# Training Program: Drugs of Abuse & Related Neuropeptides

> **NIH NIH T32** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2021 · $544,138

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The Drugs of Abuse Training Program prepares predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows for
successful independent careers in the field of substance abuse research. This program has been the
cornerstone of interdisciplinary basic science training in addiction, drugs of abuse, and HIV/AIDS at
Temple University since 1988. This application is requesting continuation of the program at the current
level of support, 6 predoctoral students and 4 postdoctoral fellows. The Drugs of Abuse Training
Program is administered through the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) at the Lewis Katz
School of Medicine. CSAR brings together faculty from multiple disciplines who share a common
interest in researching topics related to the neurobiology of addiction, pharmacology of drugs of abuse,
and the intersection of drugs of abuse with immune function including HIV/AIDS. This common goal
creates a rich, highly collaborative environment for trainees who’s research often extends beyond a
single laboratory. The Drugs of Abuse Training Program is supported by a cadre of dedicated faculty
mentors who are devoted to the education and training of the next generation of scientists. These
faculty are highly successful researchers as evidenced by their excellent extramural research funding
and strong publication records. The program provides rigorous training in scientific methods,
experiment design, data analysis, and research ethics. It includes didactic instruction through a set of
core courses and seminars focusing on the pharmacology of drugs of abuse, neurobiology of addiction,
and neuroimmunology. Excellence in scientific communication is achieved through coursework and
practical opportunities for written and oral presentations. Participation in seminars, meetings with
visiting scientists, journal club, scientific retreats, annual self-assessments and faculty evaluations of
progress results in trainees who are exceedingly well-prepared for the next step in their scientific
careers. The program promotes the highest level of scientific integrity and ethics, along with personal
and public accountability in the conduct of science. The Drugs of Abuse Training Program at Temple
University has been effective in recruiting outstanding trainees including individuals from diverse
backgrounds and has a near perfect record of retention. Trainees complete the program with excellent
credentials and go on to successful careers in academia, industry, government and other science-
related employment, thus fulfilling the NIH directive to improve human health. The Drugs of Abuse
Training Program is a critical resource for supporting students and postdoctoral fellows and advancing
the field of substance abuse research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10150819
- **Project number:** 5T32DA007237-32
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** ELLEN M UNTERWALD
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $544,138
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1988-09-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10150819

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10150819, Training Program: Drugs of Abuse & Related Neuropeptides (5T32DA007237-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10150819. Licensed CC0.

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