Postdoctoral Research in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Project Summary This application, “Postdoctoral Research in Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” is a request for five years of funding to continue a National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Training Grant (T32). Advances in behavioral science, neuroscience, and molecular genetics have led to dramatic gains in our understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. The proposed training program will develop researchers with dual expertise in the biological basis and clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This broad-based, integrated perspective will enable trainees to develop cross-disciplinary research perspectives that will maximize their ability to make transformative advances in understanding the pathogenesis of NDDs and developing effective treatments. Ultimately, this training will prepare researchers to span disciplines and to use their broad perspective to address the health-related research needs of the nation – the primary objective of the T32 program. The proposed training plan provides a variety of opportunities including: (1) mentored research training in specific methods, disorders, and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms; (2) a range of didactic experiences (including courses, seminars, and lectures) that integrate the study of clinical disorders, normal developmental processes, mechanisms of disease, and research methods; (3) clinical exposures to complement previous basic science knowledge, and basic science exposure to complement clinical experiences; and (4) appreciation and contribution to improving equity and inclusion in neurodevelopmental disorders research, with the further goal of instilling diversity outreach as a career value. Fifteen Ph.D. or M.D. level trainees (three new trainees per year) will participate in this two-year training program, over the five-year period of this proposal. This proposal addresses the critical need for focused training opportunities beyond formal graduate programs by using the existing interdisciplinary research and administrative structure of the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD). All faculty mentors are members of the CIDD NICHD-funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC). The CIDD is a comprehensive program for services, education, and research in developmental disabilities. Together with the excellent clinical and basic science resources of the University of North Carolina (UNC), the CIDD provides an ideal environment for integrating training in biological and behavioral research in NDDs.