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Visionary Neuroscience Program

VNP supports high-risk, high-reward collaborative research that because of its novelty and risk profile is not suitable for NIH funding. These projects must be focused on either advancing fundamental insight into biology relevant to brain disease or on translating scientific discovery into the clinical arena.

Who is eligible?
Research projects must feature approved OBI Investigators from at least two different departments. Some level of interaction between basic science and clinical faculty is desirable but not required. Single PI and multi-PI applications are allowed.

What areas of research will be considered?

  • Cell and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease
  • Delineation and/or modulation of normal and disease-altered brain circuits
  • Development of diagnostic tests
  • Identification of biological markers of disease
  • Determination of the effectiveness of drugs; and/or, the development of devices that could be used in the detection, treatment, prevention, or tracking of neurodegenerative diseases

What is the level of support?
The maximum total funding per project is up to $500,000 (up to $250,000 per year with a maximum project duration of three years)

Applications are currently closed.

2023 Awardees

Hormonal protection against alcohol intoxication by an FGF21-noradrenergic nervous system pathway

David Mangelsdorf

David Mangelsdorf, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair
Pharmacology

Joel

Joel Elmquist, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Professor and Director
Center for Hypothalamic Research

Steve Kliewer

Steve Kliewer, Ph.D.

Professor
Molecular Biology

Teppei Fujikawa

Teppei Fujikawa, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Internal Medicine

 

2022 Awardees

Closed loop neuromodulation for treatment–refractory schizophrenia: a pilot study 

Brad Lega

Brad Lega, M.D.

Associate Professor
Neurological Surgery

Carol Tamminga

Carol Tamminga, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry

Nader Pouratian

Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor and Chair
Neurological Surgery

Michael Rugg

Michael Rugg, Ph.D.

Chair in Behavioral and Brain Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas