatments
- Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders to align efforts and leverage resources
- Evaluate the most promising research for clinical, technological, and operational viability; sponsor innovative, high-impact TBI research, with emphasis on blast-related injuries
- Engage and support leading subject matter experts in neuroscience and clinical innovation
- Support the Medical and Science Advisory Council with technical and scientific expertise to guide investment and research direction
Curate, Integrate, and Disseminate Information
- Act as a facilitator and curator of TBI research, identifying gaps, and enabling collaboration
- Build and manage a central repository or clearinghouse for TBI research, with emphasis on blast injuries and SOF-relevant data
- Translate scientific findings into digestible outputs and practical insights for clinical, operational, and policy audiences
- Promote and host expert convenings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms to foster cross-sector collaboration
Amplify the SOF Community Voice and Engagement
- Establish and support SOF ambassadors and veteran networks to advocate for brain health and influence program direction
- Cultivate community through newsletters, storytelling, and outreach campaigns that elevate TBI awareness within SOF and the broader public
- Serve as the trusted voice of the SOF community on TBI issues in both scientific and policy circles
- Embed SOF perspectives into research prioritization, communications, and evaluation efforts
Invisible Wounds Foundation
Medical and Science Advisory Council
To advise the Brain Health Collaborative, the Invisible Wounds Foundation established a Medical and Science Advisory Council (MSAC), composed of preeminent doctors and scientists in the fields of brain health and military-related TBI research.
Led by the Foundation’s Chief Medical Scientist, Dr. James Kelly, the former Founder and former Director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Invisible Wounds Foundation Medical and Science Advisory Council will identify the most promising TBI research projects to recommend to the Collaborative for funding.
Dr. James Kelly
Chair
Dallas Hack, MD
MSAC Member
Ibolja (Ibi) Cernak MD, PhD
MSAC Member
Jordan Grafman, PhD
MSAC Member
Josh Duckworth, MD
MSAC Member
Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
MSAC Member
Rocco Armonda, MD
MSAC Member
Terri Tanielian, MA
MSAC Member