Guests at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI)’s Science Meets Music heard a special announcement Wednesday night, one that will make a big impact on science education throughout South Florida.
CEO David Fitzpatrick announced that Donald and Penny Pray and the Stiles Nicholson Foundation have committed to matching all donations to MPFI’s “Ask Max” STEM Education Program, up to $50,000. This commitment will double the impact of every contribution, empowering MPFI’s mission to bring more cutting-edge STEM experiences to children throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties.
The “Ask Max” Program, a cornerstone of MPFI’s community engagement initiatives, connects students and educators with groundbreaking neuroscience activities. Students learn about the brain, genetics, microscopy and more through engaging hands-on activities and direct interaction with world-class scientists.
“We are deeply grateful to Donald and Penny Pray and the Stiles Nicholson Foundation for their unwavering support and belief in the transformative power of science education,” said Dr. David Fitzpatrick, CEO and Scientific Director of MPFI. “Their generosity ensures that we can continue to engage and inspire students, empowering the next generation of innovative thinkers and researchers.”
Help Local Students Develop a Love of STEM
Calling on the audience to support the campaign, Dr. Fitzpatrick emphasized that “now, more than ever, MPFI needs the community’s help” for the Institute to be successful. Every dollar donated to the Ask Max Program during this matching campaign will have twice the impact, helping MPFI expand its reach and provide even more opportunities for students to explore the wonders of neuroscience. Last year, MPFI scientists reached over 7,000 students. The program is on track to impact as many as 10,000 in the 2024-2025 school year.
The Pray Family and the Stiles Nicholson Foundation have long been champions of science education and innovation. Their matching pledge reflects their shared commitment to advancing the understanding of the brain and fostering a love of learning in students from all backgrounds.
MPFI invites the community to join this exciting initiative and make a difference in the lives of students and educators. You can donate to “Ask Max” online or by contacting MPFI’s Advancement Office at giving@mpfi.org.
About the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with over 80 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment, 31 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists. As its first U.S. institution, MPFI provides exceptional neuroscientists worldwide with the resources and technology to answer fundamental questions about brain development and function. MPFI researchers employ a curiosity-driven approach to science to develop innovative technologies that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible.
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