Training Program in the Neurobiology of Substance Use and Abuse

描述(由申请人提供)：此申请寻求资金，以解决匹兹堡大学在物质使用和滥用的神经生物学方面的连贯培训计划的机会。该计划将在论文阶段支持三名博士后实习生和三名博士后实习生。它围绕五个培训教师专业知识的核心领域构建：1)动机行为和认知的系统神经生物学2)青少年发育生物学和物质使用脆弱性3)神经递质释放和再摄取的分子调节4)尼古丁强化和复发5)应激反应脑回路。一门讲授课程将针对这些核心焦点领域。还将举行一系列正式研讨会，吸引杰出科学家参加，他们的工作处于这些重点领域研究的前沿。在助学金写作方面的广泛培训被正式纳入“辅导和审查”助学金写作课程要求。介绍和分析技能将通过一系列内部研讨会来培养，在研讨会上，匹兹堡大学物质使用研究界的受训者或其他个人将介绍正在进行的工作。培训计划将增强作为独立调查人员取得成功所必需的关键技能，其组成部分的总和将在研究人员之间创建多个互动节点，从而提高受支持个人的培训广度和质量。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This application seeks funding to address the opportunity at the University of Pittsburgh for a coherent training program on the neurobiology of substance use and abuse. The program will support three post- doctoral trainees and three pre-doctoral trainees at the dissertation stage. It is structured around five core areas of training faculty expertise: 1) Systems neurobiology of motivated behavior and cognition 2) Adolescent developmental biology and substance use vulnerability 3) Molecular modulation of neurotransmitter release and reuptake 4) Nicotine reinforcement and relapse 5) Stress responsive brain circuits. A didactic course will address these core areas of focus. There will also be a formal seminar series drawing prominent scientists whose work is at the cutting edge of research into these areas of focus. Extensive training in grant writing is formally incorporated through a "mentored and reviewed" grant writing course requirement. Presentation and analysis skills will be developed through an in-house seminar series in which works in progress will be presented by trainees or other individuals within the University of Pittsburgh substance use research community. The training program will enhance critical skills necessary for success as independent investigators, and the sum of its components will create multiple nodes of interaction between researchers, thereby increasing the breadth and quality of training of the supported individuals.