Training Sites: Translational Research in Neurobiology of Disease


 

University of Kentucky
The NIH Blueprint Translational Neuroscience Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegeneration Training Program prepares talented predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical scholars for successful careers in the translational neuroscience of degenerative disease.  Program graduates will be equipped to develop needed pharmacological and genetic therapies for conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke and Parkinson's Disease (PD). The program provides instruction regarding the pathophysiology of these and other neurodegenerative disorders, and emphasizes potential molecular targets for therapy. The therapeutic strategies explored include both "neuroprotective" and "neurorestorative" approaches. Although it is anticipated that most trainees will pursue careers in laboratory-based translational research, they will also receive training in the clinical aspects of the covered neurological disorders and in the design and conduct of neurological clinical trials.
Project Director: Edward D. Hall, Ph.D.

 

University of Minnesota
This program is designed to train basic scientists and clinicians in translational research focusing on the neurobiology of disease. A unique feature of this program is to provide training that combines predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows with clinical residents in an environment where basic scientists will be exposed to important clinical issues, and residents will be exposed to the latest advances in the laboratory. Interactions between basic scientists and clinicians during their training in this program are intended to facilitate the development of novel therapies for treating neurological disorders.
Project Director: Walter C. Low, Ph.D.

 

University of Pennsylvania
This program provides post-doctoral training for physician-scientists interested in translational research in neural injury and neurodegeneration. Trainee research will focus on neuroprotection for acute and chronic diseases, including stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, motor neuron diseases, epilepsy, retinal degeneration, depression, schizophrenia and autism. Projects will be directed toward understanding pathophysiology and developing strategies for prevention, treatment, or cure. Each trainee will be mentored by two faculty members with complementary laboratory and clinical expertise. Individuals can apply during specialty training in any clinical neuroscience discipline, including Neurology (adult and child), Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Neuropathology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Anesthesiology, and Emergency Medicine. Didactic training will include coursework in the neurobiology of disease, and workshops in clinical trial methodology, grant writing, statistics, bioethics, patient-oriented research, and new drug development. Prospective trainees can apply to and be accepted into the Program before their clinical training ends, allowing them to begin preparations for a research career.
Project Director: Marc A. Dichter, MD, Ph.D.