Human Studies Core

PROJECT SUMMARY Brain injury and stroke are leading causes of death and disability in New Mexico. Given the significant public health impact of these conditions, it is vital to enhance understanding of brain recovery and repair and develop innovative interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals and their families. In Phases 1 and 2, the Center for Brain Recovery and Repair’s Clinical Core emerged as a regional leader in brain injury research, addressing the urgent need for innovations in prevention, early intervention, and long-term support for survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and related disorders. These initial phases solidified the Clinical Core’s position and reputation, attracting increased investment and partnerships while enhancing faculty recruitment and retention at UNM. Accelerating research and evaluating new clinical treatments require interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating the unique skills and knowledge of both preclinical and clinical researchers to advance interventions from bench to bedside. Investigators from many different disciplines can now collaborate and access state-of-the-art equipment and expertise that is unavailable elsewhere at the institution or in the state. In Phase 3, the Clinical Core will continue to work towards the long-term goal of developing a cutting-edge clinical intervention research facility that provides leadership, mentoring, and training for emerging investigators focused on brain recovery and repair. The Core will continue to serve as a hub for vibrant interdisciplinary collaborations and support a critical mass of researchers. The specific aims for Phase 3 include: 1) strengthening and expanding the Core’s user base, 2) continuing to support and expand Core infrastructure, and 3) refining strategies to sustain Core operations beyond Phase 3. A robust pilot project program will be utilized to attract new users to the Clinical Core and drive innovations in the field. Building on a tradition of strong collaboration with Preclinical Core researchers, interdisciplinary seminars, workshops, and events will be continued to foster interaction. Existing partnerships will be strengthened, and new relationships with other departments and centers will be established. In Phase 3, the Core will enhance its traditional services by integrating specialized and portable technologies that provide more accessible capabilities and research possibilities. Key equipment resources will continue to be expanded in three thematic areas of clinical neuroscience research: brain stimulation and modeling, neurobehavioral assessment, and neurophysiological recording and neuroimaging. Continuous evaluation of progress will occur in coordination with the Administrative Core, allowing for iterative improvements in the functioning of the Clinical Core and support for users. These initiatives will further solidify the Center's reputation for building and sustaining research careers, making significant contributions to brain injury research, and ensuring long-term sustainability beyond Phase 3.