Center for Integrative Neuroscience

Project Summary Overall This proposal is to continue the development of a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Integrative Neuroscience at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Nationally, advances in the neurosciences are proceeding on many fronts and addressing fundamental questions in both basic and clinical science. The COBRE at UNR was established to synergize and elevate the capacity for neuroscience research at UNR and the state of Nevada, by 1) cross-fertilizing research units that had already developed teams of focused expertise in cognitive or cellular neuroscience or bioengineering; and 2) providing the modern infrastructure required to mount impactful research programs in the field. Phase I and II have supported 24 tenure-track junior faculty in both basic and clinical research. These mentored project leaders have achieved very high productivity in both peer-reviewed publications and NIH, NSF, and agency funding. Phases I and II also developed research cores with high impact and use, including establishing the first fMRI facility in the region. The resources provided through the cores have expanded far beyond the original aims, and have been mounted in ways that are highly cost-effective and sustainable. Phase III will further expand and solidify these successes, supporting four research cores for 1) Neuroimaging; 2) Computational Modeling and Analysis; 3) Cellular and Molecular Imaging; and 4) Virtual and Augmented Reality Interactions. The Computational Core represents an expansion of the data analytics services supported in Phase II to include facilities and technical support for AI and deep learning, and will fill an area we have identified of high potential impact and need. The cores will continue to serve a large number of investigators and their teams and the user base will be further expanded and strengthened by a Pilot Project Program providing investigator project support and a pool of funds for using core facilities. Finally, the COBRE will continue to drive the rapid growth of other neuroscience initiatives at UNR, by becoming the research arm of the Institute of Neuroscience established with university support at the beginning of Phase II. This will allow the research aims of the center to connect with and leverage the broader neuroscience research and training initiatives at the university, and to transition to a permanent and sustained research center.