# Multidisciplinary Training Program on Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Disorders in First Nations (NEUFIN)

> **NIH NIH D43** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · 2024 · $260,299

## Abstract

Project Abstract
NEUFIN (Neuroscience in First Nations) is a unique advanced research training and mentoring
program focused on the indigenous minorities of South America, one of the most underserved
populations in the globe. Over the past five years we completed two cycles of advanced training -in the
context of an international master of science degree - and capacity development, for scholars and
faculty of First Nations from Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. We will continue to build capacity and train
Quechua neuroscientists on clinical research applications of neuroimaging, genetics, epidemiology,
neuropsychology and neuromodulation. We will also create personalized training environments and an
innovation ecosystem online to support capacity and career development for Quechua neuroscientists
after completion of their initial degree. The Training Program consists of the following components:
1. Graduate Program in Neuroscience for First Nations to train Quechua speaking scientists for
multidisciplinary research studies in clinical and translational neurosciences, epidemiology, imaging,
and genetics research. Support includes 24-month scholarships and tuition towards a Master of
Sciences in Neuroscience based at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, but including mentored
research rotations at University of Texas Health San Antonio, Harvard Medical School or Washington
University School of Medicine, and for three semesters at South American institutions. Funds will be
available for pilot and reinsertion small grants after graduation. Mentorship and initial work towards
enrollment in a PhD at University of Buenos Aires will be supported as well.
2. Ecosystem of Innovation in First Nations to provide a personalized learning, training and mentoring
environment for a diverse group of scientists, focused on precision and personalized medicine
approaches to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases in First Nations. Scholars will continue
fruitful participation and development of their research capacity after graduation taking full advantage
of online resources, tools and interpersonal connectivity. NEUFIN provides an ecosystem for advanced
learning, innovation, collaboration and implementation of translational research in chronic brain
disorders, bringing together clinicians and researchers from multiple partner institutions. NEUFIN will
follow the described model by building an ecology of innovation with a strong focus on translational
and personalized medicine strategies through open and dynamic learning conversations inside and
outside the group through regular seminar series and the Fall Research Institute, and with a strong
incentive and recognition system based on funding for pilot studies.
3. To ensure recruitment of trainees from multiple Andean communities in three different countries,
who will remain as researchers in their home institutions we will implement several intersecting
strategies.
4. To interact with other Fogarty Training Pro...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10890763
- **Project number:** 5D43TW011793-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** GABRIEL Alejandro DE ERAUSQUIN
- **Activity code:** D43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $260,299
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10890763

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10890763, Multidisciplinary Training Program on Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Disorders in First Nations (NEUFIN) (5D43TW011793-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10890763. Licensed CC0.

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