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The Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA is dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness by supporting research to advance innovative treatments and sponsoring educational programs to raise awareness and erase stigma 

The Open Mind is a free community lecture and film series that brings together thought leaders in science and culture for relevant and meaningful programs about mental health issues. Prior to the pandemic, these programs were held in-person at UCLA but are now presented on a virtual platform and attract a national and international audience. We are honored that the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital Board of Advisors has joined The Friends of Semel in support of the Open Mind.

Upcoming Events

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Open Mind Past Events

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Friends of the Semel Institute Research Scholars Program 2022 - 2024 Application Process

Friends of the Semel Institute Research Scholars Program 2022 - 2024 Application Process

The Friends of the Semel Institute is committed to helping develop the next generation of researchers of the mind and brain in health and disease. The backbone of the Friends Scholar Program is starter grants of $25,000 per year for up to two years, focused primarily in providing research funding to assist early career investigators and their development of research in neuroscience and human behavior within the Semel Institute.

WOW

WOW is a partnership of The Friends of Semel and the Resnick Hospital Board of Advisors. The event raises vital funds for education, research, and clinical care programs at UCLA. To learn more, click WOW below.
TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL

TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Teen Advisory Council (TAC)of UCLA’s Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for the mental health and well-being of high school students by providing opportunities to create meaningful programs that engage, empower and support peers, as well as interact with mental health professionals.

Film Festival

The annual Open Mind Film Festival is a creative forum for teenagers to speak out about the mental health crisis impacting many of our youth. To date, four Open Mind Film Festivals have been held and over 550 films have been submitted. High school students throughout the United States are invited to submit short films highlighting their experiences and concerns surrounding this important topic. Submissions are accepted beginning in the fall of each year and finalist films are screened at the festival held the following spring.

Enable us to continue to produce the critically acclaimed free (and virtual) Open Mind lecture and film series that brings together thought leaders in science and culture for relevant and meaningful discussions about mental health issues.  

Fund the research of early career neuroscientists at UCLA through our highly competitive Friends Research Scholar Program that awards yearly grants of $25,000 a year for up to two years.     

Produce the Open Mind Film Festival for High School Students 

Continue to create innovative programs such as our newly established Teen Advisory Council to respond to current mental health needs of the community to erase stigma and raise awareness of mental health 

YOU CAN MAKE
A DIFFERENCE! 

Thank you for considering a gift to UCLA’s Friends of the Semel Institute. Your support is vital to:

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