# Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center (WF-TARC)

> **NIH NIH P50** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $1,552,610

## Abstract

WAKE FOREST TRANSLATIONAL ALCOHOL RESEARCH CENTER (WF-TARC)
 OVERALL SUMMARY
The central goal of the Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center (WF-TARC) is to employ
integrated, translational animal and human subjects research to study behavioral correlates and
neurobiological substrates associated with vulnerability and resilience to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This
Center builds on a highly productive translational alcohol research program at WFSM that led to the awarding
of this P50 grant in 2017.
The WF-TARC is comprised of four research projects and two cores. An administrative core provides the
leadership and infrastructure needed to ensure integration across all research projects. This core also provides
biostatistical support and promotes interactions and communication between this Center and the many other
addiction-related research and educational programs at Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM). A pilot
project core serves to advance the goals and objectives of the WF-TARC. This core funds projects each year
to attract new investigators to bring their talent and expertise to the study of AUD vulnerability.
The unifying research focus of the WF-TARC is to leverage the unique strengths and advantages of animal
and human subjects research to study behavioral correlates of AUD vulnerability and identify neurobiological
adaptations that contribute to this heightened risk of developing this disorder. These studies employ cutting-
edge, multidisciplinary experimental approaches spanning molecular, cellular, circuit, and whole-brain
analyses. Importantly, studies in each project are also seeking to improve AUD treatment outcomes. The well-
integrated conceptual framework and research design facilitates backward and forward interactions across all
projects, facilitating the rapid translation of therapeutic discoveries from animals to humans.
The WF-TARC leverages a well-established, highly collaborative translational alcohol research program at
WFSM and benefits from a strong and growing institutional focus on alcohol and substance use disorders.
This Center will continue to enhance the outstanding educational environment at our institution, providing
unique training opportunities for the students and postdoctoral who will become the next generation of
translational alcohol researchers. Finally, the innovative research supported by the WF-TARC may lead to
improved evidence-based therapies for individuals who are at greatest risk of developing AUD, individuals who
are particularly ill-served by current AUD treatment options.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10758522
- **Project number:** 5P50AA026117-07
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey L. Weiner
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,552,610
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-12-10 → 2027-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10758522

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10758522, Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center (WF-TARC) (5P50AA026117-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10758522. Licensed CC0.

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