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Blueprint Research Training Sites

Training in Translational Research in Neurobiology of Disease

University of Kentucky

The purpose of this NIH Blueprint Translational Neuroscience Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegeneration Training Program is to prepare promising predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical scholars for successful careers in translational neuroscience aimed at the discovery and development of disease-modifying pharmacological and genetic therapies for devastating and unmet neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke and Parkinson's Disease (PD). The program provides broad-based training in modern research concepts regarding the pathophysiology of these and other neurodegenerative disorders and potential disease-modifying molecular targets that can drive the discovery of pharmacological and gene therapeutic strategies by which the devastating effects of these disorders can be ameliorated. These strategies include both "neuroprotective" and "neurorestorative" approaches. Although it is anticipated that most of the trainees will pursue careers in laboratory-based therapeutic discovery research, they will also receive training in regards to the clinical aspects of the targeted neurological disorders and the practical issues involved in the design and conduct of neurological clinical trials.
Project Director: Edward D. Hall, Ph.D. edhall@uky.edu

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. lowwalt@umn.edu

University of Pennsylvania

Post-doctoral training for physician-scientists interested in laboratory-based careers in translational research in neural injury and neurodegeneration. Trainee research will focus on neuroprotection for acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, motor neuron diseases, epilepsy, retinal degeneration, depression, schizophrenia, 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 Website: http://www.med.upenn.edu/translational/
Project Director: Marc A. Dichter, MD, Ph.D. dichter@mail.med.upenn.edu

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