Training in Translating Neuroscience to Therapies

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Project Summary This is a new program for “Training in Translating Neuroscience to Therapies” at Rutgers University. Its overall objective is to provide scientists in training performing laboratory-based experiments the skills and competencies needed to advance their discoveries to treatments for neurological disorders. The aims of the program are to: 1) provide a continuum of comprehensive training that advances translational neuroscience research towards therapeutic developments; 2) expand the pipeline of translational neuroscience researchers within a diverse cohort of trainees; and 3) leverage Rutgers’ strengths in neuroscience drug discovery and development to provide broad experiences to trainees in this program. The rationale for establishing this program is the increasing burden of neurological diseases globally, many of which have no good treatments much less cures, and the accelerated advances in scientific discoveries in the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of nervous system disorders. Thus, this is an opportune time to harness knowledge gained in our understanding of disease processes, fill in the gaps in this knowledge base, and translate basic discoveries to deliverables for patients suffering from these disorders. The design of the training program combines traditional coursework, seminars, conferences, a biostatistics curriculum, and an annual retreat, along with experiential learning through a series of apprenticeships with experts in fields that link scientific innovation with industry to advance laboratory discoveries to clinical trials. Trainees will learn from neurologists and trialists, and actively engage in clinical trials. The training period for each participant is two years. A total of two positions are requested in year one, and four positions in subsequent years. The trainees will include senior graduate students, MD/PhD students and postdoctoral fellows at a ratio of 1:1:2. Trainees will work in the laboratories of highly qualified neuroscientists and translational investigators employing multidisciplinary approaches to learn the principles of rigorous and reproducible research. They will also have mentors with expertise in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and development, clinical research and trials, start-ups, and career opportunities. Faculty and trainees will benefit from a formal mentoring program in place at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. Program oversight includes internal and external advisory boards, and an Executive Committee consisting of senior leadership at Rutgers University with extensive experience in translational and clinical research, pharmaceutical development, commercialization of innovations, and graduate and postgraduate education. The quality and effectiveness of the training program will be assessed by an independent assessor. The intended outcome of this program is to train the next generation of leaders in translational neuroscience who have the knowhow and passion to take basic discoveries to clinical trials and treatments that benefit millions with neurological diseases.