The Stanley and Judith Frankel Institute for Heart and Brain Health
Enhancing the Michigan Medicine Research Community
Clinical and epidemiological studies demonstrate a strong link between diseases of the heart and the brain. Many within the U-M research community are at the forefront of research examining the connection between these two critical organs.
The Stanley and Judith Frankel Institute for Heart and Brain Health (Frankel IHBH) brings together current and new U-M researchers to unravel the biological mechanisms that the heart and brain have in common, as well as how these organs signal to each other and impact clinical outcomes.
Explore Frankel IHBH
Our Mission
Discovering the root causes of heart and brain disease, determining how these organs communicate with each other, and developing the treatments of tomorrow.
Our Vision
Our discoveries will propel life-changing new approaches to the prevention and treatment of heart and brain diseases.
Join Us
Collaboration and engagement with the clinical and scientific community at the University of Michigan is essential to the success of Frankel IHBH, we are actively developing initiatives and events to facilitate such interactions for our members.
Michigan Medicine part of research group awarded $15 million to study inflammation's impact on heart, brain health
The American Heart Association funds scientists at University of Michigan, Northwestern University and University of Pittsburgh for studies focused on closing knowledge gaps about inflammation’s role in cardiac and brain dysfunction.
Neuroscience Graduate Student Scholars Program
The Recipient of the FY26 Frankel IHBH Neuroscience Graduate Program Student Scholar Award is Jenna McCloskey. Jenna is a Ph.D. student focusing on behavioral neuroscience, decision-making, and neuropharmacology. Her research background includes traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and how it affects decision-making and other skills.
“As a first-year Neuroscience graduate student, I am deeply grateful to have my training supported by the Frankel IHBH during this pivotal stage of my career. I aspire not only to grow into a rigorous and innovative scientist, but also into a thoughtful mentor who brings curiosity, empathy, and my own personality to the table in fostering the next generation of researchers. The collaborative and supportive community at the University of Michigan has made my first year an inspiring and formative experience, and I am excited to contribute to the institute's mission of improving brain health and quality of life.”
~ Jenna McCloskey
