FY 2007 Initiative Concepts


 

The Blueprint Neurodegeneration Project Team is developing a series of FY07 Blueprint activities based on recommendations from a recent workshop.

Concepts proposed to enhance broadly relevant research in neurodegeneration include the following areas:

  1. New methods for delivering biologically active molecules into the brain or sensory organs with emphasis on blood brain barrier transport
  2. Biomarkers/biosignatures for early detection of neurodegeneration (including imaging)
  3. Interdisciplinary training at the postdoctoral level that would require fellows to have mentors in two areas that are traditionally distinct, but which promise to contribute new insight for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders.
  4. A similar interdisciplinary program for senior investigators that would provide short-term awards to established scientists for research training in a laboratory from a different discipline that would foster new approaches.

In addition, internal Blueprint working groups will develop and implement administrative strategies to address these additional recommendations:

  1. Encourage and facilitate the use of existing biological materials for neuroscience research.
  2. Coordinate and publicize existing NIH programs in translational research that would be applicable to neurodegeneration.
  3. Develop and distribute tools to collect, analyze, and integrate large and diverse data sets