# Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity

> **NIH NIH P20** · OSU CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $1,844,721

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The goal of this Phase 2 CoBRE application is to expand on the accomplishments of Phase 1 in establishing
an interdisciplinary and translational Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity (CIRCA) at
Oklahoma State University (OSU). Two decades of epidemiological data document that Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) are prevalent and cumulative, have enduring negative consequences for physical and
mental health, and cost north America more than $758B in preventable health care. In order to reduce the
costly effects of ACEs, research is increasingly focused on identifying mechanisms and processes by which
ACEs impact developing nervous, endocrine, metabolic, and immune systems, and intergenerational
biobehavioral pathways of transmission, as well as potential pathways for prevention, recovery, and healing.
This research is interdisciplinary by design and reliant on a team science approach, requiring researchers with
the capacity to collaborate in transdisciplinary teams.14, 15 The goals of CIRCA during Phase 1 were to
increase institutional research infrastructure to support a cadre of collaborative investigators achieve
independent funding on adversity and resilience. OSU invested approximately $10M in facilities, equipment,
faculty, and staff, significantly increasing capacity for biobehavioral research on adversity. The 5 research
project leaders (RPLs) and 8 pilot project leaders in Phase 1 obtained $16.3M in external grant support, with
an $8.2M increase in NIH funding. Phase 2 will expand and strengthen this interdisciplinary and collaborative
center of biomedical research excellence by a) building institutional and center infrastructure using a team
science approach; b) supporting and mentoring early-career investigators in their programs of research; c)
developing vibrant, sustainable research cores; and d) generating innovative transdisciplinary approaches
focused on the synergistic impacts of genetic, biological, environmental, and developmental influences on risk
and resilience over the life course. Phase 2 projects will investigate neurobiological mechanisms and
developmental processes linking childhood adversity with subsequent health problems using a theoretical
framework developed by CIRCA investigators during Phase 1. The proposed research projects and planned
pilot projects will be supported by an Administrative Core, a Recruitment, Engagement, Collection, and
Assessment (RECA) Core and a Biological Systems Core. Each project will contribute to a common set of
biological and behavioral measures, establishing a sustainable CIRCA Databank for current and future
research. This proposed Phase 2 CoBRE is highly innovative in that it addresses the need to prepare a new
generation of scientists with the capacity to identify and target the biobehavioral and developmental processes
linking early life adversity with negative health outcomes. It is significant in that it will create a sustainable
center providing opport...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10904807
- **Project number:** 5P20GM109097-08
- **Recipient organization:** OSU CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Julie May Croff
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,844,721
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10904807

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10904807, Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity (5P20GM109097-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10904807. Licensed CC0.

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