Training Program in the Neurobiology of Substance Use and Abuse

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请寻求资金，以解决在匹兹堡大学的机会，对物质使用和滥用的神经生物学的连贯的培训计划。该计划将支持三名博士后研究生和三名博士前研究生在论文阶段。它围绕培训教师专业知识的五个核心领域进行结构化：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。一个教学课程将解决这些核心领域的重点。还将举办一系列正式的研讨会，吸引杰出的科学家，他们的工作处于这些重点领域研究的前沿。通过“指导和审查”赠款撰写课程要求，正式纳入了赠款撰写方面的广泛培训。演示和分析技能将通过一系列内部研讨会得到发展，其中正在进行的工作将由匹兹堡大学药物使用研究界的受训人员或其他个人介绍。该培训计划将提高作为独立调查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建立多个互动节点，从而提高受支持个人培训的广度和质量。

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.