A year of growth in scientific excellence

Under the leadership of Tarik Haydar, Ph.D., the Center for Neuroscience Research (CNR) continued its growth during the 2023-2024 academic year, making significant strides in external funding and scientific excellence. CNR saw an increase in both federal and non-federal funding, contributing to impactful research published in top-tier journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, Frontiers in Genetics, Molecular Psychiatry and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

CNR is also dedicated to shaping the next generation of scientists and clinician-researchers. The center hosts trainees at the undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate levels from institutions including Howard University, the University of Maryland, Georgetown University and George Washington University. Notably, this year, more than half a dozen trainees were accepted into prestigious Ph.D., M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs at universities such as the University of North Carolina, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of Virginia, University of Colorado, and Georgetown University.

Strengthening ties with Howard University, CNR hosted undergraduates from the university’s KARSH program. Additionally, the center was the home base for the NIH-funded METEOR program, led by Naomi Luban, M.D., providing summer research experiences for aspiring scientists.

Furthering its mission of interdisciplinary collaboration, CNR launched a new seminar series on the “Neuroscience of Decision Making and Bias,” featuring prominent scientists from various disciplines, exploring how human perception is shaped by neuroscience, psychology and social science.

In partnership with the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, CNR hosted the annual IDDRC Directors’ Meeting at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus. Over three days, 90 attendees, including NIH officials and researchers, presented data and strategized future collaborations aimed at advancing research in intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to share our work on Rett Syndrome and Batten Disease at the @NICHD_NIH Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC) meeting at Children's National DC last week @URNeuroscience @WU_IDDRC @iddrc_bch @UWHusky_IDDRC pic.twitter.com/Ry4eIPRuHT

— John J. Foxe (@JohnnyFoxe) November 20, 2023

Looking ahead, the Center for Neuroscience Research remains focused on advancing groundbreaking research while nurturing the scientific leaders of tomorrow. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and securing external support, CNR is not only expanding its scientific reach but also ensuring that new discoveries directly contribute to improving care for patients with neurological and developmental challenges. Each milestone achieved brings the center closer to fulfilling its commitment to transforming pediatric neuroscience for a brighter future for children and families worldwide.