Training Program in Translational Neuromodulation

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PROJECT SUMMARY Neuromodulation is a rapidly growing field of study that encompasses a wide spectrum of neurotechnology that can manipulate neural circuits for treating nervous system disorders. To accelerate clinical translation of neuromodulation therapies, there is a strong need to train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and clinicians who have the knowledge base and circuit-interrogating tools to investigate nervous system disorders, the principled biophysical understanding of how neuromodulation affects neural tissue, the communication and scientific skills to work in multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to navigate the translational pathways necessary to bring new discoveries and technologies to clinical practice. The mission of this T32 program is to train a diverse group of post-doctoral fellows, provide them with world-class opportunities to develop and translate neuromodulation technologies, and launch their careers as the next generation of leaders in the field of translational neuromodulation research. The training program will pair post-doctoral fellows with faculty co- mentors from (1) fundamental neuroscience or neuroengineering fields and (2) clinical disciplines. Fellows will conduct translational research with program faculty who are pioneers in the clinical translation of (a) deep brain stimulation therapies for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, (b) spinal cord stimulation for post-injury restoration of volitional movement and autonomic function, (c) peripheral nerve stimulation for treatment of cardiometabolic and inflammatory disorders, and (d) techniques for manipulating the spread of brain cancer. Fellows will participate in a clinical immersion and have the opportunity to integrate and lead aspects of research projects that are already in human clinical trials or near the threshold for first-in-human studies. The training program will also engage a cohort of resident- or fellowship-level physicians (“clinical associates”) who can devote one year of protected and already funded research time. All trainees will further develop their skills in rigorous statistical data analysis, experimental design methodologies, research quality assurance, and responsible conduct of research through hands-on workshops. We will also train the cohort of fellows and clinical associates through a translation and commercialization bootcamp with follow-up workshop sessions. This program will tap into outstanding translational neuromodulation research programs and facilities at the University of Minnesota and integrate our fellows into the unique medical device ecosystem of Minnesota, which is home to many global medtech companies that are developing neuromodulation technologies.