# Training in Drug Abuse and Brain Imaging

> **NIH NIH T32** · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · 2022 · $315,778

## Abstract

We propose to continue years 21-25 of a brain imaging and drug abuse postdoctoral T32 training program. We
support this training via a variety of brain imaging tools that have yielded valuable insights into addictive disorders
and related cognition. The need for such a dedicated program is driven by the emergence of innovative imaging
techniques to evaluate both the anatomical and functional aspects of the brain under a variety of conditions
related to substance use including acute intoxicating effects, cue-induced craving, cognitive effects, persistent
neurological and cognitive defects, withdrawal, sleep disturbances, medication compliance, treatment progress
and medications development. Because the nature and spectrum of the disciplines involved in imaging are broad
and complex, a new breed of scientists with experience in imaging technology, multimodal analyses,
neuroscience, pharmacology, addiction medicine and treatment is needed to more fully explore the
neurobiological bases of drug abuse and fill the anticipated needs in the United States—our Training Program
has been filling this void. Over the past 19 years we have successfully directed an integrated, multidisciplinary
Drug Abuse and Brain Imaging Training Program that is supported by the outstanding environments offered by
McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and by the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at the MGH. We
have trained 26 scientists over this period and all but one remains in the field. Our program emphasizes both
clinical and translational research career development paths that have solid foundations in magnetic resonance
[imaging, functional and spectroscopy], EEG, PET and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The training program
infrastructure is built around two Siemens 3T clinical scanners (Prisma and new Trio upgrade to Prisma), a
Varian 4T clinical scanner, a 9.4T small bore animal scanner, low- and high-density EEG/ERP and an Imagent
NIRS system. Animal and clinical PET as well as 7T MRI are available at the Martinos Center. Our program also
supports the hardware and offers training in how to analyze big data including working with datasets from the
Human Connectome Project (HCP) and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) program. Our
mentors are well funded by NIDA, NIAAA, and NIMH and so offer a unique breadth of research opportunities for
our trainees. The program is designed to provide 2-3 years of training on the basics of imaging techniques as
well as fundamental elements of drug abuse and psychiatry, followed by placement in one of four research tracks
tailored to each trainee’s specific career goals: 1) Technology and Instrumentation; 2) Basic-Clinical; 3)
Clinical/Treatment; and 4) Translational. The combination of didactic training in brain imaging and
psychopharmacology with practical applications in a variety of highly successful research laboratories provide s
our trainees with the skills to utilize a broad range of brain imaging techni...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10410893
- **Project number:** 2T32DA015036-21
- **Recipient organization:** MCLEAN HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** SCOTT E LUKAS
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $315,778
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2002-07-10 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10410893

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10410893, Training in Drug Abuse and Brain Imaging (2T32DA015036-21). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10410893. Licensed CC0.

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