Project Details
Description
PROJECT SUMMARY
This application seeks to renew the Neurobiology of Information Storage Training Program (NISTP), which is
devoted to preparing exceptional predoctoral students for research-intensive careers in the science of learning
and memory. Active since 2003, the program is focused on training in fundamental mechanisms of information
storage in animals and humans, acting as a central organizer for research in this area at Northwestern. With
the recent shift in mental health research toward dimensional, systems-based frameworks, there is
unprecedented need for training of the kind offered through this program, which provides training at multiple
levels of analyses for understanding mechanisms of learning and memory and their relevance to mental health.
The NISTP is based in the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) program,
emerging from a multidisciplinary group of 31 interactive investigators who have successfully engaged in
collaborative research on molecular/genetic, cellular/circuit, and systems/behavioral determinants of
information storage. NISTP preceptors have strong track records in predoctoral training and well-funded
research programs, and can impart both basic and clinical perspectives to a group of outstanding developing
scientists. Training components of the NISTP will include: 1) an advanced course in the latest research in
information storage neurobiology, taught by NISTP preceptors; 2) two trainee-hosted lecture series featuring
leading investigators in the field of information storage; 3) mock study sections for trainees preparing NRSA
applications; and 4) quarterly NISTP meetings including a) “research in progress” trainee talks, b) “bench to
bedside” translational discussions, c) “computational modeling and memory” interactive discussions, and d) the
annual NISTP retreat. NISTP also serves to educate students in the ethics of science and to recruit students
from underrepresented groups to study learning and memory. Continuous evaluation of the program will be
accomplished using qualitative mechanisms, such as evaluations by trainees and their mentors, and
quantitative measures, such as tracking the research productivity, funding, and career trajectories of former
trainees. An internal Steering Committee and an External Advisory Committee will conduct additional
assessment processes. Trainees are drawn primarily from a pool of NUIN students who have completed most
of the required coursework and have made significant progress in their thesis research. We request continued
support for five trainee slots, which will be supplemented with one institutionally funded “affiliate” slot. With the
value added by the NISTP, we are confident that NISTP trainees will emerge from their graduate training
poised to advance research in fundamental biological mechanisms of learning and memory and well positioned
to develop novel translational applications.
Status | Active |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 7/1/03 → 6/30/24 |
Funding
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH: $207,958.00
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH: $3,549,738.00
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH: $170,859.00
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH: $195,103.00
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