Development and Neuroadaptations in Alcohol and Addictions (DNA2)

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The goal of this proposal is to renew a highly successful pre- and post-doctoral training program in the area of development and neuroadaptations in alcohol and addictions (DNA2). Given increasing recognition that alcohol use disorder and other addictions have roots established in early development, the proposed training grant will provide the next generation of researchers with crucial training in the conceptual issues and methodological approaches for studying developmental neuroadaptations leading to substance use and use disorder. Building on existing research strengths in this area, exemplified by the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC), and anchored by historically strong graduate training programs in development, addictions and neuroadaptations within the Department of Psychology, the DNA2 program will provide a rich, cooperative intellectual environment conducive for highly successful research training, didactic education and mentorship for the proposed predoctoral (4/year) and postdoctoral (2/year) trainees. The training program emphasizes five key goals: (1) to actively seek and recruit a highly qualified and diverse group of pre- and post-doctoral trainees whose interest in and commitment to research in alcohol and addictions fits the laboratory(s) of one or more mentor-eligible faculty and to provide each with an individualized training experience that fosters expertise in state-of-the-art assessments, hypothesis formation, rigorous experimental design, data acquisition and analysis, and oral presentation and publication of results; (2) to create a formal training program that emphasizes breadth in conceptual knowledge and technical capabilities and fosters translational considerations; (3) to emphasize critical thinking, scientific rigor and best practices for scientists of the 21st century; and (4) to support the career/professional development of each trainee. To meet these goals, the T32 program will provide comprehensive interdisciplinary training through didactic coursework, trainee workshops, seminars/colloquia, journal and writing clubs, supervised research experiences, and participation in professional meetings and extra-university training opportunities. Methodological issues and techniques in alcohol and drug addiction research will be emphasized throughout the typical 2-year training period for each trainee, with a particular focus on training in developmental approaches, and rigorous attention to education in the responsible conduct of research, including means to enhance research reproducibility. This training program combines the expertise of faculty with established expertise in the alcohol field, as well as in research with other addictive drugs, to capitalize on synergies across research programs and perspectives.