Behavioral Science and Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch
Overview
This Branch supports innovative research — including empirical, theoretical and modeling approaches — on cognitive, affective, social, motivational, and regulatory systems and their development across the lifespan in humans, in non-human primates, and in other animals. Research approaches which seek to look at the interaction between and among these major systems are of particular interest. Relevant reduced and model systems approaches are also supported. Interdisciplinary research that investigates the linkages across levels of analysis, from behavioral to neural, is especially encouraged. Research integrating a variety of approaches is supported, including those commonly employed by the behavioral science, neuroscience, genetics and computational modeling communities.
Basic research in these areas, directed at understanding the normal brain, is critical to providing insight into abnormal behavior and is important for the ultimate understanding of the etiology of psychiatric disorders and for the development of improved treatments and interventions. Psychiatric diseases are particularly characterized by their developmental time course, often striking in childhood or early adulthood, and by sex differences that convey differential vulnerability for specific diseases. Thus, basic research within the scope of this branch that addresses the developmental time course and/or sex differences for specific topic areas is of particular interest.
Further details concerning branch research priorities can be obtained by reviewing the descriptions of individual programs. Investigators are urged to contact the appropriate program director for specific information. Listed for each program are Areas of Emphasis. We also continue to encourage innovative applications in any area relevant to the mission of the Institute. Additional information for determining the types of basic research relevant to the mission of NIMH can be found by consulting the National Advisory Mental Health Council Report on Setting Priorities for Basic Brain and Behavioral Science Research at NIMH.
Branch Chief
Kevin J. Quinn, Ph.D.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7177, MSC 9637
301-443-1576, kquinn@mail.nih.gov
Areas of Emphasis
See specific program descriptions.
