Renovation of the Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico

该奖项是根据2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助的。神经生物学研究所（INB）由著名的神经科学家何塞·德尔卡斯蒂略于1967年在波多黎各大学内成立，其目标是利用简单的生物体来了解神经结构和功能。UPR是一个主要的少数民族服务机构，INB研究生人口主要是西班牙裔。对Poikliothermic模式系统的关注在进一步理解气候变化的影响（海水温度，盐度等）方面具有新的意义。关于生态系统。该机构专注于简单的生物体和共同的兴趣，如神经可塑性，温度适应和信号分子。提供资金以纠正重大缺陷，包括1）陈旧的空调系统和2）过时的网络网络基础设施。INB的复兴将大大改善正在进行的和计划中的研究机会，并为合作研究创造新的机会。翻修将立即产生更广泛的影响，包括：1）对波多黎各大学服务的少数民族学生团体的重大利益; 2）对“生态神经生物学”的创新方法，将提供第一波研究人员，以处理全球气候变化的新兴和重要问题; 3）建立一个神经生物学教育中心，教育教师、儿童和公众了解神经科学的研究，以及这些研究与波多黎各热带生态系统的特殊相关性。

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).Founded as an Institute within the University of Puerto Rico in 1967 by the renowned neuroscientist José del Castillo, the Institute of Neurobiology (INB) was established with the goal of using simple organisms to understand neural structure and function. UPR is a major minority-serving institution, and the INB graduate student population is predominantly Hispanic. The focus on Poikliothermic model systems holds new significance in furthering the understanding of the impact of climate change (seawater temperature, salinity, etc.) on ecosystems. The institution is focusing on simple organisms, and common interests such as neural plasticity, temperature adaptation, and signaling molecules. Funds are provided to correct significant deficiencies including 1) an antiquated air conditioning system and 2) an obsolete network cyberinfrastructure. The rejuvenation of the INB will significantly improve ongoing and planned research opportunities and create new opportunities for collaborative research. The renovations will have immediate broader impacts including: 1) significant benefit to the minority student body served by the University of Puerto Rico; 2) an innovative approach to "ecological neurobiology" that will provide the first wave of researchers equipped to deal with the emerging and important issues of global climate change; 3) the establishment of a Neurobiology Education Center that will serve to educate teachers, children and the public about the study of neuroscience, and the special relevance of these studies to Puerto Rico's tropical ecosystem.